Williams and Martin Receive Football Scholarships

Seniors Bre'nard Williams and Alex Martin will soon have the opportunity to pursue a college degree without digging too deeply into their own pockets. The Tift County High athletes signed Letters of Intent to play college football on National Signing Day.

Senior Bre’nard Williams signed with Clark-Atlanta University. After visiting Clark-Atlanta, Fort Valley, Brevard and Northern Oklahoma State, Williams says, “I chose Clark-Atlanta because they have a great coaching staff and a great academic program.”

Williams says he feels blessed to receive an athletic scholarship for a sport he loves and that he thanks his mother, Earllethia Williams, for her dedication, love and support  during his football career.  “If it wasn’t for her, I would not have been able to take advantage of all the opportunities that came along as I worked to better my football skills,” he says. “ She was there for me every step of the way, even driving to Oklahoma when I went there for a top prospect camp. She did everything she could to help me to be the best that I can be, and she was always there to encourage me to be the best that I can be.”

Williams also credits God for the opportunities he has been blessed with over the years.  He says, “My Grandmother always told me that if I pray and always give God the thanks and praise for things in my life, He would reward me in the end, and He has.”

Williams is excited about being a Panther next year as he pursues a degree in criminal justice.

Martin signed with Fort Valley State.  He had offers from William Penn, Union College and Wofford but chose to stay in Georgia in order to receive the Hope Scholarship that will assist with the expenses not covered by his athletic scholarship.  He also chose Fort Valley State because he has been a longtime Wildcats fan, regularly attending the Fountain City Classic each year.

Martin says that he has been blessed to be able to attend college on a football scholarship. “I always put God first in the good times and the bad. I knew that by doing this, blessings were sure to follow.  God has been good to me!” Martin says. “I also want to thank coach Jay Walls for being the great coach he is as well as the rest of the coaching staff, Dr. Miles and Coach Holland for their support of me over the past few years.”

Martin knows that he would not be where he is today if it were not for his parents. “My parents have always pushed me to make good grades and taught me the valuable lesson to finish what I start,” he says. “It has been great knowing that they were there to support me at every game. I look forward to seeing them in the stands at Fort Valley State.”

Martin is looking forward to joining the Wildcats and will begin conditioning with the team this summer.  He plans to pursue a degree in engineering. He says, "I would like to teach in this field and coach a team of my own one day."

Atwater Named NAPA Blue Collar Player of the Year
by Jasmine Black

If anyone had told senior Patrick Atwater that he would meet NFL Hall of Famer Larry Csonka before graduating from Tift County High School, he probably would have laughed.  But when Atwater recently visited Macon as one of 12 athletes in Georgia to receive the NAPA Blue Collar Player of the Year award, Csonka sat with Atwater, his parents Patrick and Frances Atwater, and Blue Devils coaches Jay Walls and Stacy Duckworth.

Atwater says he was thrilled when Csonka took a seat at their table. "I never dreamed that I would be sitting at the table with someone who had a 17-0 season and won a Super Bowl championship," he says. Atwater was also excited to receive a plaque commemorating his achievement.

Frances Atwater says she and her husband are very proud of their son. “We weren’t aware he had been nominated so when he won, we were both surprised and elated! It was a great way to cap off his senior season,” she says. “Meeting the legendary Larry Csonka was an awesome experience we won't ever forget!”

According to napageorgiabluecollar.com, the award “is designed to honor players that deserve, but rarely receive recognition.” Also on the website, Csonka is quoted: "Every team has hard working, blue-collar guys that show up for work every day and never complain. The really tough guys who know what it takes to win. NAPA wants to tell these guys thanks for a job well done...those unsung heroes who spend little time in the spotlight but play pivotal roles in their team’s success.”

As Blue Devils head coach, Walls nominated Atwater after learning of the award and the type of player it recognizes.  "I nominated Patrick because of his hard work and his dedication. He always did whatever the team needed him to do and he never complained,” Walls says. "Patrick was a player without much recognition throughout the season, but he showed up every day and did a great job!"

Atwater was shocked when he was chosen as a recipient. "I didn't know the award existed,” he says. "You usually just accomplish something and then the moment is gone and that is it." He adds that he always enjoyed being recognized in public by his football number but receiving an award of this magnitude is an honor he is not likely to forget.

Atwater agrees that many athletes deserve recognition for their behind-the-scenes work. “Players have to be a competitor at heart, but they have to be a leader both on and off the field,” he says. "By my winning this type of award, maybe other players will work harder [knowing this type of award exists]."

Advising upcoming players to make the most of the time they have left, Atwater says, "I encourage them to go for the best and beyond.  When no one else is working, [they] have to work hard and shoot for the stars." He adds, “It is important to lead by example, not only by voice."

The leadership Atwater exhibited is another reason he was a candidate for the award.  “I coached Patrick every day,” Duckworth says. “He is a positive young man.  He always wanted to do everything right in the weight room and on the field. In fact, the coaching staff chose him to receive the Iron Devil award this year because of his work ethic, commitment to the team and his great attitude.  He was a leader in every sense of the word.”

Walls agrees. “Patrick did a great job on defense and on special teams.  He played defensive end and was a two-year starter.  He was also our long snapper on extra points, field goals and punts.” Walls says. “He played hard and played smart.  He was the hardest working player on our team. He always took a lot of pride in doing well.”

Atwater’s family appreciates the support of Walls, Simmons and Duckworth. “They have had a tremendous impact on Patrick both on and off the field,” says his mother.

“No matter what Patrick is doing, he is driven,” Walls adds. “He is sure to do great things in the future.  He is his own man. He is smart and he has a fire to do his best, always.”

Atwater will miss playing football next year. "If I could do it all over again, I would work my way all the way to the top without thinking twice about it," he says.

A Mann of Many Talents
by Emily Torell

Life can be a series of wins and losses. Wins may earn headlines and celebrations, but losses often lead to an individual’s strength or growth. Tift County High School senior Seth Mann knows a thing or two about wins. And as those that know him well can attest, Mann also understands loss.

As far as winning is concerned, Mann’s baseball scholarship from Mercer University is a good example. Mann’s talents as a third baseman and pitcher for the Blue Devils caught the eye of several college coaches, but his academics sealed the deal with the Bears.

Mercer is a prestigious university with difficult academic requirements, but Mann qualifies because he will graduate among the top 10 students in his class. Blowing the dumb jock stereotype out of the water, Mann has always been driven to attain excellence and has conquered several advanced placement classes thus far in his strenuous academic career.

Though each class provides welcome challenges, Mann says calculus is the most demanding.  Despite the rigor of the course, Mann’s favorite teacher is Paul Horst, math department head and instructional coach. "Mr. Horst motivates and entertains the class through his ridiculous and memorable math jokes that only he understands," Mann says.

Horst, in turn, applauds Mann's academic drive. "He is a great student and very quick to learn new information," Horst says. "He is not so studious that school drives his entire life, though. He is involved in so many other activities as well."  Horst adds, "I expect Seth to be successful at whatever he sets his mind to do."

Mann had an unconventional start as a freshman in the public school system. His conversion from homeschooling might have resulted in culture shock and some discomfort, but Mann took the challenges in stride. He joined the student body at Tift County’s Northeast Campus with an ease that does not traditionally accompany students with a homeschooling background. Mann says there are extreme differences in the two modes of education that many do not consider, but adds, "Luckily, I had participated in recreation baseball in the community and met a lot of guys through that experience."

His baseball career, however, did not end with the recreation league.  Mann continued to hone his skills at the high school level and worked hard each season to improve. Acknowledging that baseball is a big part of his life, Mann says he enjoys its challenges. "After a bad game, some people suggest forgetting the bad experiences and moving forward,” says Mann. “But I like to learn from the mistakes and improve my game."

He also likes the camaraderie that comes with being part of the Blue Devils baseball team. "My favorite part of baseball is definitely getting to hang out and go to games," Mann says. "Getting to be around all my great friends is a bonus after all our hard work."

Mann will apply his work ethic at Mercer, on and off the diamond. And what career path does he plan to pursue with the education Mercer will provide?  Dentistry. “It's a good field in serious demand with a lot of job security,” says Mann. “I feel like I can do it and enjoy it."

That kind of sound thinking is the product of another successful area of Mann’s life – his family. But it is within his family that Mann experienced his toughest loss. His mother, Sheree Mann, passed away last fall after her long, difficult battle with cancer.

Despite the devastation that accompanies losing a loved one, Mann leans on the words his mother left behind for him in a journal. Her most influential message came in what she noted as the path to success: “Seek first God's kingdom, and He will add what is needed." Mann has striven to heed her guidance.

In addition to his academic and athletic prowess, Mann is musically inclined. A violin player since age six, Mann says he didn't have much choice in instruments because his mother was convinced the violin would be best for him.  She informed him that Albert Einstein was more successful after picking up the instrument. "She figured it could only help me!" says Mann.

At age eight, Mann joined the musical efforts of his five siblings. He recalls the fun he had playing with his talented family, whose instruments range from the harp to the guitar. Mann remembers a Fourth of July celebration in Alabama, when his family played at a grocery store that was hosting a costume competition. "I bet it was a sight to see my siblings and me playing our instruments in a grocery store dressed as little George Washingtons and Abraham Lincolns," he laughs.

Mann says that having a big family has taught him a lot about life. "Along with having a big family comes both pros and cons," he shares. "You have to learn to deal with a lot of personality types, and there is never a dull moment.” Mann says that much of his strength is a result of the bond shared with his siblings, which helped them all cope with the loss of their mother earlier this school year.

His mother passed away the week Mann was chosen as a TCHS Senior Superlative. She did have the opportunity to watch him grow and succeed throughout his first three years of high school, but he admits that having her around for his many accomplishments as a senior would have been nice.  "When I think about my Mom now, an image of her in a wheelchair at one of my games looking on through the fence comes immediately to mind," he says. "She was always there to support all of my family, even when she was the one that needed our support. I wish that she was here to see all of her investments in my academics and homeschooling being realized as I make plans for college and receive scholarships."

No doubt she is smiling down on him now.

Swim Team Looks Forward to Promising Season
by Leah Porter

Tift County High School’s swim team has a total of 29 members this year. The swim team, which was founded in 2006, has never before had a group this large. Head coach Kathie Horak believes that having such a large team will benefit them in the long run. "We have swimmers who are strong in every event, so because of our skill level as well as our large numbers, we can really dominate at the meets."

Not only is the team loaded with talent, but they have also been able to form strong bonds. "They work hard together and really support each other at the meets," says Horak. "We have five senior boys who will be graduating this year, and we will miss them tremendously when they are gone.  Not only are they strong swimmers, they are also our loudest supporters of everyone on the team.  I guess you could say they are our biggest cheerleaders!" These seniors include James Kelly, Glendon Harris, Kyle Jacobson, Justin White and Paul Griffin.

Ellen Mullis, who coaches the Tifton Tidal Waves, has enjoyed watching her community swimmers prepare for the TCHS swim season. "This is the best showing Tift County has ever had," says Mullis.  "This team has a strong sense of community, and every swimmer matters.  It has been great to see the community team, the Tifton Tidal Waves, feed into the school team and have swimmers who can bridge the gap to become one successful team."

Kelly has enjoyed being a part of this year's team.  "Everyone on the team gets along well, and we do all we can to encourage one another," he says. "There is no 'each man for himself' mentality.  We all work together to help each other. We are all committed to doing well for the team's sake."

Horak thinks that the team will work hard this year to accomplish their goals of qualifying individual swimmers for state and winning the region title as a team. Horak believes that her swimmers are well on their way to accomplishing that goal. Kelly agrees, "Our new members have a lot of natural talent, so we are ready!"

On November 13, they hosted their third annual Blue Devil Invitational. "It was a huge success," says Horak. The girls tied for first place and the boys finished fourth. At the Colquitt Invitational, which was held at Darton College, the boys placed second and the girls placed first. So far, the girls team is undefeated.

The swim team has been working hard during practices to achieve their region and state goals. "We have been working very hard on sprinting and making better time," says sophomore Maggie Hobson. Sophomore Kendal King adds, "We also have been doing rigorous conditioning and strength training." They believe their hard work is sure to pay off this year.  

Although the team has been working hard at practices, they have also had their fair share of struggles. "One of our struggles that could affect us is that Tift County has no indoor pool, so we have not been able to practice while it is extremely cold," says Hobson. When outside temperatures dip below 47 degrees, the team has to resort to dry land practices on the pool deck.

"It's like when football players cannot get on the field to run their plays, when the swimmers cannot get into the water.  It does have an effect on how things go," says Mullis. When the team cannot use the pool, they focus on strengthening their core and doing cardio. Junior Brandon Chitwood thinks they can overcome this obstacle. "Hopefully, when we do swim again, our teammates will motivate each other enough so that our inability to practice in the pool will not affect us at the meets."   

On January 29, Tift County will host their first Region 1-AAAAA meet, which will be held at Darton College. Horak expects the Tift swimmers to do well and thinks that they can come home with the region title and trophy.

Breon Dixon: Another Basketball Powerhouse
by Sakina Odoms

The Tift County High School basketball team had a familiar but foreign face on the court last year. Fans had heard about Turner County's Breon Dixon and were excited when he moved to Tifton and became a Blue Devil.  Since then he has done nothing but hoop his way to the top!

Dixon, the son of Walter and Charlette Dixon, has two older brothers and a younger sister.   He has been playing basketball for six years. "My older cousins introduced me to basketball," he says, noting that he has loved it ever since. "I practice and work hard at it every day."

In addition to his cousins, Dixon has other sources of inspiration, including his mother. "She has done everything in her power to provide for my wants and needs," Dixon says.

Dixon, a senior, says his number one goal is to earn a college scholarship in order to pursue a degree in health and physical education. He says he would love to coach his own high school basketball team one day. Apart from those goals, he wishes for the opportunity to play on a foreign basketball team, to get married and to be financially stable in the future.  "I want to have a family that I love and that loves me back, and I hope to have a job that I love and that pays the bills," he says.

Behind the school and basketball scenes, Dixon is an average teenager. Attending parties and hanging out with friends are his pastimes. He enjoys watching Family Guy and listening to music, particularly hip-hop and R&B. His favorite movies are Catch Me If You Can and Love & Basketball.  Dixon also has pet peeves, including “people who drive too slowly and cut you off on the road."

Dixon says there have been many highlights in his life, especially in his basketball career. His favorite memory on the court is when he scored 30 points, had 20 rebounds and 13 blocks in a game against Jones County. His favorite high school memory is going to the state championship in his freshman and sophomore years. Although he likes being himself, Dixon says that he would love to be Dwight Howard for a day because he wants to know what it feels like to be an NBA player. While basketball is his forte, Dixon admits wouldn’t mind knowing how to play the drums.

An outstanding player, Dixon brings many skills to the team as half of Tift’s “Twin Towers” duo with senior Tae Jolly. Dixon has garnered the interest of Middle Tennessee State, Mercer University, Columbus State, VSU and Tennessee State. "He is 6'7", a great shot blocker, a great rebounder and has a nice jump ball,” says Tift head coach, Dr. Eric Holland.

Holland expects Dixon to be a team leader this season and set an example for his younger teammates. "Dixon is also a three-year starter with great expectations,” Holland says. “He is building a great future and setting many precedents."

Tae Jolly: More Than a Basketball Player
by Bre’Onna Bennett

Though Dontavious “Tae” Jolly is known for his skill on the basketball court, there is more to this 6'4" senior behind his Blue Devils jersey. The son of Chantrell Jolly and Charles Roberson, he makes friends with everyone he meets.  Spirited and friendly, Jolly keeps a smile on his face as he walks the halls of Tift County High School.

A vibrant 17 year-old whose talents, hobbies and interests include playing basketball, XBox 360 and working with anything technology related, Jolly plans to become a professional basketball player or an ophthalmologist. "I knew what I wanted to do at a young age, and I have my mind set on accomplishing exactly that," he says. With his exceptional grade point average and his talent on the court, Jolly hopes to earn a scholarship.  Colleges already have their eye on him, including Georgia College and State University, Georgia Southwestern and Lincoln Memorial in Tennessee.

Jolly says he is inspired by his mother, who encourages him to do his best. "My mom is my role model,” he states. “She has been there all my life making sure I had exactly what I need. She pushes me harder than I could push myself. She will also support me through whatever may happen in my future.”

In addition to intelligence, Jolly has extraordinary athletic talent.  He has been playing basketball since he was six. Jolly's favorite memory from playing recreational basketball in his younger days is making the All-Star team. His fondest memory from playing high school basketball is making his first dunk in a varsity game against Cook County. "I love the game of basketball and everything about it,” he says. “I will always pursue it because it is what I want to do.”

Jolly and fellow basketball phenomenon Breon Dixon are known as Tift’s “Twin Towers.” These two players hope that their size will intimidate other teams as they work together, along with their other teammates, to take Tift County back to the state playoffs. They are looking to land another Region 1-AAAAA championship this season. "Jolly is a basketball sharpshooter who has undeniable talent," says TCHS assistant coach Xavier Holmes. "He can shoot the ball with range, and he is a pesky defender.”

Jolly's teammates say his enthusiasm for the game is apparent. "He is cool, a real smooth dude, and he always gets hype when it comes to Blue vs. White,” says sophomore T.J. Cromer. “That's when we play against each other within the team.”

TCHS head coach Dr. Eric Holland expects Jolly to be a leader for the team this year.  “He should be first in every drill and be an example to the younger, upcoming players by his experience as a varsity player,” Holland says. “He is a versatile player, meaning he can play just about any position on the team. He shoots well, and he is an intelligent player. He knows what to do and when to do it."

While Jolly loves basketball, he does make time to enjoy life as a high school student.  He enjoys going to the movies, surfing the web and eating his favorite food, spaghetti. One fun fact about Jolly is that he would like to trade places with Donald Trump for a day. "I would be able to go and do whatever I wanted with his money," Jolly says. “I would like to visit Las Vegas, Paris, and see the Taj Mahal one day."

Jolly is actively involved with the TCHS Yearbook and is looking forward to having a great senior year and walking the field with his fellow graduates in May. He is expected to do great things with his future as he continues to excel. "Aim high!” Jolly advises. “And don't let people tell you that you can't do something. Haters will always hate a person who is doing better than them."

And doing "better" is his plan for the future. With his good attitude, great demeanor and his driven passion for life, Jolly is sure to succeed.  Holland says," [Jolly] shouldn't just be recognized for being a great basketball player; he should be recognized just for being a great kid."

Lady Blue Devils Prepare For Basketball Season
by Sakina Odoms

Now that the 2010 football season has come to an end, basketball fans are on edge! It is time to hit the court to hear sneakers screeching, fans cheering, buzzers sound and nets swish. Tift County Lady Blue Devils head coach Julie Conner is preparing her players for a successful season. Conner says she is excited about this year's season and is looking forward to putting both her veterans and her newbies on the court. She feels that they had a great experience this summer when the team attended camp at Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville.

According to Conner, the team consists of many returning players with a great core of seven seniors:  Dreka Burgess, Ke-Ke Bennett, Raven Denson, Jessica Covington, Tionna Barnes, Bri Rich and Tasheca Rogers. Conner is also excited about the addition of freshmen Alexis Johnson and Staceyanna Murrell. Conner does not have a specific key player on the team because there is not just one star in her eyes. "They all shine and are great athletes," she says.

Conner is hyped about this year's schedule even though the Lady Devils will be facing several tough opponents this year. She added that this year's competition is good, but her girls are dedicated and are a great team as a whole. "We are not afraid of the competition.  I have faith in my players,” Conner says.

As for competition, Conner specifically acknowledges Lowndes, Valdosta, Colquitt County and Coffee. "We watched these teams play during the summer games and have seen their capabilities," she says. "Every region game will be a dogfight each night."

The girls will have to practice hard and play harder, but Conner wants her girls to have fun and work hard at the same time. She says this year's goals are to win the region and to go as far in state as they can. A Georgia College and State University alumna, Conner says she loves taking her girls to her alma mater.  “Every year when we go, I point to our championship banner,” she says. “I tell the girls, ‘That is my banner – I helped win that banner. We need a banner.’”

Rogers, who has been a Blue Devil since she was a freshman, says that the girls intend to work hard to get that banner to hang on the walls of the TCHS gymnasium for themselves and for their coach this year.  “We want the championship banner to hang in the gym to remind future generations of our hard work and the good years we have had together,” Rogers says.  She adds that many of these girls have been playing together since middle school when they went 10-0. “We are determined to get that banner, especially since this is my senior year,” agrees Rich.

Denson feels that a championship is within reach and refuses to think otherwise.  “I am looking forward to winning the region championship,” she exclaims. “We are moving at a faster pace this year, and we are hungry for the championship.”

Burgess says she feels a championship is possible because of the leadership that she and the other seniors are providing for the team.  “I am looking forward to a more successful season,” she says. “We, as seniors, are planning to step up and lead our team to a region victory.” Bennett agrees, adding, “We are in charge this year.  In the past we had to follow the lead of the seniors, but this year, we are the seniors.”

After experiencing two ACL injuries, Barnes is excited to return for her senior year.  “I am looking forward to being able to show leadership for the underclassmen on the team,” she says.

Covington is inspired by what she and her fellow teammates are planning to accomplish. “With us being seniors, our expectations are up,” Covington says. “We are going to give it our all to go out with a bang our senior year. We want to be the region champs. We want to leave this school with no regrets.”

The Lady Blue Devils want a championship banner and each of these girls is an inspiration to their teammates. “These girls are very supportive when a player is down,” says junior Alexis Stubbins. “They have our backs and push us to do better. They are true leaders at practice.” Junior Raven Ashley adds, “We want to work with them to get that championship banner that we all desire.”

TCHS Basketball Will Host McDonald’s Invitational Classic Tournament
by Sakina Odoms

Blue Devils head basketball coach Dr. Eric Holland is finally going to have one of his basketball dreams come true with the first annual McDonald's Invitational Classic that will be held in Tift County High School’s gymnasium December 28-30. Holland says he is really looking forward to this year’s tournament. “For the last six years, I have wanted to put on a big-time basketball tournament in South Georgia and this year I can, thanks to Wendell Morgan and McDonald’s,” Holland says. Mr. Morgan owns several McDonald’s franchises in the South Georgia area. “I talked to Mr. Morgan about the idea of the tournament and about 10 minutes later, he made this six-year dream come true,” says Holland.

Holland says he contacted local teams as well as teams from the Atlanta area and had a great response.  Several teams were excited about taking advantage of the tournament opportunity that the McDonald’s sponsorship is providing.  “They (McDonald’s) are paying for the teams’ travel, hotel costs and meals,” says Holland, adding that the Fairfield Inn is the host hotel for the event. “This is going to be a first-class tournament thanks to a classy man like Mr. Morgan.”

Lady Devils head coach Julie Conner says she is also looking forward to this event. “We are really excited about the tournament,” Conner says. “There are going to be a lot of great teams lined up. We are expecting a full house each night. The McDonald’s tournament promises to be an exciting one for all basketball fans. We thank the Morgan family and McDonald’s for all their contributions. This tournament would not be possible without their help and support. We really appreciate what they are doing to help make this tournament a success.”

The tournament will consist of 10 boys teams and six girls teams. Several teams from South Georgia will compete including Tift, Terrell, Turner, Cook, Bainbridge, Crisp, Lowndes, Wilcox and Thomas County Central.  Baldwin High School in Milledgeville and other teams such as Collin Hill, Whitefield Academy, Buford and Central Gwinnett are traveling from the Atlanta area to be a part of the tournament.

Tournament play will begin daily at 10 a.m. and will continue throughout the day.  TCHS teams will be rounding out play each night with the Lady Devils playing at 7 p.m. and the Blue Devils playing at 8:30 p.m. “Talk about having a full day of basketball!” exclaims Conner. “This tournament is going to be great.”

Tickets for the tournament are $10 per day.  Once spectators pay for their tickets, they will have admission for the entire day’s events. Coaches Holland and Conner encourage everyone to come out after the Christmas holidays for a little basketball action. And while the concession stand will be open each day of tournament play, Coach Holland adds with a smile, “Everyone needs to make sure they go eat at McDonald’s.”

Tift County Football Phenoms
by Sakina Odom

When people think of Tift County football superstars, many names may come to mind: Rashad Daniels, Zach Mangelsdorf, Donnell Tuff, Patrick Atwater, Terrance Felton and Bre'Nard Williams. The aforementioned players are key assets to this year's football program and remind the coaching staff of former outstanding players such as Shayon Green, Josh Abbott and Larry Dean, who are now playing at the college level.

Returning quarterback and junior Zach Manglesdorf stands out because he practices hard but plays harder. He has rushed for three touchdowns this year. Mangelsdorf believes the team could become more powerful on the field.  "If we played the way we practice, we would earn more victories," he says.

New kid on the block, sophomore wide receiver Donnell Tuff is in the spotlight this year. Tuff has scored numerous touchdowns this season and has made key plays on offense. Fans never know what to expect from him. The Stephenson game was one of his highlights this season.  Tuff recovered a fumble and returned the ball to Tift. He says, "I thought we were going to win." While Stephenson won, 14-7, the Blue Devils gave them a run for their money.

Senior defensive end Patrick Atwater has made his mark on Brodie Field this season. He has 48 total tackles, seven tackles for loss and four sacks. Atwater, who has been playing football since seventh grade, was inspired by coach Rusty Smith but continues to play because of Coach Duckworth. Atwater says, "We have a good team and my teammates are fun to be around." He respects Coach Walls for letting them have fun while coaching them at the same time. "That makes early practices easier to cope with," he says. "We all get along, and that reflects our season."

Another Blue Devil all-star, junior Terrance Felton has been tackling his way to the top. With 32 tackles, four tackles for loss, one blocked punt and one interception, Felton is proving that he is a powerhouse on the field. Felton is passionate about football and feels his teammates are hardworking and dedicated players. Felton says, "I love my teammates. We are working together well this year."

Two-year starter Bre'Nard Williams has been playing football since he was seven. He has 42 tackles, four tackles for loss, more than four sacks and one fumble recovery for a touchdown. Williams is a senior who loves football and has dreams of going pro. Williams uses losses as a learning experience, putting forth more effort and playing harder. "We have a great coaching staff and listening to them will make us successful," says Williams. "At the end of the night, hard work plus dedication equals success."

Rashad Daniels is a starting running back and a key part of the Blue Devils machine. He loves the game of football and is dedicated to the sport. Responsible for putting many points on the board this season, Daniels says, "My speed, size and ability to the play the sport well intimidate Blue Devils opponents."  Daniels adds, "We have a great head coach that pushes us not only to work hard but also to have fun.” Daniels says that he is proud to be a Blue Devil this year and believes their hard work will pay off this season.

Football Cheerleaders Prepare for the 2010 Season
by Bre’Onna Bennett and Leah Porter

The Blue Devil football cheerleaders are prepared to keep the crowd pumped and the spirit rolling throughout the halls of Tift County High School this fall. They spent two weeks during the summer practicing and painting signs to get ready.

Fran Kendrick, head coach of the football cheerleaders, is enthusiastic about the season and the return of her squad which contains many cheerleading veterans.  "This year is going to be a great year because we have a great group of seniors," Kendrick says.

School spirit and school pride have been the focus of TCHS's character education program since the beginning of the school year.  The cheerleaders worked to tie into that theme. The signs they painted are adorned with TCHS symbols, colors and designs that catch the attention of everyone who walks down the halls of the high school.  

The football squad has a lot to look forward to this year, including a Future Cheerleader clinic. The clinic will take place the first weekend in September at the Tift County High School gym. Hosted by the varsity squad, children between the ages of five and 12 are invited to attend.  Participants will learn their favorite Blue Devil cheers as well as a dance they will perform during halftime at the game against Worth County on September 17.

Adding a new fundraiser to the lineup, this year's cheerleaders will be holding a powderpuff football game.  Changing roles with the football players who will serve as cheerleaders, the squad will take the field with sophomores and juniors vying against one another in the game’s first half to determine who will play the senior girls in the second half.  "We are very excited about the powderpuff game,” says junior Leslie Norburg.  “We are looking forward to doing something new. It will be fun to swap roles with the football players."

The cheerleaders are prepared to support the football team and are glad to be back in action. Junior Leah Porter says, "Supporting my squad and my football team makes me feel good as a person. I'm a naturally spirited person so it is easy to me."

Cheerleading captain Becca Hasty is also looking forward to her responsibilities this year.  "I am so excited about the 2010 football season, not only because I am a senior but also because I love cheering,” Hasty says. “Supporting my guys is a part of me.  I know we will have an amazing season, no matter what."

Lady Devils Softball Team Determined to Have a Great Season

Despite their youth, the Lady Devils softball team is off to a good start this year. With five players returning to the varsity, the team has worked hard to prepare themselves for competition.

Head coach Taylor Wilkins says the team may be young, but they are experienced players with talent and potential.  He is looking forward to a great season as he and assistant coaches Ivey Vickers and Rusty Beale work to mold the girls into an outstanding, competitive team.    

To prepare for the season, the Lady Devils participated in several scrimmages over the summer.  Senior third baseman Karli Smith says the scrimmages were beneficial because the team showed great improvement.  

According to Smith, the younger players have proven to be an asset to the team. "They have really stepped up and have filled the positions of the girls who graduated last year," she says.  Excited to be a part of the team her senior year, Smith adds, "I like being a leader for the younger players."

Junior first baseman Trayana Dowdy agrees, "These girls are working hard and are going great!"  Dowdy says the team has a lot of respect for one another and that they get along well.  "We treat the new girls the same way we treat the older girls, and we are all really close," she adds. Dowdy says their bond helps them on the field as well. "We are great at working together as a team. We stick together,” she says. “We know each other’s strengths and that helps."

The Lady Devils are looking to play a tough schedule this year and are going to be participating in several tournaments in the surrounding counties, including the Watermelon Invitational in Cordele, the Lady Trojan Tournament in Douglas and the Viking Invitational in Valdosta.

Senior left fielder Brooke Molder believes the Lady Devils have a chance for a good season because the players put their hearts into each game.  Molder says, "We have worked really hard, and we want region really bad!"