Teachers and Students Team up in Fitness Classes
by Haley Gilleland • photography  by Susan Hughes

While Zumba, interval training and yoga are among the latest fitness trends at American Body Works gym in Fitzgerald, fitness classes are also a way for Fitzgerald High athletes to stay in shape and enhance their competitive performances.

“When tennis season started, I was already in shape for conditioning from taking Zumba and yoga at the gym,” says senior Marisa Reynolds.

Sophomore Cara Kimbrell joined the craze in January and became an avid Zumba fan. “It’s great to have this kind of activity where you become healthier and have a blast at the same time,” she says.

Her mother, Wanda Kimbrell, Director of Special Education for Ben Hill County, is also a gym member. FHS faculty members Brenda Whitley and Jill Massee, who is a part-time fitness instructor at the gym, have been active in fitness classes since last year.

According to instructor Somer Phoebus, fitness classes are designed to tone and trim the body as well as improve the overall health of participants. A nutritionist has provided information to class members, and healthy recipes have been shared within the group.   Phoebus say the most positive results of the classes have been the encouragement shared among classmates and the improvement in their self-esteem, figures and overall health.  

Holding each other accountable has helped participants stay focused on their weight loss and fitness goals. Participating students and teachers remind each other to make healthy lunch and snack choices at school, and they encourage each other to continue.

The classes at the gym are also affecting the community. Since January, more than 350 people have joined the gym. As an incentive to keep everyone on track, the gym imposes a $30 penalty on those who gain weight. Fitness instructors say their purpose is to help people live longer, happier lives.

“I love having parents and their kids and teachers and their students,” Pheobus says. “The classes don’t feel like a job to me or a workout to the participants. Zumba in particular is a great exercise format that brings together all age groups and manages to give everyone a great workout.”

Wendy’s Heisman Nominees
by Rebekah Foster and Katie Rickard

Fitzgerald High School student-athletes Brice Garrett and Andrea Smith have been nominated for the Wendy’s High School Heisman award, a program that acknowledges the nation’s top high school seniors for their excellence in athletics, academics and leadership.    

Garrett has been honored as a tri-athlete and scholar athlete all four years of his high school career. He has been active in football, baseball, wrestling and soccer. Garrett was chosen as a WALB Student Athlete of the Week in February.

A four-year letterman in football, Garrett has been selected three times for all-region teams as well as all-region academic teams. He was a preseason Academic All-State selection by Georgia High School Football Magazine. In 2010, he was named to the All-Middle Georgia team and the AP All-State team. Garrett played in the 2011 Border Wars game and received the Larry Csonka Blue Collar Athlete award.

Garrett is also a four-year letterman in wrestling. A four-time area champion, he placed at the state tournament during the 2009-2010 season.

Garrett is currently playing soccer and has lettered twice. He was named to the 2010 All-Region team. He also played at catcher for the baseball team his freshman year and received a letter.

Garrett is enrolled in ACCEL classes through Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College. He is a member of the Grand Society, First Baptist Church and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He is undecided on which college he will attend but plans to earn a degree in journalism.

Smith has been involved in many activities during her high school career, earning Top Ten and Scholar Athlete awards her freshman, sophomore, and junior years. She is also the recipient of UGA’s Certificate of Merit and the Grand Society award.

Smith’s athletic career includes four years with the tennis team, three years with the soccer team and one year with cross country. She has been a member of the Marching Canes dance line for three years, serving as co-captain her senior year. Smith performed a dance solo for competition band, serving as captain. She has also been a Fitzgerald Fin for 12 years and a Dance South student for 10 years.   

The FHS Fellowship of Christian Athletes has been a large part of Smith’s high school career. She has participated in Beta Club, Angel Flight and Diamond Darlings.

She is a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church and has volunteered in Student Life mission work.   

Smith is enrolled in ACCEL classes through Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and is in the Youth Apprenticeship Program. She plans to attend ABAC for two years and then transfer to Georgia Southern University. Her goal is to earn degrees in dental medicine and surgery at the Medical College of Georgia.

Ward is Cheerleader of the Year
by Jenna Gilleland

Fitzgerald fans held their breath when waiting for the announcer at the state cheerleading competition in Columbus to name Georgia’s 2010 Cheerleader of the Year. As he called Shelby Ward’s name, the Purple Girls and their fans went crazy. After years of dedication, Ward’s hard work paid off.

The Fitzgerald High cheerleading captain and Miss FHS is described as a “performer” by Purple Girls head coach Christy Jacobs. “We have excellent girls who are very talented, however some shy away when it comes to performing. Shelby, on the other hand, loves to perform. She captivates whoever is watching her,” Jacobs says.

Ward’s mother and aunt were high school cheerleaders, and her aunt was a cheerleader at Georgia Tech. After moving to Fitzgerald in seventh grade, Ward’s passion for cheering ignited when she became a member of the Ben Hill Middle School cheerleading squad.

Although cheerleading might have changed over the years, competition cheering can be dangerous. “People don’t realize how much work goes into this,” Ward says. “You have to really prepare and learn how to trust others in the routines.” Long hours are spent conditioning and practicing, not only for competitive purposes, but for safety reasons as well.

The process to become Cheerleader of the Year is a lengthy one, beginning the summer before senior year. “These athletes are judged on their well-roundedness,” Jacobs says. “Shelby certainly had the grades and the work ethic for the All-State cheerleading team; therefore, I nominated her in early June.”

The application includes grade transcripts (a minimum 3.5 grade point average is required) and extracurricular activities. “When I first read over the application, I was worried I wouldn’t have enough room for all the activities I’ve participated in since freshman year,” Ward says.

Ward has played varsity tennis and soccer and participated in Angel Flight, Beta Club, show choir and her church youth group. She is enrolled in FHS’s work program, spending part of the school day at Fitzgerald Utilities.

Academically, Ward has been in the top 10 of her class and a scholar-athlete each year. “I had no choice but to keep up, though, because my parents are very encouraging in my academic life and would have made me quit if I started to sink,” Ward says.

Ward’s future plans include attending the University of Georgia, but she is undecided about pursuing a college cheerleading career. “I will always remember and use the many life lessons I learned with whatever plan God has in store for me,” she says.

Soccer
by Rebekah Foster

The 2011 boys and girls soccer program at Fitzgerald High School began the season with young teams. The girls soccer team, coached by Lee Dorsett, and boys team, coached by David Vaughn, is having "a lot of fun with a fresh new start," according to both coaches.

The girls soccer team is the youngest group Dorsett has coached in years. Her 14 new players are "improving each day."  The team is provided strong leadership by seniors Kristeena Suarez, Andrea Smith, Tamara Kitchens, Danielle Cruz and Keyosha Wilcox.

Although the team’s record is 2-3 thus far, the girls are having fun. "This is one of the most enjoyable seasons I've had in the last couple of years," says Dorsett.

Vaughn has 11 new players on his boys team along with seniors Garrett Griffin, Angel Gallegos, Seth Owens and Brice Garrett. The boys' record thus far is 1-3.    

Players are eager to learn, progressing game by game. "That is the most exciting thing to me, to see how far we've come as a team in such a short period of time," says Vaughn.

Wrestling
by Brice Garrett

For the second consecutive year, Fitzgerald High School hosted the area tournament, the annual stepping stone in the last three weeks of wrestling season. To advance to the next week, a wrestler must place in the area’s top four.

The ‘Canes were successful in sending all individual wrestlers to the sectional tournament, where four wrestlers earned gold. Kean Kittrell and Gus Martin each won their first title at 140 and 160 pounds, respectively. Alan Longoria won his second consecutive title, wrestling at 103 and 112 pounds. Brice Garrett won his fourth title, earning one at 140 pounds and the previous three at 152. Dallas Pate, D.J. Smith, Lewis Alexander, Walter McElroy and Jacob Smith all placed second to advance to the sectional tournament at Sonoraville High School in Calhoun.

The East sectional tournament was comprised of the top four wrestlers from areas 1, 4, 7 and 8. Among this field of 16, competitors had to finish in the top eight to advance to the state tournament.

Fitzgerald finished the first day of competition with three of nine wrestlers advancing to the semifinals. Injury and disqualification took place the second day and when the dust settled, four wrestlers earned the privilege of grappling another day. Garrett and Martin led the ‘Canes as they placed fourth and fifth, respectively. Kittrell placed sixth and McElroy squeaked by as the eighth seed.

The state tournament houses all five classifications at the Gwinnett Arena, where 12 mats operate for the majority of three days. The tournament is exciting, and the ‘Canes represented well. All their matches were close, but the ‘Canes did not finish on the podium.

While the ‘Canes are relatively young this year, head coach Roger Merritt expects continued success from returning wrestlers.

Hurricane Wrestling
by Brice Garrett • photography by Lawson Owens

Wrestling season at Fitzgerald High School is reaching its peak. Grueling training has weeded out the weak as grapplers prepare for upcoming tournaments. The ’Canes had an extended practice stint because of snow and cold weather conditions in middle and north Georgia. The state duals tournament was postponed to late February and the Tomahawk Classic, traditionally held at Irwin County High, was cancelled entirely.

However, the team was fortunate enough to travel to Dublin for the Shamrock Scuffle and send Gus Martin and Walter McElroy, 160 and 171 pounds respectively, to the podium for third-place finishes. The only other action for the Fitzgerald grapplers was a dual at Jeff Davis, marking the first event this year in which the Hurricane’s weight classes were properly aligned.

The area tournament will be hosted February 4 in Fitzgerald at Mike Ellis Gymnasium. The top four in each weight class will advance from this tournament to the Sectional tournament in Sonoraville. The ’Canes look to excel in the last few weeks and send many competitors to the next level. The team has two reigning area champions and expects to earn more honors in their next contest. State medals are in their dreams, but the Hurricanes will have to take baby steps through the following weeks before they can reach their goals.

Hurricane Boys Basketball
by Carl McCray • photography by Herff Jones

The Purple Hurricane boys varsity basketball team has experienced a very rocky season but despite its record, the team has made progress. The young team consists of four freshmen, two of which are in the starting lineup:  Antonio Wilcox and Romarius Gaulden. The remainder of the lineup includes freshmen Mickey Carter and Trevon Deese; sophomores Jacquille Johnson and Chad McElmurray; juniors Mikell Lampkin, Jaquadrian Lewis and Carl McCray; and seniors Jhonte Burgess and Devin Jenkins.

While the team isn’t where it would like to be offensively, it possesses one of the best defenses in Region 1. The team held Thomasville, the number one team in the region, to 48 points. Lampkin, a guard, is Fitzgerald’s leading scorer with an average of 14 points per game.  Both Burgess and Lewis average four steals per game. McCray leads the team in rebounds, averaging nine per game, followed by Jenkins and Wilcox, each with seven per game.

Although the ’Canes struggle to be consistent, the team continues to improve each day, both physically and mentally. “I’ve never been more proud of a team than I am of the guys I have now,” says head coach Sultan Cooper.  While the Purple Hurricane boys varsity team has not had the best of seasons, the ’Canes have high expectations and look forward to their future in basketball.

Girls Basketball
by Yasmine Pruitt

Even though the Fitzgerald High School Lady Canes basketball team didn’t start the season according to plan, they quickly rebounded.  They began the season by losing to the Tift County Lady Blue Devils and their archrival, the Irwin County Lady Indians.

A week later, the Lady Canes participated in the Lowndes County Christmas tournament held December 18, 20-21. The Lady Canes fell in their first game against the Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets but defeated Atkinson County’s Lady Rebels, 56-38, in their second game. On the last day of the tournament, the Lady Canes met the Wayne County Lady Yellow Jackets in a tough game. The Lady Yellow Jackets were able to take the lead in the fourth quarter and ultimately won by a margin of 10 points.

The Lady Canes competed in another Christmas tournament held December 27-29 at Jeff Davis. The Lady Canes’ first opponents were the Jeff Davis Lady Yellow Jackets, who keep a lead the entire game. The following day, the Lady Canes came up short against the Dodge County Lady Indians. In their final game of the tournament, the Lady Canes attempted to redeem their earlier loss to Wayne County. This game was fought hard and played hard by both teams, but the Lady Yellow Jackets defeated the Lady Canes, 58-50.

Their next scheduled game on January 4 against Albany High was not a good game for the Lady Canes, and the Lady Indians were able to take advantage of the situation and defeat the Lady Canes. The Lady Canes are feeling optimistic about the season and are not allowing their defeats to cause them to lose focus on their remaining games.

Boys Basketball
by David Jenkins

The Fitzgerald High School varsity boys basketball season is well underway.  This year, the team consists of three returning seniors:  6’5” forward Michael Troutman, guard Jhonte Burgess and forward Devin Jenkins. Three juniors also return: guards Mikell Lampkin, Jaquadrian Lewis and Joseph Jay, along with junior first-year player Carl McCray at center. This year, the boys have an unusual twist with sophomore Harold Summers and freshmen Antonio Wilcox, Romarius Gaulden, Trevon Deese and Mickey Carter being a part of the varsity team.  

The season is young for the Canes, as the team has played less than 10 games.  The beginning has been a learning experience filled with ups and downs.  Many upperclassmen have been lost because of various situations, and younger athletes have had to step up quickly. Winter break was a vital time for the team’s growth. The Canes played against highly competitive teams in larger regions and had intense practices to improve their skill sets.  While they struggled offensively, they were able to nearly reach all of their defensive goals. Head coach Sultan Cooper sacrificed a large portion of his vacation to conduct workouts and film study sessions. He has explained to the team that “sometimes things are going to get worse before they get better.” The team’s attitude remains optimistic and players are confident that they will defeat the odds, turn this season around and become victorious.

Nothing worth having can be gained without hard work, and Fitzgerald is well aware of this. The Canes have experienced nights of treacherous running, frustration from coaches and players, and dreadful workouts in the weight room, but their hard work has laid a firm foundation and the guys are becoming more of a family on and off the court each day. Although the team had a rocky start, Fitzgerald High School’s boys varsity basketball team has a very promising future.

Wrestling
by Brice Garrett

Wrestling in Fitzgerald has officially started. After many anticipated months, the mats have been rolled out and the headgear has been strapped on. The Canes grapplers are led this year by three seasoned veterans: seniors Andre Magwood, Gus Martin and Brice Garrett. Magwood and Martin are both three-year veterans while Garrett has been in the program since before his high school days. They are also accompanied by senior newcomers Garrett Griffin and Octavious Rivera. Other than these five, the team is relatively young with several freshmen and sophomores completing much of the starting 14 and backup positions. The three juniors on the team are Philip Chaney, Cody Griffin and Jacob Smith.   Sophomore wrestlers are Alan Longoria, J Shuler,  Devasco Price, Keane Kittrell, Larry Steward, Tely Ryan, Walter McElroy, Kadevious Reed and D. J. Smith.   Freshmen grapplers are Chris Smith, J. P. Mathis, Jake Sellars, Dallas Pate and Fish Cameron.

The squad has competed in several tournaments and had individuals place in each tournament. The Team Area tournament will be hosted by Cook High School on January 8.  Hopefully, the Hurricane will advance to the State Duals, which will be in Macon January 14-15. The Canes are competitive but the wrestlers have been held back because of injury and weight class arrangements.

Garrett and Rivera are currently sidelined but both wrestlers are expected to return quickly. In the meantime, everyone on the team is fighting temptation and cutting to their most competitive weights.  The Canes expect to peak February 4 at the individual area competition in Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald Players Participate in Junior Bowl
by Katie Rickard

Georgia’s junior class recently had its first All-Star football game, the 2011 AT&T Georgia Junior Bowl at Hallford Stadium in Clarkston, Georgia.  Fitzgerald High School juniors Kaleb Nobles, Tolerance Shepherd, Jordan Fletcher and Stephon Smalls were invited to participate.

The series of events organized by RisingSeniors.com in conjunction with the NFL Players Association included a “Training Camp for Life” program which focuses on social, academic and athletic development.  In addition to the Junior Bowl, a football skills challenge that included juniors not participating in the game took place January 4-7 at the Georgia Institute of Technology.  The game was held January 8.

"The practices were great because we got to meet a whole new group of people and make new friends. It was awesome," says Nobles.

During the week, players were treated to visits by former NFLers, including event founders Joe Burns and Izell Reese as well as Je'Mone Smith, Dorsey Levens and Gibril Wilson. "It was pretty great to have so many notable people come speak to us about our future and how we should handle it," says Nobles.

Fitzgerald’s players were part of the West team coached by Randy McPherson of Lowndes High. The East team was coached by Franklin Stevens of Tucker High.  Many other area coaches assisted.

The West team won 20-18, and the players from Fitzgerald were enthused by the incredible end to their junior season.

WWSTTF
by Katie Rickard

This year the Fitzgerald Purple Girls fought through their bumps and bruises and became real athletes, accomplishing the goals they set out to achieve. With coaches Christy Jacobs and Kristy Gibbs in full support, they traveled to the state competition to begin what they had worked so hard for the whole year.

The Purple Girls arrived in Columbus with their matching nine-in-a-row region champs shirts and their game faces. Arriving early, they watched some of the 4A and 5A teams perform prior to the AA sectionals. By watching their competition, they were ready to give everything at their last practice of the season. After sticking all of their stunts for the first time during a practice all year, they were all pumped for the next day.

That night the girls did a little shopping and had dinner as a team. When they returned to the hotel, they went to their rooms and changed into matching pajamas. Coach Jacobs gave everyone a small gift that meant a lot to the team, a nail. All year the coaches have been saying, “Nail it and sail it.” Coaches Jacobs, Gibbs and Davis gave the team an inspiring speech and then the girls gathered in a senior’s room to hear what the more experienced girls had to say. The seniors and juniors tried to encourage the younger girls on the team and make them less nervous about the next day.

After eating breakfast the following morning, the girls went to their rooms to get ready for the exciting day ahead. They met at the bus, and as Coach Jacobs says, “We looking good; we [are] ready to go.”  The girls were excited about competing and learning who would be named Cheerleader of the Year because one of their teammates, Shelby Ward, was in the running.

This year, the AA competition was in the afternoon. The Purple Girls went through their warm-ups with everything sticking. They finally heard “Now welcoming to the mat –Fitzgerald High School” and they took their positions, took a deep breath and then began their last routine of the year. They stuck their tumbling passes and then it was time for their first stunt.  After the nervous three eight-counts, the girls saw Jacobs’ signal to tell them they stuck it! They got through the jumps and the cheer, and then came the most nerve-wracking part of their routine, the pyramid. The girls pushed the last hitch up and it was the end of the routine. Everything stuck! At the end of the routine, the girls went crazy because they all knew they had done well.

The day went on, then it was time for the awards session. The All-State cheerleaders were called to the floor to prepare for the Cheerleader of the Year announcement. The Purple Girls were in the stands with their fingers crossed. The announcer said, “Shelby Ward!” and the girls in the stands went crazy. They were excited that one of their own cheerleaders had won such a huge honor! After the announcement, the top six teams from each division were announced. The announcer started with 3A, then 2A. The team grabbed hands and waited for the announcer to begin, which to them felt like forever! He started, “Calhoun … Coosa … Fitzgerald …” and the Purple Girls began screaming and jumping in the stands before running to claim the spot they had wanted more than anything during the entire school year. They finally made it to the end of the season and were glad to be on the floor for top six.

The Purple Girls did not win the state championship this year, but they did accomplish their goal. The coaches, families, friends and staff at Fitzgerald High School were all so proud of the Purple Girls this year. The upcoming seniors have already set goals for next year that they intend to accomplish, just as they did this year.

Fitzgerald Football
by Brice Garrett

The ‘Canes kept tradition alive this season as they made the playoffs for the 11th consecutive year. Fitzgerald finished second in Region 1-AA and hosted Dublin High School in the first round.

The last home game for Hurricane seniors was November 15. The game would be one to remember. Both offenses stalled until Tolerance Sheppard broke 33 yards into the end zone just before the second quarter. The ‘Canes didn’t score again until 33 seconds remained on the clock. Kaleb Nobles hit Dee Joyner for a 38-yard reception to give the ‘Canes the second score of the half. Meanwhile, the Irish had little success as their only points came by a field goal in the second quarter. After the half, the Hurricane offense lit up the board. Nobles threw another pass to Joyner for six as Stephon “Pie” Smalls and Sheppard dashed into the end zone for scores of their own in the third quarter. The Fitzgerald defense gave up a score, but Sheppard burst forward for his third score of the night. The first round ended 42-10 and the Hurricane advanced.

The ensuing week, Fitzgerald traveled to Putnam County for the second round, which began with a defensive struggle. The ‘Canes drew first blood as running back Tevin Stewart-Gaulden punched in a four-yard run early in the first quarter. The War Eagles capitalized on Fitzgerald’s poor tackling and tied the score, 6-6. In the second quarter, Smalls scored twice, once from the 7-yard line and again from the 29. Just as the second quarter was coming to a close, Nobles found Joyner for a 15-yard reception that put Fitzgerald up 28-6 for the half. The second half had similar results for the ‘Canes. Fitzgerald’s Scottie Griffin had the lone score in the third, and Stewart-Gaulden scored his second in the fourth quarter. Putnam had another late score, but Fitzgerald advanced with a 42-14 score.

Calhoun hosted Fitzgerald in the third round at Phil Reeves Stadium. The first quarter ended after another struggle on offenses. The lone score came from Calhoun’s running game. The ‘Canes responded with Joyner hitting the end zone for a touchdown but the PAT was blocked, giving the Jackets a 7-6 lead.  Both defenses held until Fitzgerald backed Calhoun to the 45-yard line with a few seconds remaining in the half. Calhoun’s prayer was answered as they scored to take a 14-6 lead. Fitzgerald rallied in the locker room and their defense took the field and remained for most of the third quarter. Impressively, they didn’t allow a single point for the whole time they remained on the field. Calhoun scored a field goal in the fourth quarter and the ‘Canes fell, 31-13.

The 2010 edition of the ‘Canes will graduate 11 seniors. The defense will lose a few key starters but seasoned underclassmen will gladly fill the shoes of the graduating class. Offensively, the team will look to return its skill position players except Stewart-Gaulden. Stewart-Gaulden and Matt Day are among the area’s top college prospects. Linebacker Michael Troutman is committed to the University of Troy, and all the other seniors have college or military plans ahead. The seniors of 2012 plan to build on another successful season and storm to the Dome.

Fitzgerald Celebrates 25 Years of Radio Coverage
by Rebekah Foster

Two years ago, Purple Hurricane football celebrated its 100th anniversary at Fitzgerald High School. This year, another milestone was set.  Tim Raynor and Bill Bryant have been broadcasting live coverage of Hurricane football for the past 25 years. If fans weren’t sitting in the stands at Jaycee Stadium under the Friday night lights, they were listening to Raynor and Bryant on “Real Radio” 96.9 or live on their website.

The announcers have followed the Purple Hurricane through trials and tribulations as well as victories, from the Georgia Dome to their own backyard at Jaycee Stadium. For the past 11 years, they have broadcast the Hurricane’s advances to the playoffs. “The town of Fitzgerald has really enjoyed listening to Tim and Bill. The enthusiasm and excitement heard from the radio will be remembered for many years to come,” says Randy Garrett.

The duo hosts a pregame show for Pruitt and the opposing coach. They also provide  play-by-play game coverage and a postgame interview with key players and coaches.  Raynor and Bryant also entertained listeners by recording commercials with the Fitzgerald cheerleading squad, which were played during football season. During their broadcasts, several songs and tributes were played, including Tony Tucker’s version o f Purple Rain and The Hurricane Brawl and Todd Horne’s The Hurricane Rap, as tributes to the team that was featured every Friday night.

Raynor and Bryant covered the hardships and victories of the 2010 football season. They documented the school record for the longest interception return for touchdown by Tevin Stewart-Gaulden and celebrated coach Robby Pruitt’s 100th win at Fitzgerald High School. They also covered Fitzgerald’s 11th consecutive win against border rival Irwin County.

Hurricane Enters Football Postseason on High Note
by Brice Garrett

October 15 was the first chilly night of the 2010 football season and the Fitzgerald Purple Hurricane traveled to a hostile Veterans Memorial Stadium in Thomasville. The highly anticipated game would have a large impact on the region standings.

Thomasville opened strong, scoring on their first drive and shutting down the Hurricane on their first few possessions. The Bulldogs continued to move the ball in the first half. However, Fitzgerald's defense held the Bulldogs to six points by forcing them to a pair of field goals. The boys in purple took the ball with three minutes left in the half and drove to the 20-yard line. From there, Tolerance Shepherd ran in on a draw play to draw blood on the Bulldogs.

Halftime adjustments were made and Fitzgerald’s defense took the field. The second half belonged to the ‘Canes as they completely shut down the opposition’s triple option offense. On the flip side, the ‘Canes offense took a 21-13 lead with about eight minutes remaining. The Thomasville offense converted to a spread that the ‘Canes initially thwarted. On their last drive of the night, the Bulldogs strung together a couple of big plays and tied the game.

Overtime bells rang in the stadium. Fitzgerald took the ball first and the ‘Canes found themselves at the 15-yard line on fourth down. A gutsy call from Fitzgerald coach Robby Pruitt gave tight end Matt Taylor the ball by way of a delayed pass from Kaleb Nobles. Thomasville took a chance and reverted to the triple option. The first two downs were squandered as the Fitzgerald defense swarmed the ball. Third down came and ended with Sheldon King recovering a bad Bulldogs pitch. The ‘Canes won the much-anticipated game, 28-21, and stormed the field.

The ensuing week, the Fitzgerald squad traveled to Berrien High for its last away game of the regular season. The game was quick and ended early. The ‘Canes excelled in all aspects, winning 46-0.  Touchdowns were made by Shepherd, Tevin Stewart-Gaulden, Jacquille Johnson, Harold Summers and Stephon “P.I.” Smalls. Smalls had two scores, one in the first quarter and one in the third. Angel Gallegos added all extra points.

In the final week of the regular season, the Hurricane played host to Brooks County for Senior Night. This game, like the Thomasville game, held major implications in the standings and playoff seedings. The Trojans kicked off to start the game but regained the ball as the ‘Canes fumbled on their first play from scrimmage. Luckily, the defense held Brooks County to a field goal. The Trojans scored again as they took advantage on penalties and a controversial call. But the ‘Canes didn't panic as they have played from behind in previous big games.

Smalls brought his team back as he broke a 60-plus-yard run and scored. The Hurricane defense stepped up as well and didn't allow another score for the remainder of the game. Just before the half ended, Stewart-Gaulden punched in another six points. Smalls broke loose again in the second half from over 80 yards away and gave the Hurricane a 21-10 cushion. This would be the final score, but the game wasn't as close as the score reflected. Fitzgerald was plagued with penalties and had two touchdowns, a fumble, and a safety called back.

The Hurricane finished the regular season with an off week before the playoffs, which featured a first round match-up in Jaycee Stadium against the Dublin Irish. The last time these two played, Dublin was victor in the third round of the 2004 playoffs.

Purple Girls Gun for Another Region Title
by Katie Rickard

Helen Keller’s philosophy, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much,” has provided much inspiration for Fitzgerald’s Purple Girls during the past few weeks.

November is the most exciting month of the competitive cheerleading season. Two competitions, region and state, count for “all the marbles.” All the work that the team has done since May has been to ready themselves for these last two competitions. Coaches Christy Jacobs and Kristie Gibbs, along with Angela Davis, have been pushing the team all year to prepare.

The Purple Girls have been fortunate to not suffer many injuries this year, increasing their hopes of winning their ninth consecutive region title and getting on the floor at state.

“This team has worked so hard all year long and they want to show everyone that winning region and state is what they deserve,” says Rebekah Foster, who also notes that the team is determined to win after all the hard work this year.

The Purple Girls are not only excited to perform at state, but also to have an All-State cheerleader on the team this year. Shelby Ward is an amazing athlete. The Purple Girls and Fitzgerald High are proud of her.

STTF
by Katie Rickard

This year the Purple Girls’ motto is “STTF,” which is an acronym for “straight to the floor.” The team’s goal is to make the top six in the state and hear “Fitzgerald High School” called to perform.

Purple Girls head coach Christy Jacobs is on maternity leave, but the girls continue to practicing hard every week. Substitute coach Angela Davis and assistant coach Kristie Gibbs have been pushing the girls to their limit. “The way you practice is the way you compete on Saturday,” Davis says.

The team recently participated in their first competition of the season. “Our goal for that week was to go and see what our routine is like compared to many other top schools in our region,” says Kristeena Suarez. The girls didn’t do as well as they would have liked, but they learned what they needed to improve for the upcoming competition.

The girls worked hard even with the distraction of Homecoming week and having five squad members on the Homecoming Court. Their practices were shorter, which meant they had to work harder to accomplish their goal for the next weekend. The girls went into the competition with positive attitudes and came out as overall Grand Champion.

The Purple Girls have not hit their peak. They plan on rising to the top and their positive attitudes will help them go STTF!

Hurricane Football

As the days progress on the calendar, so has the momentum of the FHS football team. After a bye week, the ‘Canes went to 5A Coffee High for their first regular season contest in almost a decade. Fitzgerald dominated both sides of the ball and walked away with a 36-7 victory.

Fitzgerald began scoring in the second quarter when Tolerance Shepherd went in for a touchdown on a 68-yard run, followed by a 2-yard touchdown run by Stephon Smalls and a 27-yard pass from quarterback Kaleb Nobles to Tevin Stewart-Gaulden. Fitzgerald attempted two unsuccessful two-point conversions on the first two touchdowns. Extra points by Angel Gallegos were successful, making the halftime score 26-0.  Coffee scored in the third quarter. Scores for Fitzgerald were a field goal and extra point by Gallegos and a touchdown score by Nobles.  

The following week was Homecoming and the ‘Canes hosted their first region game of the season against the Albany High Indians on September 24.  Albany looked much improved from the previous season as the first quarter ended in a scoreless tie. The Hurricane found its momentum in the second quarter and jumped to a 21-6 lead. Shepherd had two rushing scores in the quarter for 37 and 35 yards, and Fred Hooks added the other six points on a 6-yard rush. The ensuing half followed this precedent as the team went on to win, 40-6. Shepherd had another rushing score from 10 yards out, Nobles found Dee Joyner for a 31-yard passing touchdown, and Stewart-Gaulden returned an interception 103 yards for the last score.

The next opponent the Canes faced was the number four-ranked Cook Hornets while Fitzgerald was ranked sixth. The game took place in a hostile Adel. The Canes played well for the first quarter and much of the second, but injuries plagued the team. The Hurricane fell victim to the Hornets but will have plenty to build on in the coming weeks.

The next game will be in Fitzgerald against Early County. As the playoffs near, Region 1-AA is starting to heat up.

2010 FHS Lady Canes
by Chris Alexander and Rebekah Foster

The Lady ‘Canes recently completed their 2010 softball campaign. The team had a roller coaster season marred with injuries to starting first baseman Erika James, starting second baseman Suzannah Cravey and starting catcher Chelsea Culpepper, which kept each player out of numerous games. The season was highlighted by big wins over Wilcox County and Albany as well as the development of several players who started out on the bench but eventually worked their way into the lineup.

The Lady ‘Canes’ 4-16 record does not accurately represent the potential or talent of this team. Much of the hard work the players and coaches put in early on began to bear fruit late in the season, but there is still improvement to be made heading into next year.

Every player made contributions to the team. The  starting lineup included Brittany Braxton as starting pitcher, Chelsea Culpepper at catcher, Erika James at first base, Suzannah Cravey at second base, Candace Clark at third base, Yasmaine Pruitt at shortstop, Deanna Thompson in left field, Bria McAllister in center field and Katelynn Fish in right field. Katie Howell played significant time at all three outfield positions, Katy Griffin got plenty of starts at first and second base, Kiasjha Davis was a primary threat on the bases as a pinch and courtesy runner, and Kierra Davis came on late in the season to spell defenders at multiple positions.

Off the field, the team enjoyed several events where softball was not the primary focus. They had team meals at AB BBQ in Hawkinsville and Sonny’s in Albany. The team also participated in a pre-sale car wash that was overwhelmingly successful and fun, at least until they realized they were sunburned and their arms no longer worked.

Coach Chris Alexander is looking forward to next year. The Lady Canes have several players coming from the middle school who can provide an added spark to the team, and they are losing only one senior. The Lady Canes hope to be a force in their region next season as their pitching and defense should match up well with any of the powerhouses they’ve faced this season.

Cheerleading
by Katie Rickard

Cheerleading is in full swing at Fitzgerald High. The football cheerleading squad has been motivating the football players for weeks and the competition cheerleaders have started full practices. Both cheerleading teams have been working hard to become better squads.

The football cheerleaders support the Purple Hurricane in good and bad times. At the Worth County game, the cheerleaders stood on the fence to cheer the boys on when the game went into overtime. The football players worked hard and despite their loss, the cheerleaders were very proud of how they fought the whole game. The Fitzgerald football cheerleaders believe in the ‘Canes!

On September 3, Fitzgerald played rival Irwin County at home. As part of a longtime tradition, the cheerleaders from both schools have dinner together before the game and the home team hosts the meal. With the help of supportive parents, the dinner was held at the Fitzgerald Church of God. They shared a delicious meal, signed posters for both football teams, visited with the Irwin County cheerleading friends and took pictures. Afterward, the two squads headed over to the field to begin the annual rival game.

The competition season is back, and the Fitzgerald Purple Girls will go to their first competition on September 18 in West Laurens wearing new uniforms. Head coach Christy Jacobs is on maternity leave, so coach Angela Davis stepped in to help assistant coach Kristy Gibbs. The Purple Girls have been practicing their stunts and tumbling passes. They are ready for the competition season to begin and look forward to the chance to make it to the floor at state.

Hurricane Football
by Brice Garrett • photography by Art Anderson

The start of the 2010 football season has been full of excitement for the Fitzgerald High Purple Hurricane. The scrimmage was a prolific battle between a state championship team and one that has been a recent threat to its respective class. Fitzgerald played host to Wilcox County in that duel. Jaycee Stadium was packed as the ‘Canes walked away victorious.

Another respected team entered Ben-Hill County when Fitzgerald hosted the Tift County Blue Devils. The ‘Canes were again victorious. The Hurricane kept this momentum until they played the Worth County Rams. The trip to Sylvester was an exciting one as the game was decided not in the first, but the second overtime. Hearts were shattered as the boys from FHS fell just short in their first loss since Buford.

They didn't stay down long. The ‘Canes returned home to play the annual Irwin County brawl. Fitzgerald bounced back and increased their streak of wins against Irwin to 11.

The Purple Hurricanes had a bye week September 10 before traveling to Douglas to skirmish with Coffee County. The ensuing week would open region play with Albany High. Results of these two games were unavailable at press time.

Girls Softball
by Bria McAlister

The total number of games a team wins or loses doesn’t tell the whole story of a season.  The Lady ‘Canes softball team has won games that affect postseason opportunities.  Head coach Chris Alexander called the last game a “no mercy practice!”      

After a long summer of hard work and dedication, the Lady ‘Canes began the season with a victory over Wilcox County.  The girls are improving daily, according to Coach Alexander.  The team is young with only one senior but the players are maturing. The players and coaches are anxious to see what the season has in store.   Their ultimate goal is the Class AA state championship.  

Coach Alexander reminds the team: “A game is won by being ready and responsible and by respecting your teammates.  We will win as a team and we will lose as a team.  Don’t let a loss get you down.  Come out and play harder the next game.”

Football and Competitive Cheerleading
by Katie Rickard • photography by Brenda Whitley

This summer, Fitzgerald High School’s competitive and football cheerleaders worked hard to improve their already dynamic squads. The competitive team conditioned during summer workouts while the football squad learned new cheers and band dances.

The competitive team started conditioning at the beginning of the summer, building up stamina and strength for a packed routine. The juniors and seniors know what is at stake – the state championship – and pushed the team. The sophomores offered encouragement to make the team better, and the freshmen made a lot of progress.

The competitive team consists of 20 girls, including four alternates, coached by head coach Christy Jacobs and assistant coach Kristie Gibbs.

“Our competitive team is already a lot farther than we were this time last year. We have been all giving 110 percent at every practice. We are hoping to win region for our ninth straight year. Our main goal is to make it “straight to the floor” at state and bring home the title,” notes Jacobs.

The football cheerleading team is under the leadership of new head coach Stacey Powell. This year, the team was split into varsity and junior varsity teams. The varsity team consists of 24 seniors, juniors and sophomores. The football co-captains this year are Shelby Ward and Courtney Lundy. The JV team consists of 10 freshmen.

The varsity and JV teams held a cheer camp for area girls from ages three through middle school during June. The week was packed with fun activities that included learning cheers and dance routines, which were performed for family and friends on the last day of camp.

The team has been preparing for the season. They are ready to cheer the football players to the playoffs and then to the Georgia Dome for a state title.

“We hope to accomplish all of our goals for this year,” says Ward. “We hope to be able to bond and make the two best teams that Fitzgerald High School has ever had!”

“I feel like this is our year to show what the purple girls have to offer," senior Kelsey Peck adds.

Fitzgerald Rallies for Upcoming Football Season
by Brice Garrett • photography by Art Anderson

Lately, it seems things rise with time. If you wait a few hours, the temperate will reach its peak. As the months roll by, one may also see an increase in spirit throughout the town of Fitzgerald. As the days continually pass, the anxiety of another football season and the anticipation of Friday night lights rise in the Fitzgerald faithful.

Last year’s performance in the postseason has many intrigued as head coach Robby Pruitt rallies his team for another season. The ‘Canes graduated a spectacular senior class and had some open gaps. These spots have been sufficiently filled in the past few weeks as coaches strategized during summer practices.

In a recent interview, Pruitt, who was named the Atlanta Falcons 2009 Class AA Coach of the Year, said this might be a rebuilding year.  Last year the Purple Hurricanes posted a 13-1 record and advanced to the state semifinals; however, 15 starters graduated. Pruitt admitted, “We are full of question marks right now.”  

Highly-recruited junior quarterback Kaleb Nobles has strong leadership ability. The team needs to stay healthy to be successful this season.  Players are stepping up to accept the challenge in the preseason practice.  

The 'Canes recently returned from Florida Bible Camp, where the team practiced three times a day for a week. This Hurricane seems battle-ready and is raring for the competition that accompanies a new year.

Football is a beloved sport in the small town of Fitzgerald, and this year’s gridiron program will attempt to entertain its crowds for yet another year.