THOMASVILLE — Thomas County Central was supposed to regroup in 2009.
The Yellow Jackets reloaded, however.
The result was an 11-win season, Region 1-AAAA championship and renewed optimism for next year.
““We can look back and say, ‘Hey, it was a great year for our kids,’” said Bill Shaver, who is 19-5 in two years as Central’s head coach. “We’ve got a good nucleus coming back. It’s just a matter of us beginning to work hard in the offseason,”
Central’s starting backfield will return, led by rising-senior quarterback Eric Dodson and rising-senior running back Curtis Brooks. Next year’s concern will be replacing three offensive linemen, including Nick Glass, Matthew McDaniel, Brent Matthews
“They were three offensive linemen who put their heart and soul into this program and really helped that young group in the backfield to mature along,” Shaver said. “We’ve got to find some replacements there. Obviously, Garrett Hanright will step into one of those spots.”
On defense, the Yellow Jackets lose four starters, including a pair who have started for three years, defensive end Caleb Heard and defensive back Chris Shiver.
“You don’t just replace those guys very quick,” Shaver said. “Then, you got Reshard Cliett at free safety. He just kept getting better and better as the season went along. A.J. Larkins had a lot of starts over there at corner. Some folks will have to step up for those four spots.
“We’ve got a lot of guys back. All the tackles are back. Ray (Drew’s) back. Both linebackers are back. Toby (Eaton’s) back, he’s our leading tackler. Malcom Franklin had an awesome year at corner, he’s back.”
The biggest question mark may be whether Central is back in Region 1-AAAA next year. A decision on reclassification is due this week and there’s speculation the Yellow Jackets could end up in Region 1-AAAAA next year. According to the The Georgia High School Association website, the Reclassification Committee will meet Wednesday to place schools in their respective regions.
“I guess the big discussion is where are we going to be playing next year. We’ll know quick enough,” Shaver said. “Regardless of where it is, our guys will give it their best effort and they’ll play with it with a heart like a Yellow Jacket has.”
Local Sports
Jackets upbeat heading into next season
- Local Sports
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Strickland named Player of Year
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THS' Donalson named top pitcher
Bulldogs ace fanned 106 in 66 2/3 innings
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English tied for second
Thomasville's Harris English is tied for second at the Colonial golf tournament in Fort Worth, Texas.
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THS set to hold Bulldog Brawl
No rest for the weary.
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English qualifies for British Open
Thomasville’s Harris English has qualified for his first major.
His chance at another major comes in a couple of weeks. -
Central's Henley honored again
Jodi Henley is a model of excellence and consistency. The Thomas County Central junior was recently named to the all-state golf team for the third time.
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Spring showcase
Two weeks of spring practice culminated in an annual scrimmage for Thomas County Central on Tuesday.
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Warriors honored with postseason awards
Whether it be all-state or all-region, the Brookwood Warriors were honored for their 27-6 season.
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Warriors' season done
Youth and inexperience in the GISA playoffs came back to haunt the Brookwood Warriors on Monday.
With a chance to play for the Class AA championship on the line, the Warriors allowed three unearned runs in the first inning and left the bases loaded in the fourth, leading to Windsor Academy defeating Brookwood 5-3. - More Local Sports Headlines
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