Jackets upbeat heading into next season

Local Sports

November 28, 2009

Clint Thompson The Times Enterprise Sat Nov 28, 2009, 11:48 PM EST

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.”

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