Double Coverage

By Jerome Bryant

Cheer To Victory

Jabria Brown, her cheer coach (left) and her mother, Felisha Brown (right)

Excitement is in the air in the tri-city area as Shaw High School cheerleader Jabria Brown achieves an outstanding milestone by earning a spot on the All-State Team, placing in the top 16.

Her remarkable performance was further celebrated with a $100 scholarship at the State tournament.

Notably, Jabria is the only local cheerleader to become a finalist, ranking in the top 30 for Cheerleader of the Year!

This achievement is a testament to her hard work and dedication, setting a high bar for future athletes in our community.

High School Softball

In other thrilling sports news, the high school softball season has kicked off with a bang.

The Columbus Lady Blue Devils made an impressive start, securing a commanding 12-7 victory over Marion County Eagles on Aug. 5.

Their strong performance sets the stage for an exciting season ahead.

Youth Football

Football fever is also building up, as Columbus Youth Football holds its last registration this Saturday at Midland Middle School, 6990 Warm Springs Road, Midland, Ga., 31820, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. August 10, 2024.

Interested participants ages 4 to 14 years old can register online at columbusyouthfootball.com. Coaches and volunteers also can register online, along with cheerleaders.

Parents and players must register online first at columbusyouthfootball.com before attending verification. The registration fee is $50, plus a league fee that varies depending on the league.

With the season approaching, this is the final opportunity to join and be part of the action.

High School Media Day

Muscogee County recently hosted its High School Football Media Day, spotlighting teams from Carver, Columbus, Hardaway, Jordan, Kendrick, Northside, Shaw, and Spencer.

Coaches and players shared their enthusiasm and predictions for the upcoming season, promising thrilling games and intense competition.

Carver Tigers (Region 1-AA) Head Coach Pierre Coffey begins his third season with Carver Tigers, having led them to the State Semifinals last year with a 10-4 record. Key players include Senior WR Braylon Jakes, Senior LB AJ Wilson, Junior DE/WR Tristian Givens, and Junior QB Matthew Mungin.

Carver High: Coach Pierre Coffey, (Pictured left to right) Braylon Jakes, Tristian Givens, Matthew Mungin, and AJ Wilson

With a seasoned coach and a talented roster, Carver is poised for another strong season.

Columbus Blue Devils (Region 1-AA) Coach Robert Peters takes the helm for his first year as head coach. Key players to watch include Senior RB David Livingston, Senior DE/LB Tim Rogers, Senior OL Will Carroll, and Senior LB Max Uneaya.

Columbus High: Coach Robert Peters, (Pictured left to right) David Livingston, and Tim Rogers

The team is ready to make their mark under new leadership.

Hardaway Hawks (Region 1-AA) In his second season, Coach Ryan McKenzie brings extensive experience to the Hardaway Hawks. Key players include Senior RB Makel Benton, Senior OL/DL Davarious Jessie, Senior LB Demari Taylor, and Sophomore QB Bobby Gary.

Hardaway: Coach Ryan McKenzie, (Pictured left to right) Makel Benton, and Davarious Jessie

The Hawks are determined to soar this season.

Jordan Red Jackets (Region 1-AA) Coach Aaron McDaniel, a decorated U.S. Army veteran, leads the team in his first year. Key players include Senior QB/DB Davin James and Senior OL/LB JaCory London.

Jordan High: Coach Aaron McDaniel, (Pictured left to right) Davin James, and JaCory London

With new leadership, the Red Jackets are set to bring fresh energy to the field.

Kendrick Cherokees (Region 1-AA) Coach Emmanuel Brown, an alum of Kendrick High, begins his first year. Key players include Senior DB/WR Bakarri Littles, Senior LB/RB Corey Baker, Senior LB/TE Moyses Mena, and Junior OL/DL Leviticus Massey.

Brown’s return to his alma mater brings a sense of pride and determination.

Northside Patriots (Region 5-AAAA) Coach Andrew Oropeza enters his fifth year as head coach. Key players include Senior QB Caden Clay, Senior WR/DB Kingston Rivers, Junior DL Kamal Christopher, and Junior Jai Jackson.

Northside High: Coach Andrew Oropeza, (Pictured left to right) Caden Clay, and Kamal Christopher

The Patriots are ready to build on their previous successes under Oropeza’s leadership.

Shaw Raiders (Region 1-AA) Coach Johnny Garner, in his second year, brings experience from Northside and Carver. Key players include Senior OL Kristian Kimbrough and Senior OL/DL Elijah Salter.

Shaw High: Coach Johnny Garner, (Pictured left to right) Kristian Kimbrough, and Elijah Salter

The Raiders are looking to make significant strides this season.

Spencer Greenwave (Region 1-AA) Coach Joseph Kegler is entering his fourth year. Key players include Senior WR Demarcus Horne and Senior DB Ben Watson.

The Greenwave are eager to showcase their talent and compete at a high level.

The preseason action kicked off Aug. 2, with Columbus High School facing Early County at Kinnett Stadium where the Columbus Blue Devils fell short 16-0.

Meanwhile, the Hardaway Hawks traveled to Marion County, but were defeated 49-21.

More preseason action is set for Friday, Aug. 9, as Hardaway takes on Taylor County at Odis Spencer Stadium, 4150 Cusseta Road, Columbus, Ga. 31903, at 7 p.m.

Friday night’s lineup includes Northside vs. Spencer at Kinnett Stadium, 7610 N. Stadium Dr., Columbus, Ga. 31909, at 7 p.m., Carver vs. Lee County at Odis Spencer, 4150 Cusseta Road, Columbus, Ga. 31903, at 7 p.m., Columbus traveling to Marion County for a 7 p.m. game, and Kendrick hitting the road to take on Heritage at 7 p.m.

Stay tuned for more updates and coverage as we gear up for an exciting football season, filled with anticipation and high stakes.

The tri-city area is buzzing with sports excitement, and we can’t wait to see how our local teams perform!