By Joey Marchant
Dodge traveled to Macon needing a win against Northeast to keep its region championship hopes alive. Northeast came in with a lot of size, strength and experience. That size and strength would give Dodge fits all night. However, in the end Dodge looked like the more experienced team able to keep its composure and make plays with the game hanging in the balance.
Northeast took the opening kickoff out to the Dodge 35 yard line before Jaylon Jaynes could make the tackle. On third down, Northeast Quarterback Travion Solomon threw the ball directly to Dodge’s Nathan Coley at midfield. Coley took it down the sideline for a touchdown, his second touchdown return in the past two games. Mikhail Carr scored the two point conversion to give Dodge an early 8-0 lead.
Dodge again had trouble containing the kick returner, and Carr had to make the tackle at the Northeast 43 yard line. Northeast would use a series of runs and short passes to get to the Dodge 15 yard line, but the Dodge defense would hold. Elijah Williams dropped the runner for a four yard loss on first down. Timmy Johnson almost picked off a pass on second down. Rico Caines sacked the quarterback on third down. A fourth down pass on a corner route fell incomplete as Keldrick Beck defended. Dodge took over at its own 30 yard line.
Dodge came out with Carr at quarterback. He took the snap and ran right picking up 12 yards. Dodge came back with the same play, but a holding call on the perimeter negated a gain by Carr. Kade Harpe then entered the game at quarterback. Harpe rolled left and hit slot receiver Kevin Sykes, Jr., who ran a short out route picking up 10 yards. A Northeast defender gave Sykes a late shove out of bounds and was flagged for 15 yards moving the ball to the Northeast 43 yard line. The Dodge offensive line struggled to block resulting in Daylon Gordon being dropped twice near the line of scrimmage and Harpe being sacked back at midfield. On fourth down, Dodge ran the fake punt play we have seen often in recent years. Caines crouched behind the Dodge linemen next to Carr. Punter Timmy Johnson faked as if the ball was snapped over his head while Carr actually took the snap moving right and slipped the ball to the still crouched Caines who ran back to the left. Northeast sniffed out the fake and tackled Caines after a short gain.
Northeast took over on downs at its own 48 yard line and again used a series of runs and short passes to reach deep into Dodge territory. A Northeast pass was complete on fourth down, but Coley tackled the receiver immediately short of the first down.
Dodge took over at its own 21 yard line. Harpe passed to Carr for six yards, and Gordon carried for five yards and a first down. Harpe carried for three yards. Then Gordon took a handoff and raced 47 yards before being brought down deep in Northeast territory.
Dodge would eventually turn it over on downs at the Northeast 10 yard line early in the second quarter. Northeast would drive the ball into Dodge territory at the 48 yard line before having to punt. A high snap and pressure from Javon McNeal resulted in a short punt that rolled dead at the Dodge 35 yard line.
Dodge went three plays and out. A wild snap caused Timmy Johnson to have to move to his right to catch the ball, and he had to rush his punt, which only netted 18 yards. Johnson took some contact on the play, but no flag was thrown.
Northeast took over at its own 45 yard line, but went three and out. The Northeast punt rolled out of bounds at the Dodge 35 yard line. Harpe later faked to Gordon and rolled left where he spotted Carr running free down the field. Harpe threw a nice easy pass which Carr cradled and took into the end zone for a 67 yard touchdown. Carr’s defender attempted to jam Carr at the line, but then he let Carr go in favor of another receiver running a shallow route. There was no one within 15 yards of Carr when he caught the football. Mangham added the extra point, and Dodge took what looked at the time like a comfortable 15-0 lead.
Dodge again struggled to cover the kickoff, and Carr and Kane Northcutt had to make the tackle at midfield. Northeast took advantage of the good field position on the legs of Deondre Duehart, the Warner Robins High School transfer, who would gash the Dodge Defense for 137 yards and 3 touchdowns on the night. Duehart scored from six yards out on this drive. The extra point was no good, but Dodge was flagged on the play. Northeast trotted Duehart back out, and he converted the two point play to cut the Dodge lead to 15-8. The half would end that way.
Dodge would get the ball to start the second half, but Northeast would intercept a Harpe pass on the Dodge 45 yard line. Duehart would score on a seven yard run for Northeast. The extra point tied the game at 15-15. Dodge had a game on its hands.
The teams would then trade punts with Dodge getting the better field position on the exchange thanks to a 40 yarder by Timmy Johnson. Timmy has really been a pleasant surprise with his punting this year.
Dodge took over at the Northeast 38 yard line where Harpe hit Timmy Johnson on an out route for a 10 yard gain. Harpe gained 12 yards on a keeper. Later Dodge faced a 3rd down and 20 at the Northeast 27 yard line. Harpe hit Tyrese Johnson on a slant route as Johnson split two defenders for a touchdown. However, Northeast’s Roderick Smith obliterated the snapper and blocked the extra point. Dodge led 21-15. That was an illegal play as you are not allowed to hit the snapper in high school football. No flag was thrown. Smith did everything for Northeast but run the concession stand as he played offense and defense recording 4 tackles including a sack and 2 blocked kicks. He was also named Mr. Northeast High School during homecoming festivities.
[Full Story »]
Letter to the editor
Dear editor,
The Dodge County Hospital Auxiliary (Pink Ladies and Red Shirts) proudly announces the 2019 annual Love-Lite tree project. This year we will again be lighting a beautiful tree placed on the lawn of the hospital. Year after year it has been lighted with hundreds of bulbs by you and your friends to represent the loved ones you have and for those dear to you. This year is no different. Honor your loved ones with a lighted bulb on the tree or memorialize the “memory” of a loved one.
We would like to assure you that all fundraising proceeds by the auxiliary are used solely to benefit Dodge County Hospital, its patients and our community. Over the years we have volunteered thousands of hours and have contributed more than $351,000.00 to the hospital.
Our contributions to the hospital include such things as the education building, the chapel, wheelchairs, TV’s, patient lifting equipment, infant car seats and much more. Whether we are making cakes for a bake sale, working in the gift shop, wheeling patients to their rooms, handing out newspapers, delivering flowers, assisting with blood drives or whatever, we strive to be positive force for our hospital and our community.
You can participate in this year’s Love-Lite project by contacting any member of the Dodge County Hospital Auxiliary. You can also simply send us a note stating that you want to purchase a light in honor of or in memory of your loved one (please include your telephone number in the event we need to clarify anything) to Dodge County Hospital Auxiliary; P.O. Box 4309; Eastman, Georgia 31023.
The name of your honoree and your name will be printed in The Dodge County News unless you request otherwise.
Any dollar amount is appreciated and for more information or if you have questions please call 447-448-4095.
Thank you for your support of the auxiliary and our Love-Lite program. Your contributions allow us, and you, to give back to our hospital and our community.
Sincerely,
Corine Edmondson, president
Dodge County Hospital Auxiliary
The Dodge County Hospital Auxiliary (Pink Ladies and Red Shirts) proudly announces the 2019 annual Love-Lite tree project. This year we will again be lighting a beautiful tree placed on the lawn of the hospital. Year after year it has been lighted with hundreds of bulbs by you and your friends to represent the loved ones you have and for those dear to you. This year is no different. Honor your loved ones with a lighted bulb on the tree or memorialize the “memory” of a loved one.
We would like to assure you that all fundraising proceeds by the auxiliary are used solely to benefit Dodge County Hospital, its patients and our community. Over the years we have volunteered thousands of hours and have contributed more than $351,000.00 to the hospital.
Our contributions to the hospital include such things as the education building, the chapel, wheelchairs, TV’s, patient lifting equipment, infant car seats and much more. Whether we are making cakes for a bake sale, working in the gift shop, wheeling patients to their rooms, handing out newspapers, delivering flowers, assisting with blood drives or whatever, we strive to be positive force for our hospital and our community.
You can participate in this year’s Love-Lite project by contacting any member of the Dodge County Hospital Auxiliary. You can also simply send us a note stating that you want to purchase a light in honor of or in memory of your loved one (please include your telephone number in the event we need to clarify anything) to Dodge County Hospital Auxiliary; P.O. Box 4309; Eastman, Georgia 31023.
The name of your honoree and your name will be printed in The Dodge County News unless you request otherwise.
Any dollar amount is appreciated and for more information or if you have questions please call 447-448-4095.
Thank you for your support of the auxiliary and our Love-Lite program. Your contributions allow us, and you, to give back to our hospital and our community.
Sincerely,
Corine Edmondson, president
Dodge County Hospital Auxiliary
Letter to the editor
Dear editor,
I am writing in response to Mr. Robert Belflower’s recent letters concerning Dodge County Head Football Coach Ken Cofer. I do not know coach Cofer extremely well. However, I feel that I am qualified to defend his character based on the impact that I have seen him make on my son and his teammates over the last three years. My son has wanted to play football since before he could walk. He has always been on the small side, and like most kids, he just wasn’t physically mature enough to compete in varsity football as a freshman or sophomore. Sometimes he mistook this for his coaches not believing in him. However, there was one coach who he never doubted believed in him and the other young players, his position coach Ken Cofer. It seemed like every day that he was telling me something that coach Cofer said. He was disappointed when he learned that coach Cofer was leaving to take the head coaching job at Wilcox County. My son asked to go watch coach Cofer’s Wilcox team play in a scrimmage game at Johnson County. I remember telling my son that I didn’t know how Wilcox was going to win more than two games after watching that. Well they won five in the toughest Single A Region in the state and made the playoffs coming within two points of reaching the second round. Despite coach Cofer’s busy schedule and his new team, he was never too busy to respond to my son’s texts.
When my son learned that coach Hodges was retiring, he was excited about the possibility of coach Cofer coaching him again. My son doesn’t like playing for coach Cofer because he goes easy on my son. He often says things like, “Coach Cofer really chewed me out when I missed that block last night.” While I’m sure he doesn’t enjoy getting chewed out, what comes across to me is, he really doesn’t want to disappoint his coach.
One of the first things I remember coach Cofer saying is that he would like to have as many players as would like to get together and visit some different churches in the community once a month. So one Sunday, several team members and coaches attended New Pleasant Hill Baptist where my friend George Fluellen is the pastor. Well it occurred to me that I was 44 years old and had never been to a black church before. It always bothered me a little that we don’t usually worship together if we are going to be in Heaven together, so me and my wife invited ourselves to tag along. Well Pastor George preached the Word, and the music was great. And I was shocked when some of the players got up and sang solos without being prompted. Anyway it was a great experience that we might not have had without coach Cofer. I really don’t know anything about the alleged incidents from years ago to which Mr. Belflower keeps referring. I do know his version of the events of the West Laurens game is either a blatant mischaracterization or a misunderstanding of the facts. I am sure coach Cofer is not perfect just like I am not perfect. He makes mistakes on and off the field. However, as a parent of one of his players, I could not be more pleased with the way he is running his program.
Joey Marchant
I am writing in response to Mr. Robert Belflower’s recent letters concerning Dodge County Head Football Coach Ken Cofer. I do not know coach Cofer extremely well. However, I feel that I am qualified to defend his character based on the impact that I have seen him make on my son and his teammates over the last three years. My son has wanted to play football since before he could walk. He has always been on the small side, and like most kids, he just wasn’t physically mature enough to compete in varsity football as a freshman or sophomore. Sometimes he mistook this for his coaches not believing in him. However, there was one coach who he never doubted believed in him and the other young players, his position coach Ken Cofer. It seemed like every day that he was telling me something that coach Cofer said. He was disappointed when he learned that coach Cofer was leaving to take the head coaching job at Wilcox County. My son asked to go watch coach Cofer’s Wilcox team play in a scrimmage game at Johnson County. I remember telling my son that I didn’t know how Wilcox was going to win more than two games after watching that. Well they won five in the toughest Single A Region in the state and made the playoffs coming within two points of reaching the second round. Despite coach Cofer’s busy schedule and his new team, he was never too busy to respond to my son’s texts.
When my son learned that coach Hodges was retiring, he was excited about the possibility of coach Cofer coaching him again. My son doesn’t like playing for coach Cofer because he goes easy on my son. He often says things like, “Coach Cofer really chewed me out when I missed that block last night.” While I’m sure he doesn’t enjoy getting chewed out, what comes across to me is, he really doesn’t want to disappoint his coach.
One of the first things I remember coach Cofer saying is that he would like to have as many players as would like to get together and visit some different churches in the community once a month. So one Sunday, several team members and coaches attended New Pleasant Hill Baptist where my friend George Fluellen is the pastor. Well it occurred to me that I was 44 years old and had never been to a black church before. It always bothered me a little that we don’t usually worship together if we are going to be in Heaven together, so me and my wife invited ourselves to tag along. Well Pastor George preached the Word, and the music was great. And I was shocked when some of the players got up and sang solos without being prompted. Anyway it was a great experience that we might not have had without coach Cofer. I really don’t know anything about the alleged incidents from years ago to which Mr. Belflower keeps referring. I do know his version of the events of the West Laurens game is either a blatant mischaracterization or a misunderstanding of the facts. I am sure coach Cofer is not perfect just like I am not perfect. He makes mistakes on and off the field. However, as a parent of one of his players, I could not be more pleased with the way he is running his program.
Joey Marchant
Police overkill
It was six years ago today (10-3-13) that dental hygienist Miriam Carey was gunned down in the streets of D.C. by capitol police as she sped away confused after making a wrong turn, hitting a guard booth, and drawing a chase from the police. This so angered the police that they killed her. She was shot in the back and head five times with her baby girl strapped in the back seat, well away from the White House, more than a mile away, an obvious example of police overkill. Ms. Carey, age 34, had no weapons, no alcohol, no drugs, murdered by police. The tragedy was forgotten in a couple of weeks by most, but not here. I remember these cases. The political class put it down the media memory hole, sort of the way they treated the Soviet murders of those on KAL flight 007 on Set. 1, 1983, all 269 murdered. If the incident doesn’t fit the narrative, big media forgets all about it and the anniversaries of such horrible events pass every year with scant if any mention by the media. Good for WorldNetDaily.com founder Joseph Farah, who questioned the murder of Miriam Carey. There are others who think the killers got away with it. Reverends Jackson and Sharpton weren’t interested, even though Miriam was black. Police investigated and – big surprise here – decided they had done nothing wrong. This shows you how detached the political class is from everyday Americans. I’m typing this on Oct. 3rd and have heard nothing mentioned about this. Don’t forget, this could happen to any of us. Some in the police department thought it was covered up, police at fault, yet nothing was done. Look up her name and you will hear some surprising comments on the way this crime was handled. She did nothing wrong and deserved to live. Her baby should now be age seven and will never see her mother again in this life.
“In the West junk information and junk judgment prevail.”
Paul Craig Roberts on Unz.com
Today’s question (s): 1. Who was the last Democrat presidential candidate to win a majority of the white vote? 2. Who was the last U.S. president to own slaves?
Answers coming up.
Someone told retired BYU and Bears Quarterback Jim McMahon a while back that he was a nice fellow in person, not at all like he was being portrayed by television. “You’re nothing like you seem on television,” the person said. Jim replied “Well, that’s television for you.”
The murder rate in Mexico is soaring, yet people keep going there on vacation. Why?
Answers to today’s questions: 1. Lyndon Johnson, good ol’ LBJ, Mr. Vietnam. I was 24 and a college senior in 1964 and voted for Goldwater, who was perfectly sane when liberals hysterically claimed he was crazy. Years later he went crazy and liberal reporters wanted to interview him. U.S. Grant owned slaves throughout the War of 1861. Yes, there was plenty of slavery in the North. The 13th Amendment forced Grant to free his sales in 1865, and Robert E. Lee voluntarily freed his (inherited) slaves as the war began in 1861.
“Liberals write history.”
Richard Nixon
It was six years ago today (10-3-13) that dental hygienist Miriam Carey was gunned down in the streets of D.C. by capitol police as she sped away confused after making a wrong turn, hitting a guard booth, and drawing a chase from the police. This so angered the police that they killed her. She was shot in the back and head five times with her baby girl strapped in the back seat, well away from the White House, more than a mile away, an obvious example of police overkill. Ms. Carey, age 34, had no weapons, no alcohol, no drugs, murdered by police. The tragedy was forgotten in a couple of weeks by most, but not here. I remember these cases. The political class put it down the media memory hole, sort of the way they treated the Soviet murders of those on KAL flight 007 on Set. 1, 1983, all 269 murdered. If the incident doesn’t fit the narrative, big media forgets all about it and the anniversaries of such horrible events pass every year with scant if any mention by the media. Good for WorldNetDaily.com founder Joseph Farah, who questioned the murder of Miriam Carey. There are others who think the killers got away with it. Reverends Jackson and Sharpton weren’t interested, even though Miriam was black. Police investigated and – big surprise here – decided they had done nothing wrong. This shows you how detached the political class is from everyday Americans. I’m typing this on Oct. 3rd and have heard nothing mentioned about this. Don’t forget, this could happen to any of us. Some in the police department thought it was covered up, police at fault, yet nothing was done. Look up her name and you will hear some surprising comments on the way this crime was handled. She did nothing wrong and deserved to live. Her baby should now be age seven and will never see her mother again in this life.
“In the West junk information and junk judgment prevail.”
Paul Craig Roberts on Unz.com
Today’s question (s): 1. Who was the last Democrat presidential candidate to win a majority of the white vote? 2. Who was the last U.S. president to own slaves?
Answers coming up.
Someone told retired BYU and Bears Quarterback Jim McMahon a while back that he was a nice fellow in person, not at all like he was being portrayed by television. “You’re nothing like you seem on television,” the person said. Jim replied “Well, that’s television for you.”
The murder rate in Mexico is soaring, yet people keep going there on vacation. Why?
Answers to today’s questions: 1. Lyndon Johnson, good ol’ LBJ, Mr. Vietnam. I was 24 and a college senior in 1964 and voted for Goldwater, who was perfectly sane when liberals hysterically claimed he was crazy. Years later he went crazy and liberal reporters wanted to interview him. U.S. Grant owned slaves throughout the War of 1861. Yes, there was plenty of slavery in the North. The 13th Amendment forced Grant to free his sales in 1865, and Robert E. Lee voluntarily freed his (inherited) slaves as the war began in 1861.
“Liberals write history.”
Richard Nixon
“To Trump, making America great means making the people great. To Obama, making America great means making government great and aggrandizing himself in the process.”
[Full Story »]
“In the West junk information and junk judgment prevail.”
Paul Craig Roberts on Unz.com
Today’s question (s): 1. Who was the last Democrat presidential candidate to win a majority of the white vote? 2. Who was the last U.S. president to own slaves?
Answers coming up.
Someone told retired BYU and Bears Quarterback Jim McMahon a while back that he was a nice fellow in person, not at all like he was being portrayed by television. “You’re nothing like you seem on television,” the person said. Jim replied “Well, that’s television for you.”
The murder rate in Mexico is soaring, yet people keep going there on vacation. Why?
Answers to today’s questions: 1. Lyndon Johnson, good ol’ LBJ, Mr. Vietnam. I was 24 and a college senior in 1964 and voted for Goldwater, who was perfectly sane when liberals hysterically claimed he was crazy. Years later he went crazy and liberal reporters wanted to interview him. U.S. Grant owned slaves throughout the War of 1861. Yes, there was plenty of slavery in the North. The 13th Amendment forced Grant to free his sales in 1865, and Robert E. Lee voluntarily freed his (inherited) slaves as the war began in 1861.
“Liberals write history.”
Richard Nixon
It was six years ago today (10-3-13) that dental hygienist Miriam Carey was gunned down in the streets of D.C. by capitol police as she sped away confused after making a wrong turn, hitting a guard booth, and drawing a chase from the police. This so angered the police that they killed her. She was shot in the back and head five times with her baby girl strapped in the back seat, well away from the White House, more than a mile away, an obvious example of police overkill. Ms. Carey, age 34, had no weapons, no alcohol, no drugs, murdered by police. The tragedy was forgotten in a couple of weeks by most, but not here. I remember these cases. The political class put it down the media memory hole, sort of the way they treated the Soviet murders of those on KAL flight 007 on Set. 1, 1983, all 269 murdered. If the incident doesn’t fit the narrative, big media forgets all about it and the anniversaries of such horrible events pass every year with scant if any mention by the media. Good for WorldNetDaily.com founder Joseph Farah, who questioned the murder of Miriam Carey. There are others who think the killers got away with it. Reverends Jackson and Sharpton weren’t interested, even though Miriam was black. Police investigated and – big surprise here – decided they had done nothing wrong. This shows you how detached the political class is from everyday Americans. I’m typing this on Oct. 3rd and have heard nothing mentioned about this. Don’t forget, this could happen to any of us. Some in the police department thought it was covered up, police at fault, yet nothing was done. Look up her name and you will hear some surprising comments on the way this crime was handled. She did nothing wrong and deserved to live. Her baby should now be age seven and will never see her mother again in this life.
“In the West junk information and junk judgment prevail.”
Paul Craig Roberts on Unz.com
Today’s question (s): 1. Who was the last Democrat presidential candidate to win a majority of the white vote? 2. Who was the last U.S. president to own slaves?
Answers coming up.
Someone told retired BYU and Bears Quarterback Jim McMahon a while back that he was a nice fellow in person, not at all like he was being portrayed by television. “You’re nothing like you seem on television,” the person said. Jim replied “Well, that’s television for you.”
The murder rate in Mexico is soaring, yet people keep going there on vacation. Why?
Answers to today’s questions: 1. Lyndon Johnson, good ol’ LBJ, Mr. Vietnam. I was 24 and a college senior in 1964 and voted for Goldwater, who was perfectly sane when liberals hysterically claimed he was crazy. Years later he went crazy and liberal reporters wanted to interview him. U.S. Grant owned slaves throughout the War of 1861. Yes, there was plenty of slavery in the North. The 13th Amendment forced Grant to free his sales in 1865, and Robert E. Lee voluntarily freed his (inherited) slaves as the war began in 1861.
“Liberals write history.”
Richard Nixon
“To Trump, making America great means making the people great. To Obama, making America great means making government great and aggrandizing himself in the process.”
[Full Story »]
Grand jury returns many indictments
The Dodge County Grand Jury recently handed down the following indictments on September 30, 2019.
James Inez Dupree was indicted for one count of felony rape.
Jonesy Ray Wiggins was indicted for one count of felony assault and two counts of misdemeanor cruelty to children (allow child to witness felony).
Moises Ramirez-Romero was indicted for one count of felony criminal attempt to commit a felony (16-4-1), one count of felony aggravated assault, one count of felony obstruction of law enforcement officer when engaged in crime, one count of felony willful interference with emergency medical professionals and one count of sexual battery.
Darrell Bonds was indicted for one count of felony criminal attempt to commit a rape.
Benjamin James Jackson was indicted for one count of child molestation.
Justin Marie Mullis was indicted for four counts of child molestation.
Demarcus Reshawn McClinton was indicted for one count of felony aggravated assault.
Matthew Lamar Thomas was indicted for one count of forgery in the first degree.
Corey Willis was indicted for 66 counts of felony forgery in the second degree.
Bobby Lee Swint, Jr. was indicted for two counts of aggravated assault, one count of misdemeanor cruelty to children (allow child to witness felony) and one count of criminal trespass.
Johnny Harris Tuff was indicted for one count of felony sale of cocaine.
Jack Elmer Holt, Jr. was indicted for one count of felony traffic in cocaine/marijuana/illegal drugs, one count of misdemeanor marijuana (less than one ounce), one count of misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked and one count of weaving over roadway.
Kayla Lee Williams was indicted for one count of felony traffic in cocaine/marijuana/illegal drugs, one count of misdemeanor marijuana (less than one ounce) and one count of felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
Angela W. Butler was indicted for one count of felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance, one count of misdemeanor driving under the influence (DUI) drugs, one count of misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked, one count of speeding, one count of tail lights and one count of misdemeanor possession and use of drug related objects.
Randi Kristin Daniels was indicted for one count of felony possession of a schedule IV controlled substance, one count of misdemeanor DUI alcohol, one count of misdemeanor DUI alcohol and drugs, one count of weaving over roadway, one count of misdemeanor drugs not in original container and one count of open container violation.
Stephino Demaris Harrell was indicted for one count of felony theft by taking.
James Derek Bridges was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine.
Callie Deanne Spires was indicted for one count of felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance and one count of misdemeanor possession and use of drug related objects.
Lafeyette Bernard Butler was indicted for one count of felony receipt, possession or transfer of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of felony aggravated assault, one count of felony terroristic threats and acts, one count of misdemeanor hindering person making emergency call, one count of misdemeanor theft by taking, one count of misdemeanor simple battery-family violence, one count of misdemeanor criminal trespass and five counts of misdemeanor cruelty to children in the third degree – first or second.
Joshua Antoinne Johnson was indicted for one count of felony hit and run resulting in serious injury or death and one count of misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked.
Kellie Lee Muncher was indicted for two counts of felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance, one count of misdemeanor drugs not in original container, one count of misdemeanor criminal trespass, one count of felony possession of a schedule IV controlled substance, one count of felony fleeing/attempting elude an officer for a felony, one count of misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked and one count of headlight requirements.
Nakeata Cierra Strange was indicted for one count of felony traffic in cocaine/marijuana/illegal drugs.
Tyus Rasheed Turnage was indicted for one count of felony traffic in cocaine/marijuana/illegal drugs.
James Bernard Bray was indicted for one count of felony receipt, possession or transfer of firearm by convicted felon, one count of felony possession of firearm/knife during crime/attempt crime and one count of felony possession/manufacturing/distribution/etc. of marijuana.
Jonathan Lamon Wilcox was indicted for one county of felony possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, one count of felony possession of firearm/knife during crime/attempt crime and one count of felony receipt, possession or transfer of firearm by convicted felon.
Ted Eugene Brantley was indicted for two counts felony possession/manufacturing/distribution/etc. of marijuana, one count of felony possession of a schedule IV controlled substance and one count of felony receipt, possession or transfer of firearm by a convicted felon.
Cole Bailey was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine, two counts of felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance and one count of misdemeanor marijuana (less than one ounce).
Brandon Michael Fountain was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine, two counts of felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance and one count of misdemeanor marijuana (less than one ounce).
Megan Hailey Persinger was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine, two counts of felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance and one count of misdemeanor marijuana (less than one ounce).
Johnny Paul Grilliot was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and one count of felony possession of firearm/knife during crime/attempt crime.
Dusty Hankinson was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and one count of felony possession of firearm/knife during crime/attempt crime.
Paul John Bentley, Jr. was indicted for one count of felony possession/manufacturing/distribution/etc. of marijuana and one count of misdemeanor passion and use of drug related objects.
Sandy Ray English was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine.
Fallon Munch was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine.
Tracy Rammage was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine.
Michelle Williams was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
Shaquail Latrice Dixon was indicted for one count of felony theft by shoplifting.
Shakya V. Wright was indicted for one count of felony theft by shoplifting.
Matthew Lamar Thomas was indicted for two counts of felony forgery first degree.
Lance Prentice Gilbert was indicted for one count of felony burglary (second degree) and one count of felony theft by taking.
Jimmy Leon Paul was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
Joshua Kade Daniels was indicted for one count of felony theft by taking.
Anna Leigh Stewart was indicted for one count of felony cruelty to children (first degree).
Todd Jermaine Wilcox was indicted for one count of felony theft by taking and one count of misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked.
Daniel Clinton Jordan was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, one count of misdemeanor possession and use of drug related objects, one count of misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked and one count of no proof of insurance.
[Full Story »]
James Inez Dupree was indicted for one count of felony rape.
Jonesy Ray Wiggins was indicted for one count of felony assault and two counts of misdemeanor cruelty to children (allow child to witness felony).
Moises Ramirez-Romero was indicted for one count of felony criminal attempt to commit a felony (16-4-1), one count of felony aggravated assault, one count of felony obstruction of law enforcement officer when engaged in crime, one count of felony willful interference with emergency medical professionals and one count of sexual battery.
Darrell Bonds was indicted for one count of felony criminal attempt to commit a rape.
Benjamin James Jackson was indicted for one count of child molestation.
Justin Marie Mullis was indicted for four counts of child molestation.
Demarcus Reshawn McClinton was indicted for one count of felony aggravated assault.
Matthew Lamar Thomas was indicted for one count of forgery in the first degree.
Corey Willis was indicted for 66 counts of felony forgery in the second degree.
Bobby Lee Swint, Jr. was indicted for two counts of aggravated assault, one count of misdemeanor cruelty to children (allow child to witness felony) and one count of criminal trespass.
Johnny Harris Tuff was indicted for one count of felony sale of cocaine.
Jack Elmer Holt, Jr. was indicted for one count of felony traffic in cocaine/marijuana/illegal drugs, one count of misdemeanor marijuana (less than one ounce), one count of misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked and one count of weaving over roadway.
Kayla Lee Williams was indicted for one count of felony traffic in cocaine/marijuana/illegal drugs, one count of misdemeanor marijuana (less than one ounce) and one count of felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
Angela W. Butler was indicted for one count of felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance, one count of misdemeanor driving under the influence (DUI) drugs, one count of misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked, one count of speeding, one count of tail lights and one count of misdemeanor possession and use of drug related objects.
Randi Kristin Daniels was indicted for one count of felony possession of a schedule IV controlled substance, one count of misdemeanor DUI alcohol, one count of misdemeanor DUI alcohol and drugs, one count of weaving over roadway, one count of misdemeanor drugs not in original container and one count of open container violation.
Stephino Demaris Harrell was indicted for one count of felony theft by taking.
James Derek Bridges was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine.
Callie Deanne Spires was indicted for one count of felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance and one count of misdemeanor possession and use of drug related objects.
Lafeyette Bernard Butler was indicted for one count of felony receipt, possession or transfer of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of felony aggravated assault, one count of felony terroristic threats and acts, one count of misdemeanor hindering person making emergency call, one count of misdemeanor theft by taking, one count of misdemeanor simple battery-family violence, one count of misdemeanor criminal trespass and five counts of misdemeanor cruelty to children in the third degree – first or second.
Joshua Antoinne Johnson was indicted for one count of felony hit and run resulting in serious injury or death and one count of misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked.
Kellie Lee Muncher was indicted for two counts of felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance, one count of misdemeanor drugs not in original container, one count of misdemeanor criminal trespass, one count of felony possession of a schedule IV controlled substance, one count of felony fleeing/attempting elude an officer for a felony, one count of misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked and one count of headlight requirements.
Nakeata Cierra Strange was indicted for one count of felony traffic in cocaine/marijuana/illegal drugs.
Tyus Rasheed Turnage was indicted for one count of felony traffic in cocaine/marijuana/illegal drugs.
James Bernard Bray was indicted for one count of felony receipt, possession or transfer of firearm by convicted felon, one count of felony possession of firearm/knife during crime/attempt crime and one count of felony possession/manufacturing/distribution/etc. of marijuana.
Jonathan Lamon Wilcox was indicted for one county of felony possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, one count of felony possession of firearm/knife during crime/attempt crime and one count of felony receipt, possession or transfer of firearm by convicted felon.
Ted Eugene Brantley was indicted for two counts felony possession/manufacturing/distribution/etc. of marijuana, one count of felony possession of a schedule IV controlled substance and one count of felony receipt, possession or transfer of firearm by a convicted felon.
Cole Bailey was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine, two counts of felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance and one count of misdemeanor marijuana (less than one ounce).
Brandon Michael Fountain was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine, two counts of felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance and one count of misdemeanor marijuana (less than one ounce).
Megan Hailey Persinger was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine, two counts of felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance and one count of misdemeanor marijuana (less than one ounce).
Johnny Paul Grilliot was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and one count of felony possession of firearm/knife during crime/attempt crime.
Dusty Hankinson was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and one count of felony possession of firearm/knife during crime/attempt crime.
Paul John Bentley, Jr. was indicted for one count of felony possession/manufacturing/distribution/etc. of marijuana and one count of misdemeanor passion and use of drug related objects.
Sandy Ray English was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine.
Fallon Munch was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine.
Tracy Rammage was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine.
Michelle Williams was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
Shaquail Latrice Dixon was indicted for one count of felony theft by shoplifting.
Shakya V. Wright was indicted for one count of felony theft by shoplifting.
Matthew Lamar Thomas was indicted for two counts of felony forgery first degree.
Lance Prentice Gilbert was indicted for one count of felony burglary (second degree) and one count of felony theft by taking.
Jimmy Leon Paul was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
Joshua Kade Daniels was indicted for one count of felony theft by taking.
Anna Leigh Stewart was indicted for one count of felony cruelty to children (first degree).
Todd Jermaine Wilcox was indicted for one count of felony theft by taking and one count of misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked.
Daniel Clinton Jordan was indicted for one count of felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, one count of misdemeanor possession and use of drug related objects, one count of misdemeanor driving while license suspended or revoked and one count of no proof of insurance.
[Full Story »]
Let them be kids
What are we doing to America’s kids to make them political activists? Let them be kids for a few years. Leftwing adults are scaring them to death.
How long could Richard Nixon have stayed out of jail with Bill Clinton’s record, or Joe Biden’s record? Sleepy, creepy, former vice plagiarist crooked Joe, Mr. Ukraine. Donald Trump would blow Joe away in the 2020 election and deservedly so. I’ve still never heard a liberal endorse term limits, have you?
Rudy Giuliani on Andrew McCabe: “That guy was head of the FBI when Joe Biden’s son got $1.5 billion out of China and he didn’t even investigate him.”
“Trump will win 2020 running against Fake News Media.”
Nikitas3.com
People hate the media, the media left hates Trump and Donald hits back. Good for him. Middle America understands and responds at the polls. Trump has sharp political instincts, plenty of skill for a first-time candidate. He knows how to mobilize the conservative vote. Mitt Romney did not.
Pocahontas Elizabeth Warren (PEW) on 9-20-19 called lobbying “legalized bribery” then hired a lobbyist the next day, says SonsOf1776.com writer Andrew Kerr. Kimberly Diaz Scott, Warren’s new lobbyist, previously worked for Planned Parenthood and later headed Warren’s campaign in Florida.
“Wherever there is a jackboot stomping on a human face there will be a well-heeled Western liberal to explain that the face, does, after all, enjoy free health care and 100 percent literacy.”
John Derbyshire
“Democrats are cranking up the outrage machine.”
Senator John Barrasso (R–Wyoming)
“Truth is better for humanity than ignorance, outrage or spin, and it’s more interesting.”
Steve Sailer on VDare.com 9-16-19
The much-hyped “gender gap” is overrated and overstated. Black women vote almost entirely Democrat, no matter who the candidate is, skewing the result. What the “experts” don’t tell you is in the 2012 presidential election white women voted 56% for Romney, 42% for Obama.
[Full Story »]
How long could Richard Nixon have stayed out of jail with Bill Clinton’s record, or Joe Biden’s record? Sleepy, creepy, former vice plagiarist crooked Joe, Mr. Ukraine. Donald Trump would blow Joe away in the 2020 election and deservedly so. I’ve still never heard a liberal endorse term limits, have you?
Rudy Giuliani on Andrew McCabe: “That guy was head of the FBI when Joe Biden’s son got $1.5 billion out of China and he didn’t even investigate him.”
“Trump will win 2020 running against Fake News Media.”
Nikitas3.com
People hate the media, the media left hates Trump and Donald hits back. Good for him. Middle America understands and responds at the polls. Trump has sharp political instincts, plenty of skill for a first-time candidate. He knows how to mobilize the conservative vote. Mitt Romney did not.
Pocahontas Elizabeth Warren (PEW) on 9-20-19 called lobbying “legalized bribery” then hired a lobbyist the next day, says SonsOf1776.com writer Andrew Kerr. Kimberly Diaz Scott, Warren’s new lobbyist, previously worked for Planned Parenthood and later headed Warren’s campaign in Florida.
“Wherever there is a jackboot stomping on a human face there will be a well-heeled Western liberal to explain that the face, does, after all, enjoy free health care and 100 percent literacy.”
John Derbyshire
“Democrats are cranking up the outrage machine.”
Senator John Barrasso (R–Wyoming)
“Truth is better for humanity than ignorance, outrage or spin, and it’s more interesting.”
Steve Sailer on VDare.com 9-16-19
The much-hyped “gender gap” is overrated and overstated. Black women vote almost entirely Democrat, no matter who the candidate is, skewing the result. What the “experts” don’t tell you is in the 2012 presidential election white women voted 56% for Romney, 42% for Obama.
[Full Story »]
Graduation rate tops the RESA district and beats the state average
“Dedicated to Our Desire to Graduate Everyone” is not just a trite motto for Dodge County High School (DCHS). It is a pledge each teacher, staff member and administrator makes each day to their students, and it’s one that once again has rendered great gains for the school.
A recent report from the Georgia Department of Education shows that DCHS’s 2019 graduation rate, 97.4% surpasses the state average of 82% and places the school at the top of its RESA District.
DCHS Principal Dr. Susan Long was elated to hear these results and quick to give credit to the school’s staff and students for their commitment. In a staff-wide email, Long said, “Thank you so much for ALL you do at DCHS! You make great things happen, and I am honored to be here with you each day!
Long added that the school’s success is the result of the students’ and staff’s “dedication, encouragement, and expertise.”
According to the GaDOE press release, the overall state average is at an all-time high, increasing a total of 12 percentage points since 2012.
DCHS, with its 97.4% graduation rate, ranks among the 71 Georgia school districts with a recorded graduation rates at or above 90 percent and only 24 districts with recorded rates at or above 95%.
“I’m proud today of Georgia’s teachers and students, who are doing the on-the-ground work that leads to increases in our graduation rate and other indicators – including NAEP and Georgia Milestones scores,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. [Full Story »]
A recent report from the Georgia Department of Education shows that DCHS’s 2019 graduation rate, 97.4% surpasses the state average of 82% and places the school at the top of its RESA District.
DCHS Principal Dr. Susan Long was elated to hear these results and quick to give credit to the school’s staff and students for their commitment. In a staff-wide email, Long said, “Thank you so much for ALL you do at DCHS! You make great things happen, and I am honored to be here with you each day!
Long added that the school’s success is the result of the students’ and staff’s “dedication, encouragement, and expertise.”
According to the GaDOE press release, the overall state average is at an all-time high, increasing a total of 12 percentage points since 2012.
DCHS, with its 97.4% graduation rate, ranks among the 71 Georgia school districts with a recorded graduation rates at or above 90 percent and only 24 districts with recorded rates at or above 95%.
“I’m proud today of Georgia’s teachers and students, who are doing the on-the-ground work that leads to increases in our graduation rate and other indicators – including NAEP and Georgia Milestones scores,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. [Full Story »]
09-25-19
100
HOMES FOR SALE
One bedroom one bath house and mobile home spot plus 74.08 acres in Eastman. Great hunting land. 478-278-8623 or 770-608-1207.
410
HELP WANTED
FARM WORKERSAND LABORERS. 40 full-time temporary jobs available 11/1/2019 - 5/15/2020. GUATE HARVESTING, LLC, work site in LEE COUNTY, FLORIDA. Harvesting tomatoes. Workers will cut string, pull sticks and do field maintenance. Workers will harvest and field and pack or place in buckets. Load and unload trucks. Conditions: lift 52 pounds, exposure to extreme temperatures, stooping, walking and repetitive movements. Two months verifiable experience. $11.24 per hour or piece rate at minimum hourly or more: $.65 per bucket of tomatoes, general labor maintenance in fields $11.24 hourly. 3/4 guaranteed contract, tools and supplies, housing and transportation expenses paid by employer. Transportation, subsistence paid to worker upon 50% completion of contract. PLEASE CONTACT 850-921-3368 TO LOCATE NEAREST STATE WORKFORCE AGENCY OFFICE AND APPLY USING FL-11023202.
520
FREE
FREE: A short, bow-legged black and white male cat. Text 478-772-4104 for photos and more details.
FREE: Looking to pick up old appliances; lawn mowers, batters, etc. Please more information please call 478-231-0645.
FREE: Six young Cockerel and two young hens that are three months old. Call 478-559-1107 and leave message if no answer if you have questions or need more information.
600
SERVICES
Hardeman construction Land and lot clearing: top soil; fill dirt; pond building; hauling. Call Terry Hardeman at (478)285-1430 anytime. State Certified Septic Tank Installation.
900
YARD SALES
CLEANING OUT HOUSE SALE. Golf stuff, TV cabinets, odd dishes, appliances, stuffed animals and lots of miscellaneous stuff. Saturday, September 28, 2019, 7:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. 237 NORTH LAKES DRIVE IN EASTMAN.
HOMES FOR SALE
One bedroom one bath house and mobile home spot plus 74.08 acres in Eastman. Great hunting land. 478-278-8623 or 770-608-1207.
410
HELP WANTED
FARM WORKERSAND LABORERS. 40 full-time temporary jobs available 11/1/2019 - 5/15/2020. GUATE HARVESTING, LLC, work site in LEE COUNTY, FLORIDA. Harvesting tomatoes. Workers will cut string, pull sticks and do field maintenance. Workers will harvest and field and pack or place in buckets. Load and unload trucks. Conditions: lift 52 pounds, exposure to extreme temperatures, stooping, walking and repetitive movements. Two months verifiable experience. $11.24 per hour or piece rate at minimum hourly or more: $.65 per bucket of tomatoes, general labor maintenance in fields $11.24 hourly. 3/4 guaranteed contract, tools and supplies, housing and transportation expenses paid by employer. Transportation, subsistence paid to worker upon 50% completion of contract. PLEASE CONTACT 850-921-3368 TO LOCATE NEAREST STATE WORKFORCE AGENCY OFFICE AND APPLY USING FL-11023202.
520
FREE
FREE: A short, bow-legged black and white male cat. Text 478-772-4104 for photos and more details.
FREE: Looking to pick up old appliances; lawn mowers, batters, etc. Please more information please call 478-231-0645.
FREE: Six young Cockerel and two young hens that are three months old. Call 478-559-1107 and leave message if no answer if you have questions or need more information.
600
SERVICES
Hardeman construction Land and lot clearing: top soil; fill dirt; pond building; hauling. Call Terry Hardeman at (478)285-1430 anytime. State Certified Septic Tank Installation.
900
YARD SALES
CLEANING OUT HOUSE SALE. Golf stuff, TV cabinets, odd dishes, appliances, stuffed animals and lots of miscellaneous stuff. Saturday, September 28, 2019, 7:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. 237 NORTH LAKES DRIVE IN EASTMAN.
CALVERT L. EDWARDS
Calvert L. Edwards, age 85, died Saturday, September 14, 2019, at his residence.
Mathis Funeral Home of Cochran was in charge of the arrangements.
Mathis Funeral Home of Cochran was in charge of the arrangements.
JOSHUA “SQUEAKY” ROWLAND
Joshua “Squeaky” Rowland, age 27, of Chester, died Friday, September 13, 2019.
Mathis Funeral Home of Cochran was in charge of the arrangements.
Mathis Funeral Home of Cochran was in charge of the arrangements.
SANDRA “SANDY” McDANIEL HOWELL
Sandra “Sandy” McDaniel Howell, age 68, of Eastman, died Saturday September 21, 2019 at her residence in Eastman.
Stokes-Southerland Funeral Home of Eastman was in charge of the arrangements.
Stokes-Southerland Funeral Home of Eastman was in charge of the arrangements.
ANDERY SUE “ANN” SCARBOROUGH
Andery Sue “Ann” Scarborough, age 78, of Milan, died Saturday, September 21, 2019 at Lumber City Nursing Home and Rehab.
Stokes-Southerland Funeral Home of Eastman is in charge of the arrangements.
Stokes-Southerland Funeral Home of Eastman is in charge of the arrangements.
ARCHIE STRICKLAND
Archie Strickland, age 72, of Eastman died Sunday, September 22, 2019 in Savannah.
Hardy-Towns Funeral Home of Eastman is in charge of the arrangements.
Hardy-Towns Funeral Home of Eastman is in charge of the arrangements.
JANICE PEACOCK FRIEL
Janice Peacock Friel, age 72, of Eastman, Georgia, died Monday, September 23, 2019 at Serenity Place Hospice in Dublin, Georgia.
Stokes-Southerland Funeral Home of Eastman is in charge of the arrangements.
Stokes-Southerland Funeral Home of Eastman is in charge of the arrangements.
Canes edge Indians in thriller
By Joey Marchant
The Dodge County Indians traveled to Fitzgerald with something to prove. Over the last few years, Dodge fans have become accustomed to winning. Dodge has posted a 46-14 record over the last five years with two region championships.
However, this season has gotten off to a rocky start for Dodge. Bad luck, undisciplined play, a tough non region schedule, and a rash of injuries all contributed to a 1-2 start.
After rushing for 476 yards in the opener, Dodge was held to less than 100 yards rushing by West Laurens and Appling County. And the Dodge defense was giving up 40 points per game through the first three games.
The Indians made the trip down to Fitzgerald to take on its third ranked opponent in as many weeks. About half of the players who missed the Appling game were able to suit up for this one.
The Canes took the opening kickoff and marched down the field taking an 8-0 lead and chewing up half of the first quarter clock on a 13 play drive capped off by a 19 yard touchdown reception by Chance Gamble, who would prove a thorn in the Indians side all night.
The Canes would employ an interesting strategy in the kicking game. Despite having a left footed kicker in Alex Martinez who could seemingly kick the ball into the end zone whenever he chose to, Fitzgerald would employ a pooch kick strategy early in this one. Perhaps this was out of respect for the Dodge return team, which has returned two kickoffs for touchdowns and had a third called back on a penalty. Jayleen Lemon fielded the first pooch kick and returned it 14 yards to the Fitzgerald 47 yard line. However, Dodge would go three and out on its first possession. Timmy Johnson punted for 34 yards downing Fitzgerald at its own 8 yard line.
Fitzgerald would make one first down before Nathan Coley forced a fumble that was recovered by Elisha Williams to give Dodge the ball at the Fitzgerald 28 yard line. Dodge brought Mikhail Carr in motion and faked the Jet Sweep. Fitzgerald converged on Carr, but Kade Harpe kept the ball and ran 14 yards for a first down to the Fitzgerald 14 yard line. Carr was used entirely as a decoy in the first half and would not touch the football. On the next play, Dodge used a late shift to move Harpe up behind the tight ends on the right side, and Gordon took a direct snap and ran 14 yards for a touchdown. Mason Mangham’s extra point cut the Fitzgerald lead to 8-7.
After Gabe Thompson’s kickoff, Fitzgerald would start on its own 34 yard line and move quickly down the field featuring the running of Mario Clark and the receiving of Gamble. An eight yard wide receiver screen pass to Gamble resulted in a Fitzgerald touchdown. Gamble had also drawn a key pass interference penalty on the drive. The extra point was missed, and Fitzgerald led 14-7.
The ensuing pooch kickoff dropped in front of Lemon who was able to corral it at the Dodge 40 yard line. Harpe hit a Davis Marchant for 14 yards to the Fitzgerald 46 yard line. Gordon had runs of five, 11 and two yards to get the ball to the Fitzgerald 28 yard line, but a crucial illegal procedure call made it second down and 13. Two incompletions brought up a fourth and 13. Harpe was tackled for no gain on a quarterback keeper, and the ball was turned over to Fitzgerald on downs.
Fitzgerald took over at its own 33 yard line where it converted one first down before the Dodge Defense stiffened. Landynn Powers ran the quarterback out of bounds on third down to force a punt, which rolled all the way to the Dodge 10 yard line.
Harpe completed a beautiful third down pass to Keldrick Beck for 10 yards to get Dodge out of the hole. Beck ran his man off the ball, and Harpe released the ball just as Beck broke back toward him to create separation from the defender. Gordon rushed for a gain of 23 yards to get the ball into Fitzgerald territory, but Lemon had a larger player rip the ball from his hands as he fought for yardage at the Fitzgerald 38.
Lemon got revenge on the next play as he blitzed and sacked the quarterback for a six yard loss. Two plays later, Mahan applied pressure to force an incomplete pass and another Fitzgerald punt, which rolled dead at the Dodge 38 yard line.
Scotty Davis went high in the air to snag a Harpe pass for an 11 yard gain. A screen pass to Gordon netted three yards. A big gain on a run by Beck was negated by a penalty for illegal formation. Harpe was then hit as he released a pass, which was intercepted and returned to the Dodge 44 yard line. Fitzgerald passed to Demarion Dixon for a 41 yard gain. Coley brought Dixon down inside the Dodge five yard line. Fitzgerald then ran its version of the goal line play made famous by the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 52, which is now run by every high school team in America.
Quarterback Rashad Davis handed to Gamble who started left only to pitch to a wide receiver coming right who would try to pass to Davis in the end zone. Credit Lemon who recognized Davis was going out for a pass just in time to turn and run behind him providing just enough coverage to force the incompletion. Fitzgerald had to settle for a short field goal and led 17-7 at halftime.
Fitzgerald attempted an onside kick to start the second half. The play might have worked, but the kick did not travel the required 10 yards and Dodge alertly stayed away from it. Dodge took over at the Fitzgerald 43 yard line. Harpe hit Carr on a pass for six yards, but Dodge could not convert and called on Timmy Johnson to punt. Johnson hit it a little harder than he wanted, and the ball sailed 40 yards into the end zone.
Fitzgerald gained one first down before the Dodge Defense stiffened. Beck jumped a swing pass to Gamble and almost had his third interception return for a touchdown of the season. He had the ball in his hands, but he could not hang on. The play was also dangerously close to being a lateral, which would have been a fumble recovered by Dodge. Instead, it was an incomplete pass. Rico Caines and Jamal McNeal stopped the running back after a three yard gain on a toss sweep. Caines who was making his first start was around the ball all night long making 10 tackles. On third down, Dodge blew up a screen pass. Caleb Fluellen executed a spin move against a would be blocker and met the running back head up along with AJ Melvin who had stood up his blocker. Williams came in to help finish of the tackle.
Fitzgerald executed low line drive punts all game that prevented a Dodge return. However, this time Coley took a chance and scooped up the bouncing ball between four Fitzgerald Defenders and returned it 23 yards to the Fitzgerald 40 yard line. Dodge lined up in the same formation and ran the same play three consecutive times with Gordon gaining seven, 17 and 26 yards for the touchdown on the direct snap. Thompson’s extra point cut the Fitzgerald lead to 17-14.
Fitzgerald would start its next possession at its own 19 yard line where Gamble would take a direct snap and fake a run left only to pull up and loft one to his tight end who had hesitated at the line before running downfield. The play gained 32 yards to the Dodge 49 yard line, but luckily the ball hung in the air long enough to allow Caines to catch up to and tackle the tight end. Fitzgerald reached the Dodge 33 yard line where on third down Davis rolled right and attempted a throwback pass to the tight end. Powers read it and slapped the ball from the tight end’s hands.
[Full Story »]
The Dodge County Indians traveled to Fitzgerald with something to prove. Over the last few years, Dodge fans have become accustomed to winning. Dodge has posted a 46-14 record over the last five years with two region championships.
However, this season has gotten off to a rocky start for Dodge. Bad luck, undisciplined play, a tough non region schedule, and a rash of injuries all contributed to a 1-2 start.
After rushing for 476 yards in the opener, Dodge was held to less than 100 yards rushing by West Laurens and Appling County. And the Dodge defense was giving up 40 points per game through the first three games.
The Indians made the trip down to Fitzgerald to take on its third ranked opponent in as many weeks. About half of the players who missed the Appling game were able to suit up for this one.
The Canes took the opening kickoff and marched down the field taking an 8-0 lead and chewing up half of the first quarter clock on a 13 play drive capped off by a 19 yard touchdown reception by Chance Gamble, who would prove a thorn in the Indians side all night.
The Canes would employ an interesting strategy in the kicking game. Despite having a left footed kicker in Alex Martinez who could seemingly kick the ball into the end zone whenever he chose to, Fitzgerald would employ a pooch kick strategy early in this one. Perhaps this was out of respect for the Dodge return team, which has returned two kickoffs for touchdowns and had a third called back on a penalty. Jayleen Lemon fielded the first pooch kick and returned it 14 yards to the Fitzgerald 47 yard line. However, Dodge would go three and out on its first possession. Timmy Johnson punted for 34 yards downing Fitzgerald at its own 8 yard line.
Fitzgerald would make one first down before Nathan Coley forced a fumble that was recovered by Elisha Williams to give Dodge the ball at the Fitzgerald 28 yard line. Dodge brought Mikhail Carr in motion and faked the Jet Sweep. Fitzgerald converged on Carr, but Kade Harpe kept the ball and ran 14 yards for a first down to the Fitzgerald 14 yard line. Carr was used entirely as a decoy in the first half and would not touch the football. On the next play, Dodge used a late shift to move Harpe up behind the tight ends on the right side, and Gordon took a direct snap and ran 14 yards for a touchdown. Mason Mangham’s extra point cut the Fitzgerald lead to 8-7.
After Gabe Thompson’s kickoff, Fitzgerald would start on its own 34 yard line and move quickly down the field featuring the running of Mario Clark and the receiving of Gamble. An eight yard wide receiver screen pass to Gamble resulted in a Fitzgerald touchdown. Gamble had also drawn a key pass interference penalty on the drive. The extra point was missed, and Fitzgerald led 14-7.
The ensuing pooch kickoff dropped in front of Lemon who was able to corral it at the Dodge 40 yard line. Harpe hit a Davis Marchant for 14 yards to the Fitzgerald 46 yard line. Gordon had runs of five, 11 and two yards to get the ball to the Fitzgerald 28 yard line, but a crucial illegal procedure call made it second down and 13. Two incompletions brought up a fourth and 13. Harpe was tackled for no gain on a quarterback keeper, and the ball was turned over to Fitzgerald on downs.
Fitzgerald took over at its own 33 yard line where it converted one first down before the Dodge Defense stiffened. Landynn Powers ran the quarterback out of bounds on third down to force a punt, which rolled all the way to the Dodge 10 yard line.
Harpe completed a beautiful third down pass to Keldrick Beck for 10 yards to get Dodge out of the hole. Beck ran his man off the ball, and Harpe released the ball just as Beck broke back toward him to create separation from the defender. Gordon rushed for a gain of 23 yards to get the ball into Fitzgerald territory, but Lemon had a larger player rip the ball from his hands as he fought for yardage at the Fitzgerald 38.
Lemon got revenge on the next play as he blitzed and sacked the quarterback for a six yard loss. Two plays later, Mahan applied pressure to force an incomplete pass and another Fitzgerald punt, which rolled dead at the Dodge 38 yard line.
Scotty Davis went high in the air to snag a Harpe pass for an 11 yard gain. A screen pass to Gordon netted three yards. A big gain on a run by Beck was negated by a penalty for illegal formation. Harpe was then hit as he released a pass, which was intercepted and returned to the Dodge 44 yard line. Fitzgerald passed to Demarion Dixon for a 41 yard gain. Coley brought Dixon down inside the Dodge five yard line. Fitzgerald then ran its version of the goal line play made famous by the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 52, which is now run by every high school team in America.
Quarterback Rashad Davis handed to Gamble who started left only to pitch to a wide receiver coming right who would try to pass to Davis in the end zone. Credit Lemon who recognized Davis was going out for a pass just in time to turn and run behind him providing just enough coverage to force the incompletion. Fitzgerald had to settle for a short field goal and led 17-7 at halftime.
Fitzgerald attempted an onside kick to start the second half. The play might have worked, but the kick did not travel the required 10 yards and Dodge alertly stayed away from it. Dodge took over at the Fitzgerald 43 yard line. Harpe hit Carr on a pass for six yards, but Dodge could not convert and called on Timmy Johnson to punt. Johnson hit it a little harder than he wanted, and the ball sailed 40 yards into the end zone.
Fitzgerald gained one first down before the Dodge Defense stiffened. Beck jumped a swing pass to Gamble and almost had his third interception return for a touchdown of the season. He had the ball in his hands, but he could not hang on. The play was also dangerously close to being a lateral, which would have been a fumble recovered by Dodge. Instead, it was an incomplete pass. Rico Caines and Jamal McNeal stopped the running back after a three yard gain on a toss sweep. Caines who was making his first start was around the ball all night long making 10 tackles. On third down, Dodge blew up a screen pass. Caleb Fluellen executed a spin move against a would be blocker and met the running back head up along with AJ Melvin who had stood up his blocker. Williams came in to help finish of the tackle.
Fitzgerald executed low line drive punts all game that prevented a Dodge return. However, this time Coley took a chance and scooped up the bouncing ball between four Fitzgerald Defenders and returned it 23 yards to the Fitzgerald 40 yard line. Dodge lined up in the same formation and ran the same play three consecutive times with Gordon gaining seven, 17 and 26 yards for the touchdown on the direct snap. Thompson’s extra point cut the Fitzgerald lead to 17-14.
Fitzgerald would start its next possession at its own 19 yard line where Gamble would take a direct snap and fake a run left only to pull up and loft one to his tight end who had hesitated at the line before running downfield. The play gained 32 yards to the Dodge 49 yard line, but luckily the ball hung in the air long enough to allow Caines to catch up to and tackle the tight end. Fitzgerald reached the Dodge 33 yard line where on third down Davis rolled right and attempted a throwback pass to the tight end. Powers read it and slapped the ball from the tight end’s hands.
[Full Story »]
Comments