Sequoyah High

Volleyball
Head Coach John Edwards

There are high expectations for the 2022 season. Coming off a 50-4 year and the second state finals appearance in three years, this group of nine seniors is hungry to finish their careers on a high note.

With the fast-paced offense led by senior setter and three-time all-state performer Taylor Pecht, the Chiefs are looking to continue their ability to score. All-state players Rosa Fisher and Sara Siefert return as kill leaders. Sydney Huyck also will be called upon to score from the outside hitter position.

Defensively, three-time all-state member Skylar Martin will anchor the team from the libero position. The Chiefs are not the tallest group, but they take pride in playing scrappy defense.

Rounding out this group of seniors, who are 125-9 as varsity players, are Catherine Brumbeloe, Emily Brown, Callie Gaddis and Charlotte Ambrose. They will play an important part on this team, which is positioned to continue the same level of success that the program has enjoyed.

Although the Chiefs will be playing in the hardest classification for volleyball, the team is focused and will strive to maximize its talents and efforts.

Flag Football
Head Coach Andy Maxwell

I am excited about having the opportunity to take over for Emily Goodson this season. Sequoyah had tremendous success the first year under Goodson, making it to the state finals. Having coached football for many years, I look forward to making the transition to flag football.

The team has a core of returning seniors that could make for an exciting season and, hopefully, a return to the playoffs: Quarterback Mary Hobbs, running back Maya McRae and wide receiver Caroline Grayeski will be leading an explosive offense, which should score frequently. Other returning players, such as Clair Williams, will play a huge role in punting and defense. We also have a core of talented upcoming freshmen, led by Rain McRae, which should round out an exciting team this year.

Football
Head Coach James Teter

The 2022 Sequoyah Chiefs could be one of the best teams we have had in several years. The Chiefs look to find a way to get back into the state playoffs, which they have missed the past three seasons while playing one of the hardest schedules in the county.

The Chiefs’ winged-t offense will have experienced ball handlers in running backs Jackson Hancock, Tyler Bell, Cruz Wright and Asante Chimanda, all returning after playing significant time last season.

Sequoyah’s most experienced group on the field will be the offensive line, which has four returning starters in guards Jimmy Anderson and Temitayo Ogundele, as well as Ty Moores at tight end and Dmitri Morris at center. Offensive tackle is where newcomers Carter Ligetti, Brady Curl and Will Scott will battle it out for two spots, to see who will start Game 1.

At wide receiver, the Chiefs have returning starter Cameron Massey, as well as Alex Conti and Ridley Joseph, to anchor the passing game.

On offense, the big question mark is who will be at quarterback. Currently, there are four players working hard to take the position. Although Jaxon Nesbitt and Hunter Scoggins have taken big strides in leading the Chiefs’ offense, there are a lot of things still to be decided before a starter can be named.

On defense, five starters return: nose guard Brady Curl, safeties Jackson Hancock and Bretton Darling, outside linebacker Rowan Steele and corner Ridley Joseph.

The defensive line could turn out to be one of the stronger units on the field, with Brady Curl, Ty Moores, Jimmy Anderson, Temitayo Ogundele, Cole Jordan and Ean Marria working in the rotation.

The linebacker position could be the biggest question mark on defense, with Rowan Steele being the only returning starter. The following players are all fighting to fill the remaining inside and outside linebacker positions: Taiwo Ogundele, Christopher Jordan, Walker Beck, Andrew Zablotny and Nathan Prewett.

The secondary is another strong area this season, with three returning starters: Jackson Hancock and Bretton Darling at the safety positions and Ridley Joseph at corner. Others battling for playing time in the secondary will be Cantrell Davis, Tyler Bell, Jacob Chastain and Cam’ron Walker.

The Chiefs’ kicking game should be solid, with returning punter Daniel Cruz holding down kicking and punting duties.

The season looks promising if the Chiefs can fill in all of the open spots and find a way to navigate through a very difficult schedule, with region opponents in Rome, Allatoona, Creekview and River Ridge, as well as newly added 6A teams Woodstock and Etowah. But, they also will play nonregion opponents Lambert, Rabun Gap, Cedartown and Cherokee. If the Chiefs can find a way to be in the running for a playoff spot by the end of the season, they should be battle-tested and ready to make a playoff run.

Softball
Head Coach Lisa Chapman

The Lady Chiefs are returning a strong group of seniors who finished in the Elite eight last year. New coach Lisa Chapman has high expectations, and believes the team can return to Columbus!

This year’s team will rely on strong pitching in the circle from the senior duo of Ava Fouts and Allison Sparkman, along with a strong core of returning starters — Reagan Hill, Emma Brinkman, Brylee Burns, Madison Gant and Whitney Scherer.

The atmosphere around the team is exciting, and everyone is working hard to make this year successful!

Competition Cheer
Head Coach Cassie Pichon
Assistant Coach Ashlyn Grummer

The Chiefs are coming off an undefeated season in 2021. This year’s team has a bright future, with strong leadership from five amazing seniors: Emma Blackmon, Bailey Combs, Alyssa Geist, Lauren Grays and Kathryn Thompson. These seniors lead this team with their skill set as well as their attitude and work ethic; they also are members of the Football Sideline Gold Squad.

The Sequoyah Varsity Competition team will compete in four regular season competitions. Then, they will head to Warner Robins to compete in 6A region and state sectionals. The top 16 teams from Georgia will advance to the state championship in Macon on Nov. 11.

Cross-Country
Head Coach Corinne Ingram,
Assistant coaches Jason Lathbury and Jon Kendall

The Chiefs are ready for another amazing season in 2022. Coming off a successful 2021 season, the varsity boys, Region 7 6A champions and fourth-place state finishers, will return five of the seven team members. The team will miss Josh Helms and Aiden Ingram, who graduated, but leaders Jake Labasi, Brock Freeman, Nathan Valles, Jack Tucker and Clay Tucker will be returning with hopes of a third run at state and taking another podium spot! Runners to watch for in the upcoming season are Christian Roush, Clint Schuler and many new team members who are showing great potential.

The varsity girls, 2021 Region 7 6A runner-up and state qualifiers, will be a team to watch in 2022. Returning five of seven sixth-place state team members, minus graduates Susanna Rogers and Morgan Freeman, they are looking to make their third consecutive appearance at state. Ella Grace Cothren, Stella Waites, Rylee Fisher, Peyton Harper, Blakely Freeman and Reece Harper are excited to welcome the new freshman members. Freshmen to watch are Rebekah Rogers, Eleni Giannopoulos and Abigail Reiner.

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Cherokee High School

Softball
Head Coach Tonya Carlisle

The 2022 Warrior softball team is coming off its best season since 2008. They made it to the final four before falling to Mill Creek. The team is looking to build on that finish after losing only three players to graduation. The team will compete in Region 5-AAAAAAA, against Kennesaw Mountain, North Cobb, Osborne, Walton and Wheeler.

The Warriors return a talented roster, including seven seniors: pitcher Madison Bowden, infielder Kaley Crane, utility Anna Kurto, infielder and all-state player Lottie Landmesser, catcher and all-state player Natalie Maleitzke, pitcher/utility Kenleigh Spence and outfielder Celan Trowers.

Cherokee will lean heavily on experience in offense and defense, with four juniors: catcher Emma Harlow, pitcher/outfielder and all-state player Elyse Kresho, and infielders Chloe Manders and Emma Pesavento.

At pitcher, Kresho and Spence will lead the way. Sophomore Mac Pavese returns at the leadoff spot and looks to play a key role in the outfield. Several newcomers to the varsity team, who will provide depth to the roster, include sophomores Ady Kurto and Sophie Ray, as well as freshmen Allissa Hart and Kayla Davis.

“We are looking forward to a fun and rewarding season,” Carlisle said. “These ladies work tirelessly at their skills and are ready to compete. They are extremely focused on finishing what we started last season. We look forward to the upcoming season and the opportunity to proudly represent our school and our program on the field, in the classroom and in the community.”

Volleyball
Head Coach Marissa Lakes-Williams

The Warriors are looking to build upon a very successful 2021 season, in which the team finished 34-8, made the state playoffs for the second consecutive season and made a final four appearance. The Lady Warriors return 11 of 17 this season and rely on six seniors to lead the way: Ashley Lyen, Ansley Gulledge, Emma O’Bryant, Brooklyn Ashworth, Eden Lindsey and Shea Ross.

All-region selections Brin Chestnut and Sophie Lyen also are vital. The Warriors will be looking to improve upon third place in Region 5-AAAAAAA. The Warriors look to compete against a very competitive, new, aligned Region 5-AAAAAAA, which includes reigning state champion Walton, North Cobb, Kennesaw Mountain, Wheeler and Osborne. The program is continuing to reach new heights, with more than 50 young women participating this season. Volleyball is the fastest growing female sport in the country, and the team would love to see as many spectators in the stands as possible.

Football
Head Coach Josh Shaw

Having made the playoffs for the fourth season in a row, for the first time in program history, the Warriors look to extend that streak to five. It will be a change of pace this season as the Warriors change regions and are the only Cherokee County team in the same region with Kennesaw Mountain, North Cobb, Osborne, Walton and Wheeler. The nonregion schedule isn’t any easier, as the Warriors open with perennial power Cartersville, followed by three other Cherokee County teams and West Forsyth.

For the first time in three years, following the departure of Elite 11 quarterback AJ Swann, the Warriors’ offense will have a new trigger man, Tanner Savasir. Also new to Cherokee will be Offensive Coordinator Kevin Burnette Jr., who is coming from Kell High School and has fit in seamlessly.

The offense replaces eight starters, but, what they lack in experience, they make up for in talent. Joining Savasir in the backfield will be juniors Larry Dasher and Tre Walton. They will be more than capable of carrying the load from the running back position.

Junior Pops Jameson and senior Peyton Butler are two returners at wide receiver, who should have breakout seasons. Joining them will be Weston Bergman, Wyatt Lucas, Wyatt Tash, Jayce Jones and Gracen Sexton — all had a great off-season.

The lone returner on the offensive line is senior Jayron Tercero, who is moving from guard to center. Left tackle transfer Michael Pugachow has been a huge addition, and he will be joined up front by Dawson Buice, Alan Ortega, Patrick Crowley and Gabe Payne.

Once again, the line will be the anchor of the Warriors defense. Led by college prospect Javon Hobson, there are several talented players up front. George Bogdady, JD Burn, Keynon Hunter, Levi Shedd and Chris Lindeborg also will make their share of plays. The linebacker corps will be led by senior Kyan Simmons. Coming off a fantastic junior campaign, Simmons should be an all-state candidate. Joining him at linebacker will be three-sport athlete Chase Montgomery, as well as returner Daniel Young. Brayden Nuckolls and Jason Marano will see their fair share of playing time, as well.
The secondary returns 2021 state long jump champion Ryane Martin Jr. at corner. He will be joined by Jayce Jones, Semaj Burley and Canyon Lewis. At safety, Zi Johnson flips from offense to defense, while Cayden Hilliard and Matt Caskey are vying for the other spot.

Kicker Reed Chandley will be a huge weapon, with a range well beyond 40 yards and the ability to put his kickoffs in the end zone. He also will handle punts. The team is looking for a big year out of long snapper Spencer Radnoti, as well.

Competition Cheer
Head Coach Maddie Wheeler

Cherokee’s competition cheer program returns with varsity and junior varsity squads. This year, the JV team will be competing in the coed division. The varsity squad coaches are Maddie Wheeler and Carson O’Bryant. Abbie O’Bryant and Natalie Patterson coach the JV squad.

The JV program is excited about the new coed division. Claire Green leads the team with her positive attitude and encouraging words. She always has a smile on her face and pushes herself and her teammates to be better.

Varsity is returning as two-time reigning region champions. This season’s goal is to keep the region title and improve in state placement. Leaders on the varsity team are Mackenzie Pruett and Kate Dufour. Both of these talented athletes come to practice ready to work and constantly encourage their teammates. Sophomore Virginia Fraley easily stepped into a leadership role in her second year on varsity. The varsity team has a strong bond and is dedicated to the sport.

The public is invited to support both squads at the Pride of Cherokee cheer competition Oct. 8 at Cherokee High School.

The teams are looking forward to a successful season!

Cross-Country
Head Coach Georgy Anderson

Anderson is excited to step in as the head cross-country coach for the Warriors’ 2022 season. She comes to the program after finishing out her fifth season as the head track and field coach, with two individual state champions, a girls third-place state championship title, and more than 15 individual region championship titles.

There are high expectations for returning runners Lexi Pavese (girls team) and Seth Grogan (boys team). Pavese returns from a very competitive and successful track season, finishing third in the 1600, with a time of 5:03, at the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) State Championships, and seventh in the 3200, with a personal record of 11:05. She has several region and county titles under her belt, and the team is excited to see how this senior will finish out her high school cross-country career.

Grogan returns from the 2021 season as a junior and continues improving and dropping times with each competitive race. He finished out a strong track season with a fifth-place finish at the track and field county championships and fifth at the region championships, both in the 3200. As a young runner in last year’s cross-country season, Grogan finished a strong fourth at regions, Top 10 in the county championships and Top 25 in the GHSA State Championships.

For the 2022 season, the team is expecting Grant Driscoll, Josh Snyder, Andrew Solano, Luke Rusbridge and Peyton Allen to be contenders for finishing out the varsity squad.

The girls program includes Miyah Thomas, Briley Ittel, Lucia Peterson, Aresli Velasquez and Catlyn Thaman.

The varsity girls squad also should be competitive, with the additions of Lyla Frady, Sam Lehocky and Lexi Price.

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Creekview High

Softball
Head Coach Jen Maloney

The Creekview softball team is looking to make a return trip to Columbus after finishing the 2021 season with an elite eight appearance at state and winning the 7-AAAAAA region championship. The team will be looking to reload, with a cast of eight returners and several newcomers, after losing seven seniors from last year’s team. This team will continue to compete and keep a winning tradition alive for the Grizzlies.

Volleyball
Head Coach Jessica Estes

After the graduation of a record-breaking senior class, the Grizzlies are motivated and ready to continue in the footsteps of past successes. Seniors Sophie Duckworth, Lexie Warshaw and Avery Petzinger, along with varsity returners Sarah Richardson, Jordan Markley and Addy Estep, will be joined by many fresh faces that are full of heart, motivation, energy, hard work and positivity. The coaching staff is looking forward to putting these pieces together to create success for these Grizzlies, in hopes of continuing their run to the state playoffs. Go Grizzlies!

Flag Football
Head Coach Julie Coker

As reigning area champions, the team is excited about the upcoming flag football season. While the Grizzlies graduated a number of key players, they have excellent athletes returning to the team this year. The team has a group of experienced senior players, including Rachel Malloy and Allison Cantrell, who played on both offense and defense last season. The leading interceptor, Brooke Mello, returns for her senior year.

The team also is excited to see several younger players have continued success after their rookie year. Last year was the first year for many of the players. The Grizzlies are excited to build on their experience with the solid foundation established last year and the possibilities for new schemes this year.

Football
Head Coach Trevor Williams

The Grizzlies are coming off a second consecutive playoff appearance in 2021 and look to improve in the 2022 season. Williams is entering his fourth season leading the Grizzlies, and the team returns a host of talented players from last year’s squad, including eight starters on defense and four on offense. Multiple players saw varsity action in 2021. In order for the Grizzlies to have the season they want to have, leaders must step up and take the reins from last year’s very talented and mature senior class.

Offensively, the Grizzlies will have new faces at almost every skill position. The lone returner out wide is junior tight end Michael Roach. However, the Grizzlies have a talented quarterback who appeared in eight games a year ago in Austin Guest. The wide receiver group will be anchored by senior Cam Lusk. Juniors Lee Brock, Cal Schubert and sophomores Jackson Stanley and Griffin Latimer will look to make their mark on the most prolific position group in Creekview football history. The offensive line will be a strength, featuring returners Andrew Rosinski, Pierson Sears and Cam Mears.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Grizzlies return a solid core of starters from last season’s group, who allowed an average of less than 13 points per game. All-state linebacker Isaac Hubert will lead the way in 2022. Junior linebacker Reed Anderson is expected to have a great year, as well.

The defensive line returns seven players with varsity experience and will look to be the strength of the defense. The Grizzlies’ defense has set a high standard in recent years and will look to uphold it again in 2022.

Creekview opens with a strong nonregion schedule, including Cambridge, Calhoun, Hillgrove and North Forsyth. Once region play starts, it will not get any easier, with county foes River Ridge, Sequoyah, Etowah and Woodstock, as well as state powers Allatoona and Rome.

The Grizzlies certainly have all the tools to make a run for the region championship and Georgia High School Association playoffs. They should be an exciting group to watch in 2022.

Competition Cheer
Head Coach Cassie Koes

All members of Creekview’s competition cheerleading program are thrilled to take on the 2022-23 season. Both the varsity and junior varsity teams have plentiful talent with returners and new athletes.

The varsity is coached by Koes and assistant Coach Carleigh Shipley, who are starting their fourth year coaching the program. The varsity team will be following the leadership of seven seniors: Regan Brauer, Addison Spell, Ansley Hughes, Mary Grace Wilkie, Easton Wetcher, Annie Collis and Piper Goeman. They have been in the program for all four years of high school — a true group of committed leaders.

The varsity is entering this season as the reigning region and 6A state champions. The varsity team remains strong, with 15 returners and only two first-year varsity athletes. The team includes five juniors, four sophomores and one freshman. While the team is hoping to retain the titles from last year, this team has made it known that commitment to teammates and hard work is its utmost priority.

The JV team is coached by Alyson Audler, who is starting her second year. The team has nine returning sophomores. They also welcome 11 freshmen. The JV team is excited to continue in the coed division. The team hopes to improve the skills in its routine from last year. Each year, the team reaches for higher goals. They are excited to see if they can meet their goals and exceed expectations.

JV will participate in four competitions and varsity will participate in six competitions this fall, with the state championship in November. “As a coach, I am so privileged to be working with such a great group of athletes and an outstanding program that I call a family,” Koes said. “I am so excited to watch these athletes continue the tradition of excellence this season. Go Grizzlies!”

Cross-Country
Head Coach Kirk Scharich
Assistant coaches Mike Higgins, Kathy McTyre, Jennifer Merges and Madi Sykes

The Grizzlies are ready to begin the 2022 cross-country season with new and returning athletes who will make a big impact on both the boys and girls teams. The boys are coming off a Top 5 finish at the state meet, and the girls have added many new faces who will be exciting to watch this season.

The boys are led by senior Dillon Berger, who is coming off a great track season this spring with impressive times in both the 1600- and 3200-meter distances. Also, keep an eye on newcomer Malachi Burnett, an incoming freshman who aims to make a big impact this year after an incredible track season this past spring.

Another key newcomer will be Kyle Keil, who will be a great addition to the varsity boys team. Key returners include Corey Bonham, Will Stacy, Donovan Ball, Ben Owens, Myles Merges and Fernando Arriola.

It will be exciting to watch the girls team grow. Katelynn Dollar, who was named the Georgia Gatorade Runner of the Year, with a 17:30 5K, joined Creekview in January; she made a big impact already during the track season. The team looks for her to make a run for a state title in 6A this fall.

Another key newcomer will be freshman Madeleine Moss, who was very impressive during her eighth-grade cross-country and track seasons. Fellow freshman McKenna Lamp is coming off an impressive track season and has the ability to make a big impact this season.

Key returners for the Grizzlies include senior Adrienne Jocke, Teagan Lamp, Lauren Fath, Megan Johnson, Rilynn Price, Rhyleigh Hendrix, Hannah Lalle, Gina Ross, Lydia Klements and Grayson Furman. These ladies look to make an impact running varsity for the 2022 Grizzlies.