High School Sports
Another potentially exciting year for fall sports.
By Dave Whitaker
Jul 19, 2019, 18:50

It was a good fall overall for high school sports in 2018. Girls cross country won their third straight state title, the boys missed top four by one point. Competition cheerleading had their best finish at state since 2004, finishing fourth. Softball made it to the second round of state. A close loss at Northeast kept football out of the playoffs.

This fall looks to again be interesting with teams looking to replace lost starters, some seeking to take the next step. Starting with the 2019 football team, BCHS lost seven starters from last year. But they won’t be without talent.

Both Marcus Brown and Bryce Bailey demonstrated their ability to be playmakers on offense during the spring game with Perry, each with touchdown catches. Both came via fourth down throws from Dominic Sasser. Many eyes will watch offensive lineman Amarius Mims.

BC will also have playmakers on defense including Arkenzio Hayes, Ty Williams, Willie Chambers, Willie Harris, and Zack Stanley. Schedule wise, the Royals will play the same teams as last year, swapping venues except for the August 16 scrimmage which will again be at West Laurens.

Softball lost four starters from last year’s team, two other starters chose not to return. Like with football though, the team won’t be without talent. Pitching will be anchored by senior Riley Edge and sophomore Addisyn Keel. Other returning players of note include Darci Dillard, Clara Rickerson, and Reagan Wimberly.

The roster boasts some young but potentially powerful hitters including freshman Trinity Glover, as well as sophomores E’Lisia Vickers and Janylah West. Freshman Jordyn Krieg is another player to watch for. The Lady Royals open the season August 6 at Fitzgerald.

At last December’s awards ceremony, Shelly Cranford said he wanted to bring home a fourth straight state title for girls cross country. Talent is there to do just that. Though losing Macy Moe to graduation, the girls return three runners who finished in the top ten last year. State runner up Emily Youngblood, as well as Austin Perez and Christa Hall. Juliette Stevens will also be back.

The boys lost Jaylen Thigpen and Austin Hiner to graduation. But the rest of the team returns, including last year’s boys individual region champion Garrett Rogers who missed state due to injury. Another potential impact runner is Luke Churchwell, last year’s boys small school division middle school state champion and ga.milesplit.com boys runner of the year.

Competition cheerleading returns 14 members from last year’s squad. Added to the mix are five freshmen from a middle school squad that just missed winning a fourth straight MGMSAA title.

The 19-person roster was done by Heather Davis to allow her to put the best 16 on the mat at all competitions. With that depth and improved tumbling, this squad has the potential to improve upon last year’s top four state finish.


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