As football season came to an end for the Pirates, nine Appling County players were named by coaches as members of the 2016 All-Region team for 2-AAA. Among them was senior kick returner Japheth Morris who was honored as the region’s Special Teams Player of the Year. Others named first team all-region were seniors Keelan Crosby at quarterback, Devon Moore at wide receiver and offensive lineman John Wesley Lightsey. On defense, senior lineman Joe Hill made the team for Appling County. Members of the second team include senior O-lineman Colin Haddock, defensive lineman Ethan Johnson and junior kicker William Jaramillo. Senior defensive back Mokeil Eason was given an honorable mention. At the Seventh Annual In the Game Sports Network Southeast Georgia High School Football Awards Banquet held in December, Keelan Crosby was chosen as Appling County’s Offensive Player of the Year while
Ethan Johnson was the Pirates’ Defensive Player of the Year. Both awards were sponsored by Appling Motors Kubota.
Basketball season has begun at Appling County High School. The boys’ basketball team of Coach Bryan Weaver is looking forward to big things with more experience on the bench and on the floor this year. “We will return almost everyone from a young team,” Coach Weaver said. Last season the Pirates started only two players with varsity experience. Among those returning this year are All-Region player Devon Moore, Honorable Mention team member Letavious NeSmith and senior Stanley Heller. Up and coming impact players include juniors Trent Gibson, Khaliel Russell and Tamarick Nails, along with sophomores Bryan Holmes and Henry Dasher.
“We should have an exciting lineup that is undersized, but will utilize speed and teamwork to try to be competitive in a tough region,” Coach Weaver said.
Appling County competes in Region 2-AAA which includes Brantley County, Long County, Pierce County, Tattnall County and last season’s AAA state champion Liberty County.
The Lady Pirates’ of Coach John Roddie started their season 2-2 with both wins coming over the Bacon County Red Raiders. Senior guard Jarde’ Hill poured in 16 points to lead the Lady Pirates in scoring in game two.
The wrestling team of Coach Mark Green started grappling in December. After starting with a dual meet in Swainsboro, the Pirates took on Ware County. Although they lost the meet, Appling took three matches from the Gators in the 126-, 132- and 170-pound classes. The Pirates participated in several duals through December in preparation for the area team and state team tournaments.
SE-SF-0117-Appling
Nine Pirates Named All-Region
Basketball Gets Underway
By Rob Asbell
Photographs by Rob Asbell
