Before the high school football season began, the Forsyth County News picked the top six senior players in the county.
Did we get the picks right?
Here's a look at how they've been performing this season:
BRETT ANDERSON, WEST FORSYTH
Why he was chosen: A first team all-county and second team all-region 6-AAAAAA selection last season, Anderson returned as one of the most productive defensive ends in Forsyth. The 6-foot-2, 250-pounder was coming off a season with 75 tackles and six sacks, second most in the county.
Meeting expectations: It’s been something of a lost season for Anderson after suffering a fractured ankle in West’s second game of the season against Flowery Branch. At the time, Anderson had five tackles and a pass deflection. Now, he’s rehabbing in an effort to try to make it back in time should the Wolverines make the playoffs.
JAKE CHICKOWSKI, LAMBERT
Why he was chosen: Chickowski was a two-way starter that earned all-region first-team defense honors. He’s a captain on the team and anchor on the line. His defensive push makes teams think twice about running up the middle.
Meeting expectations: Chickowski has suffered through turf toe since Week 4 of the season. However, the senior has continued to fight through it to lead a defense that’s allowed an average of 17 points per game. He’s recorded eight total tackles and one solo.
Coach Sid Maxwell says: "He’s just such a dynamic player. He’s usually always in the right spot, which is critical in the game of football, and he’s been missed dearly when he’s not out there. …The young men listen to him, and he’s done a great job of being a team leader."
JEREMIAH JONES, FORSYTH CENTRAL
Why he was chosen: Jones came into the season as arguably the top wide receiver prospect in the county after catching six touchdowns and averaging 20.7 yards per catch. At 6-foot-3, 185 pounds, the senior has good size and speed and great leaping ability that has the attention of several small colleges.
Meeting expectations: Jones’ season has had its highs and lows. It started low with a two-game suspension to start the season, and there have been games where Central has had trouble getting Jones the ball. But he also has the best receiving performance in the county this season – a five-catch, 147-yard game against Cambridge. On the season, Jones has 10 catches for 213 yards and two touchdowns.
Coach Shane Williamson says: "His senior year stats are probably not where we wanted them to be. Everybody in the region knew he was the guy we wanted to go to. He’s been covered pretty well, but we’ve been able to get him the ball when we had to."
ANDREW MARSHALL, WEST FORSYTH
Why he was chosen: The all-county and all-region selection last year entered with even loftier accolades this season – pre-season Class 6A all-state honors from the Georgia High School Football Daily. The 6-foot-5, 270-pounder was also ranked as one of the top center prospects in the country.
Meeting expectations: Marshall and the Wolverines offense aren’t matching their record-breaking pace of last season, but they’re pretty close. Marshall has been the veteran leader of an offensive line that’s helped West average 33 points and 404.1 yards a game.
SAM WALKER, SOUTH FORSYTH
Why he was chosen: Walker did it all for South last season. He was a first-team all-county selection and finished the year with 30 catches for 422 yards and had 206 yards on 40 carries. Walker did everything asked of him on the field.
Meeting expectations: The senior has 196 receiving yards with two touchdowns on 17 catches. Walker was hampered early in the season with injuries but battled back to make his presence known as a downfield threat.
Coach Jeff Arnette says: "Sam is a type of kid you can throw to during crucial situations. He can go up and catch the ball and has done that for us all year. I think the thing that he’s done that’s been so helpful the last three football games is that he’s been able to play a lot of defense for us."
ISAIAH WILLIAMS, SOUTH FORSYTH
Why he was chosen: Williams was a first-team all-county selection last season and gained 809 yards with nine touchdowns on 134 carries. Like Walker, Williams lined up in the Wildcat formation and had to take over games when former quarterback Jantzen Jeffrey was injured.
Meeting expectations: He’s closing in on the best season of his career. Williams already has 742 yards and is averaging 6.93 yards per carry. The standout has also kept defenses honest in the passing game as he has eight catches for 133 yards and one touchdown.
Coach Jeff Arnette says: "Isaiah has run the ball great for us this year. His toughness and just how he never stops his feet is a great asset to our football team. He’s a hard-nosed kid and he’s been a force for us all year, and I expect nothing less of that for the rest of the year. He’s a heck of a football player."