Title Town!

Today started as any normal Monday. Until I heard the buzz and read the e-mails around the office that Valdosta is TitleTown. It was a very hot afternoon at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium, but well worth it. Coach Lindsay Shea (won't be able to say that for much longer) took several pictures posted here. Maybe you will see yourself in them. Thanks to all who came in support and for Mrs. Alley taking the shot of us with the TitleTown trophy.


Willis Colson
7-28-2008
TitleTown USA

Congratulations Generals and Lady Generals

Congratulations to all of our athletes for their achievements that were recognized last night. A special congratulations to Benjamin Nelson, Adam Guthrie, Eric Oveart Grant Colson, Rachel Swilley, Rebekah Swilley, Erin Redshaw, and Samantha Sloan for their respective awards. We would also like to congratulate Rachel Swilley and Benjamin Nelson for receiving the Christian Student Athlete Award. Keep up the great work and we are all so very proud of all of our student athletes.

Sports Banquet Tonight

See you at the Dasher Church of Christ fellowship hall for the 2007/2008 Georgia Christian School Sports Banquet.

My deapest apologies

I am sorry for getting behind in posting information about our team these past few weeks. As many of you know I am still furthering my education and my studies have been very stingy with my time. I am glad that the semester is over and am excited to be able to devote more of my time to our squad. Look for more posts as we build up to our playoff match with Heritage.

Oh the places you will go, and win.

On this Monday I saw football played. The Lady Generals traveled to Hinesville to take on the Lady Highlanders of FPCA. The first goal of the match came from a Rachel Swilley cross (right to left). Samantha Sloan running to goal scored the one touch goal high into the net. Sloan would net another assisted by Christina Martin. Christina would assist again as Carley Alley would have to goal on day as a result of a continued run and bodying in the football. All working goals, but reminiscent of the loss on Friday Samantha Sloan would seal off a defender dropping the ball back to a willing and ready Erin Redshaw who would chip the keeper from on outside the 18. Contributing as well as Augusta Guthrie in net only allowing one goal and stopping a penalty kick.
On the defensive end of the ball Rebekah is finding her place with the fullbacks assisting fellow classmates Talissa Sampson along with veterans Erin Redshaw and Pamela Brown. Anyone who knows anything about the games will tell you that so many games are won and lost in the midfield and ours is showing signs of strengthening. Amy Clonce moving up when called along with Carli Alley, Casey Alley, and Kailynn (not sure on that spelling) Jeffords are solidifying our midfield that will be critical to our success in the future.
The Lady Generals are learning to play more physical, they are maintaining focus as well as taking better care of the ball. This will be essential in what looks to be the biggest match of the season thus far for the Ladies as they take on the Lady Panthers of Tiftarea Tuesday afternoon at 5:00 PM in an effort to qualify for the playoffs. See you at the Pitch.

Terrel: Have you ever seen the Rain?

I always look for new ways to win, and in this sport that generally requires that you look for new ways to score and new ways to prevent goals from being scored on you. On last Friday(11th) we traveled to Dawson to take on number 1 in our region. It was raining in Dawson, not water but footballs. Three goals were achieved by the Lady Eagles from clear outside the 18. Guthrie may or may not have been in ideal position for these strikes yet I am not sure that that would have mattered. There were however some goals scored late that may have been a result of fatigue, lack of position or that old fall back term... "a lapse". The Lady Generals were held scoreless but did foster some attacks. The positive side for this contest was that Terrel did not show a clear cut emphasis on ball movement and I do believe that our defense made things difficult for them, hence the balls fired in from outside. Two things stood out to me in the match. The first being that Samantha Sloan and Rachel S. seem to working together well and seem to be cultivating a good chemistry. The second being the play of Christina Martin. Our lone senior was moved from her traditional fullback position to more of an attacking back. I really feel confident in her helping us to score goals. (More on that in the next post)

Down.... but not out.

The Lady Generals football team traveled to Thomasville to compete against the Lady Warriors of Brookwood. Playing on the football field the Lady Generals gave up a goal early. A cross from right to left reminiscent of the goal that ended our LaGrange Cup early in the men's season somehow found its way into the back of the net. The Ladies would not allow another goal in the half. We were given a opportunity or two inside the 18 in first 40 minutes yet we could not convert. A hand ball in the box in the first half sent Samantha Sloan to the spot, but ended in a strike high and to the cross bar. That goal would not matter on the day as the Lady Warriors came out with the possession in the second half netting there final goal with a solid square pass and finish in front of goal.

Spring break did us no favors as most of our girls showed signs of staleness on the pitch. That being said there were many positives that were witnessed in the loss. First and foremost the back line was on point. Christina Martin is returning to form and made things difficult on the right side. Talisa Sampson, playing beyond her years, held down the middle in our new formation. Pamela Brown did her job as well denying balls played to the weak side. Sloan and Rachel Swilley battled it out in the middle of the field to get chances yet the combinations were not there against the tough Lady Warrior back line. I see progress in our young midfield and hopefully as the timing improves so will the chances.

The biggest improvement on the day was the physical nature with which our players competed. Football is physical and there is no getting around it. Our girls seem to be becoming ladies becoming women and no longer allowing the opposition to push us around. This is a big step in our program progressing and we must be physical in order to "compete" not to mention win.

This could not come at a better time due to the fact that we will travel to Dawson on Friday to battle it out with tough and always physical ladies of Terrel. I look for a good effort from the Lady Generals on Friday and hope see beautiful football to start the weekend.













We are going to stretch it out in practice today and get ourselves ready for tomorrow.

Lady Generals Loose Home Opener

A Decade. Ten Years. That is how long we have been playing the beautiful game at GCS. I was there for a the first match. I was in the eighth grade and I rode on a cooler in between the two front seats on some old van all the way to Albany to video the game for coach Brathwaite. I remember it well because I really had to "go" for most of the trip there and he would not stop. I will refer more to the history that we have at a later time, but for now the following.

1. The Lady Generals gave up a 3-1 one lead to eventually loose a region game at home to Valwood in the last 3 minutes of the second overtime.

2. The last strike of the game was as good a shot that you could ask for. (Give credit where it is due.)

3. There were Lady Generals that played there all for 100 minutes.

4. There were Lady Generals that did not play there all for 100 minutes.

5. There were Lady Generals that did not play at all.

There is youth on the pitch to be sure, and if you attended the match today you saw what our youth is capable of (Talisa Sampson just to name one). You also probably witnessed some of our veterans that did not give all that they had for the entire match. I told our team after the match that some of them just do not get it. The "it" is competition. Some of our players have not idea how to compete. They do not realize that just making a good show will not get us very far if anywhere at all. All we ask of our players is to play as hard and as long as possible for their team. This is all anyone can ask of anyone. We will do our best as coaches to continue to prepare our players to the best of our and their ability. As players you must continue to build one another up because this is the only way we can come together as unit. As parents (of which I am not) and supporters, continue to encourage our squad, but do not reward mediocrity. We must challenge our young ladies and help them to aspire to great things. We must uplift, we must humble, we must chastise, we must punish, we must reward, we must reprimand, we must thank, and we must congratulate but only when the party in question is worthy.

I care very deeply for each and every player that is on our roster and will continue to do all within my power to make them a better player but more importantly a better person. I know that you all feel the same and I thank you for your support.

Ephesians 4:28-30 (New International Version)

28He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

The picture below illustrates one of our philosophies as team. You will have to ask a Lady General to explain the picture below.

The Crusader Classic: Day Two (Photos and Video)

The Crusader Classic: Day Two

As a coach there are few things I fear more than taking a squad on the road. I enjoy the comradery I enjoy the matches and all that goes along with it, but the thing I fear the most is the next morning. I have found that for the most part players just don't play to their potential that next morning. Do they stay up late? Do they feel out of their element? I do not yet know, but something happens.

That being said, the first match of the day is the reason why we play this tournament. We always play to win, but we want to win the last game not the first game. We must treat the season as a whole at times and as a piece at others. I told our squad that this weekend was to prepare us for Valwood at home this Tuesday (see you there). In the first match today against Alington we were out hustled for the first 40 minutes of the match. The only goal of the match was scored early (5th minute) and was the result of us getting to far forward, not recovering and Guthrie playing slightly wide of her near post. The girls did put forth a better effort in the second half and played solid defense. We obtained a handful of chances yet could not convert.

The last match of the Crusader Cup for the Lady Generals would have have a special ending. The Lady Generals backline the midfield and especially Augusta Guthrie finished the tournament with their first clean sheet. Unfortunately for us so did the Lady Gators of Bulloch Academy. Samantha Sloan would strike first for the Lady Generals striking the ball high and to the left. Rachel Swilley and Augusta Guthrie would miss wide right and have a shot saved respectively. Erin Redshaw would come through for the Lady Generals in banging one home. Sam Mehr would kick last for the Ladys and come up short and for the Lady Gators there stud sweeper, that had given us trouble the entire match came through for her side to leave us all tied at two apiece. At this point we went to sudden victory and having to choose from the rest of the side. I saw plenty of scared faces in the group and when coach Brathwaite called on Rebekah Swilley I though she had seen a ghost. She and her two braids trotted out to the PK spot. With a strike and a ball tailing to the right she brought the Lady Generals into the lead and all it took was Guthrie to come through one last time to send the Lady Generals home to Dasher with a victory.

Photos and Video soon from the weekend that was.

What a Difference a Year Makes

As I sit here about to relay to you, are loyal Lady Generals and Generals football fans, I can't help but think of one year ago. A year ago at this time Samantha Sloan was in severe pain having taken a a shot (kick) to her funny bone.... not so funny. I myself was pondering the barrage of shots and goals that the Lady Crusaders had layed upon us. The young lady's that took to the Trinity football field on a Friday night a year ago are not the same ones that took to the pitch tonight. Sure some of the names are the same, but the women that represented GCS on this night did so properly.

An early goal by the Lady Crusaders did not crush the spirits of the Lady Generals. On this night I believe it inspired them. The Lady Crusaders were a much more seasoned and experience side and it showed, but the Lady Generals would not back down. On the first substitution of Sam Mehr she showed she belonged on the pitch. She provided a deep throw from our own defending half into space for Rachel Swilley to run onto. I guess we will have to start calling Miss Swilley Pledge or Minwax or Polyurethane or something because she can finish.

The Lady Crusaders would manage two more goals on the night coming from well played combinations and powerful strikes. The entire Lady Generals squad was used in the effort. We received quality play from them all. Amie Clonce had one of if the not the best nights I have seen from her. If you would have told me a years ago that she would develop into a quality back I probably would not have believed you. Kailynn Jeffords also had a great night providing quality balls into space for our strikers. Erin Redshaw held down our back line with Talisa Sampson. Rachel and Rebekah Swilley gave the Trinity backline trouble all night as veteran Samantha Sloan was crucial in our midfield to prevent chances for the Lady Crusaders. As well Sam Mehr provided us this another option in the midfielder and going forward. As she gets better aclimated she should add another dimension to our attack.

Tomorrow looks to be a a great day for the beautiful game and I look forward to watching our Lady Generals on the pitch in the morning.

Sloan To Redshaw To The Back of the Net

(Also the capabilities of the Tiftarea Scoreboard)

Lady Generals Kick Off Season 10 with a Win

"... I am a soccer player... even in the rain." - Lady General

It was raining in Chula (Tifton) Tuesday afternoon as the Lady Generals battled the Tiftarea Lady Panthers, but that did not stop the Lady Generals. Two minutes into the match the Lady Panthers struck first with a well placed ball coming in from right to left and then finding its way into the back of the net leaving all on and off the pitch a little dumbfounded. The Ladies would not be denied as two and a half minutes latter Rachel Swilley would find Rebekah Swilley (or was it the other way around ???? oohhhhh) for the Ladies' first goal of the season.

The fifteenth minute would bring a strange site and the Lady Panthers' go-ahead goal. As keeper Augusta Guthrie fell out of bounds she and all of her basketball player prowess decided to toss the ball back onto the pitch... in front of goal. This decision resulted in a Tiftarea goal as well as a great learning opportunity for Guthrie.

Eight minutes into the second half, rain still coming down, Erin Redshaw came in from the backline to head in a well placed Samantha Sloan corner to pull the Lady Generals even. The score would remain so until a handball in the box in the 60th minute for the Lady Panthers would result in a Lady Generals PK opportunity. Veteran Samantha Sloan was called on and she did not disappoint playing a low hard ball to the keepers right that would be enough for the Lady Generals to ride back to Dasher with there first win in hand.

Although the last 20 minutes bore no goals it was probably the best for the Lady Generals as Rebekah Swilley and Kailynn Jeffords sent great strikes to the Lady Panther keeper. Some great give and go touches resulted in Lady Generals chances. It was a great effort by all on this opening day, this cold and very wet opening day. The eighth graders more than pulled their weight and the veterans showed improvement from a year ago. There is much work to be done and much football left to be played. Now... on to Dublin.

JV Brave the Valiants the Eagles and the Wind!

It was a blustery morning on the pitch in north Valdosta, Georgia. I set a few balls up at the top of the box while the girls stretched and when I turned back they were in the net! Quite a windstorm to say the least.
The wind nor the Lady Valiants were a match for the Lady Generals JV in the first match up. Some good touches early on allowed the defense to rest and for the front line to get some chances. Rebekah Swilley earned a penalty kick in the first half and keeper Augusta Guthrie put the JV Lady Generals on the board with a great strike. But Swilley and Sam Mehr would not be outdone, contributing a goal a piece. The JV Lady Generals were caught on there heels twice in the match. The last goal coming late due a lack of spacing and communication in the back line
As the first match came to a close the Lady Eagles came walking up suit clad and ready to meet us on the pitch. This time the Lady Eagles struck first as a well placed ground-ball across the front of the box (left to right) allowed the Lady Eagle to place a powerful strike past Guthrie. The whistle would not blow on the first half before Sam Mehr would get loose and bring one back for the JV Lady Generals. Having almost played 80 minutes solid the JV Lady Generals were nursing the draw when a poor goal kick with 2 minutes to go resulted in a Lady Eagle go-ahead goal.

All in all I was very pleased with what I saw from the touchline on this very brisk morning. Talisa Sampson and Caitlin Brown held down our back line quite well. As time passes there communication will improve and so will there overall play. Our triple threat up front of Savanna Gordon, Sam Mehr, and Rebekah Swilley put together some great combinations and as they compete more together should be a pleasure to watch. Casey Alley showed great presence in the midfield and really bailled us out in the Terrel game. Augusta Guthrie is finding her place between the pipes and as her confidence grows she will be harder and harder to score on. The biggest surprise of the day was the play of Lauren Redshaw. Lauren showed great poise and toughness for the majority of the day. The late clearance that nearly resulted in an on-goal showed that she is still learning, but we were definitely pleased with her efforts on the day.

A great day for football if you were appropriately attired and we thank all of those who attended the matches to today. A special thanks to Mrs. Nicole Lynch for the headband-ear warmers. A nice touch to the white kits worn over the blue hoodies. Next on the Lady Generals calender will be our Varsity match up with the Tiftarea Lady Panthers. We will be traveling on Tuesday for this region match so if you will not be making the trip please keep us in your prayers and if you are planning on going we will see you at the pitch. Go Lady Generals!

What is expected of our players?

There are two things that you can control
1. Be On Time
2. Work Hard

Punctuality is very important because…
1. Our time is limited
2. You are not only on your time but on our time as well

Hard Work will facilitate your goals (maybe not in your time frame)

Example: The work you do this year may pay-off for the team next year, but you may not be here.

You are part of something bigger than yourself.

What will be the structure of our training?

The coaching staff here is going to train you to the best of our abilities and utilize all available resources to do so. This means that the practice scenarios that you are used in other sports are not necessarily the same scenarios that you will be involved in football.

Example: The Varsity Squad (8-12 grade) and the Junior Varsity Squad (6-8 grade) will train together. This will allow for more realistic drills and playing situations for everyone as well as the opportunity for less experienced players to be challenged by our more experienced players. (If a 7th grade forward can beat a 12th grade defender in training then she should be able to beat a 7th grade defender on match day) It is also the case that some, if not all of our eighth grade players will be playing in Varsity matches. By training as a whole all players will be able to interact with one another.

The Segments of training

We must make the most of our time. It is important that the players (as well as parents) are aware of the time that we will be training and therefore we can all plan the other aspects of our life with respect to that. We as coaches want the most out of our players while they train and by knowing just how long the players will be required to train will assist them in approaching training from a mental standpoint. The framework for our training will be broken up into the following segments:

I. Meditation

II. Stretching and Conditioning

III. Skill Training (Position Specific)

IV. Skill Training (Game Scenarios)

V. Live Play


I. Meditation
For players and coaches the day can bring many distractions and emotions in our minds. For everyones benefit well will use a portion of our time at the beginning of practice to clear our minds and focus on our training and what we can do to best help our team.

II. Strectching and Conditioning
To prevent injury all players will be required to stretch properly and be in capable condition to play the beautiful game. Players owe it to there teammates to be in the best shape possible so that they can compete at their highest level. This will require a conscience effort to push oneself beyond ones comfort zone. A team of superior physical fitness is capable of defeating a team of lesser fitness and superior skill level in the closing minutes of a match.

III. Skill Training (Position Specific)
We will condition as a group, but skills training will begin with players separated in their respective positions (Forwards (Strikers), Midfielders (half-backs), Defenders (full-backs), and Goalkeepers).



Away - Tells a defender to get the ball out their end of the field.
Back and face - Drop back into position and face the opponents ready for a counter attack.
Balance - The presence of coverage by a team in important areas on the pitch.
Ball watching - Defender loses site of his mark because he is looking at just where the ball is.
Body Position – Turn body so that you can see the whole field or if central the ball and goal.
Caught square - When defenders have been beaten by a through ball because they were positioned in a straight line or square to one another.
Channel/Lane - Space between center half and full back into which a pass can be played for an attacking player.
Check In/Out - To come back or move away to space to receive a ball from a teammate.
Cover - To provide defensive cover for the defender pressuring the ball.
Cross - Pass the ball across the mouth of the opponent's goal.
Drop - To pass the ball back to a supporting player.
Drop and mark - The defending team needs to move to their goal, picking up and marking opponents.
Dummy - To let the ball go past or through your legs to a teammate.
50/50 ball - A loose ball contested by players from each team.
First time - Shoot or pass the ball with the first touch.
Get Depth - Asking the central defender to drop and support in the center of pitch as not to get caught "flat"
Get up/out - Clear defense out of box.
Goal-side - The defender positioned between the goal and the offensive player.
Hold - Usually means hold the ball while a player moves into a supporting position for a pass.
Hold the ball up - To keep Possession of the ball, or an instruction to do so.
Jockey - slow down the attacking player who has the ball with your back to your own goal.
Keep It - Maintain team possession of the ball, don’t force it.
Long Ball - When outclassed in midfield to play hopeful long passes to strikers.
Man to man - Follow player everywhere.
Mark up - Telling your teammates to leave no one unmarked.
One more - Let a crossing pass through or pass to the next player.
Open out – provide width in support (curved run)
Over the Top – Play the ball over the defense into space for the forwards to run on to.
Overlap - When a player runs around and ahead of the ball for a pass into space.
Pinch in - Two players closing from the left and right, squeezing the field together.
Play feet - To pass a ball directly to a teammate's feet.
Play space - To push a ball into an open area of the field for another player to run on to.
Play the way you’re facing - Keep soccer simple and pass the way you are facing then move to space.
Play passes - Get head up and keep the ball moving to a teammate.
Pressure - Refers to a defender placing pressure on his opponent with the ball.
Push-up – To move defenders away from goal area to engage in the attack or attempt to draw the opposing team off sides.
Recover - When a defender gets beat he turns and sprints to get between the ball and the goal.
Second ball - Loose ball after initial challenge.
Shape - The players positioning on the field in relation to the formation and the ball location.
Show - Move from a position with an intervening defender to a position with a clear line to the ball.
Simple – Do the easy things well, don’t over complicate and lose possession.
Split - Pass the ball between two defenders.
Square - A lateral pass (straight as in the lines of a square)
Stay Central - Defend the center of the field
Support – Players in position to help keep possession of the ball.
Switch – Changing the point of attack to expose more space.
The Hole - Space between an opposition defense and midfield, hence for an offensive midfielder or defensive forward to play "in the hole".
Through ball - Serve the ball through a flat defensive alignment into a forward space creating an opportunity on goal.
Time/Relax - Having enough time to control ball and look around before a defender can pressure you.
Transition - When team gains possession (goes on offense) or loses possession (goes on defense) of the ball.
Turn - Telling your teammate he has time to control the ball and turn up field.
Turn and face - Turn around and get ready for the kick.
What you see - The player with the ball has no one marking them, in other words, they are unmarked.

(Terms Compliments of Valdosta Lowndes Soccer Club)

A Fallen Soldier for Football

I believe that football is powerful and I believe the fact that it is so powerful allows for even greater good to be done rather than just cheering at people kicking a ball. If you were watching Sports Center on ESPN of Sunday Night (1-28-2008) then you may have seen the story of the fallen US Army soldier and the fulfillment of one of his last wishes. Watching this was very tough. See (click here) for more details.

What to come in 2008? (in terms of the beautiful game)

One of my favorite movies is Back to the Future. Dr. Brown, Marty McFly, what a great trilogy. I don't have a De Lorean to travel back in time or into the future with, but it is still fun to think about. Of course I am very excited about our upcoming girls season at GCS as well as spring practice and summer training for the guys fall season. Although they have not been showing great form as of late I trust that Rafa Benitez will get Liverpool (my club of choice...Go Reds! "You'll never walk alone." sorry) back to form for the Champions League and who knows maybe they can hang on in the premiership to keep things interesting for everyone. Hopefully the Euro will be exciting this summer as I am sure it will (even though England did not qualify). We will see if the Houston Dynamo can Three-peat in the MLS and if the quarter of a billion dollar chap from across the pond, aka David Beckham, can lead the Galaxy into the playoffs.