Sherwood Eagles soar in GIAA debut, championship, honors and more

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By Joe Whitfield
Sports Editor

ALBANY — Sherwood Christian Academy capped a historic fall sports season with quarterback Tripp Roberts being named GIAA 8-Man Football Player of the Year and head coach Doug Eason earning Coach of the Year honors. In their first season competing in the Georgia Independent Athletic Association, the Eagles went undefeated (11-0) and claimed the state football championship with a win over Westminster of Augusta.

Several players received All-State recognition, including Roberts, Bill Dunwoody, Dallas Williams, Collyer Alderman and Kane Dupree, marking Sherwood’s seamless transition from the GAPPS conference to the GIAA.

The Eagles’ success wasn’t limited to football. Sherwood’s boys’ cross-country team finished second in the state, while the girls placed third. The volleyball team advanced to the state quarterfinals, finishing seventh overall, and the middle school football team completed an undefeated season.

Sherwood Athletic Director Jay Flynt credited the school’s principles and foundational leadership for the program’s achievements.

“Our success is built on four principles: Glorify God, Lead by Example, Compete with Excellence and Model Christ on and off the field,” Flynt said. “We’ve been blessed with strong leadership and support from figures like the late Pastor Michael Catt, who reminded us to ‘keep the main thing the main thing,’ and our current Pastor Paul Gotthardt, who emphasizes that everything flows from a relationship with the Lord.”

Flynt also highlighted the contributions of Sherwood’s headmaster, Kenny Roberts, whose leadership has fostered a competitive and Christ-centered athletic culture.

“Kenny has given us the support and wisdom to build a consistent and competitive program that reflects our values,” Flynt said.

 A key component of Sherwood’s recent athletic success has been its focus on physical preparation.

“The weight room has been transformational for our athletes,” Flynt said. “The commitment to daily goals during summer training and preseason work has created a culture of excellence that carries over to the field and court. When kids see the results of their hard work, it builds belief and momentum.”

Sherwood’s standout fall season reflects the school’s dedication to developing its athletes both spiritually and physically, setting the foundation for continued success in the GIAA.

By Joe Whitfield
Sports Editor
By Joe Whitfield
Sports Editor

Sherwood Christian quarterback Tripp Roberts (left) and Head Coach Doug Eason are the GIAA state player of the year and coach of the year in GIAA 8-man football after the team went 11-0 this season and won the state championship.

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Author

Joe Whitfield is the sports editor for the Albany Herald. He graduated from the Henry Grady School of Journalism at the University of Georgia. He is an avid Georgia Bulldog fan and passionate about local sports in Albany. He has two daughters and seven grandchildren.

Read Joe’s stories.

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