Java's Journal
SKG's Monthly Athletic Newsletter - November 2022
Football
Football wrapped up their season at Berkmar on October 28th. In the inaugural season, our SKG football team won two JV games against Central Gwinnett and Duluth, scoring a combined 41 points. They recorded their first varsity touchdown on October 14th against Duluth on an 89 yard kick-off return by Jayden Vernot. 70 student-athletes were a part of the first ever football program, and they worked hard everyday to build the foundation for the future of Jags Football. We are proud of our kids and coaches and look forward to seeing how they continue to grow and prepare for year two.
Softball
Our Jags Softball program finished the season on a high note with a walk off win against region champ and elite 8 opponent Walnut Grove. In addition to this win, they had signature program wins over Commerce, Collins Hill, East Hall and Elbert County. It was great to see our kids compete and grow throughout the season. They played hard for each other, and with only one senior, they will return next season a group of girls who have been challenged and tested and are ready to see what team 2 can accomplish!
Volleyball
Team 1 for the Jags Volleyball program finished their season by earning a spot in the region tournament - a huge accomplishment in their first year. In addition to this milestone, freshman Marley Phillips was voted as 2nd-team All-Region. Throughout the season, our girls and coaches brought energy and passion on the court with signature wins against Prince Avenue Christian, South Gwinnett, and East Hall. Our volleyball program had two seniors and will return a group of kids that are hungry to make a run next season.
Cross Country
Our first year XC program began the season with a tough meet at the War Eagle Invitational and only got better from there. Week after week our runners got stronger and faster and grew as individuals and as a team. By the end of the season, we had numerous athletes with PR’s and a team of athletes who consistently put in the work and supported each other. So proud of the progress our XC program made, and with only one senior, it promises to be a great year two!
Cheer
Our first ever SKG Competition Cheer squad, also known as the SKG PROWL, had a great first year! They hosted a competition that brought 35 teams into our gym! They finished second place at both the Mill Creek and Buford competitions for our division. We can't wait to see all that they accomplish in year two!
One Act Play
Our first ever One Act play team competed in the region competition at North Oconee where they placed 5th. They preformed Game of Tiaras, and our students and coach did an outstanding job of preparing and representing the SKG! Two of our one act Jags were chosen as part of the region all-star cast! Congratulations to Nora Branch and Belle Effer for this achievement and to the entire cast and crew and Ms. Lee on an outstanding first one act play!
OTD in Jaguar History
9/27 -First regular season wins for SKG Esports program in League of Legends and Splatoon 3.
10/11 - SKG Softball has their first walk-off win versus a ranked opponent, Walnut Grove, in the last game of their inaugural season.
10/11 - First SKG Flag Football TD and win in school history as they defeated Northview 6-0.
10/12 - SKG Volleyball earns the right to play in their first ever Region Tournament.
10/12 - First ever SKG athlete to be chosen for an all-region team - freshman volleyball player Mar'ley Phillips was voted 2nd Team All-Region for Region 8-AAAA.
10/14 - First ever varsity TD in SKG Football history against Duluth - Jayden Vernot returns a kick-off 89 yards for a Jags touchdown.
10/15 - SKG One Act team places 5th in their first One Act Play Region Competition.
10/22 - First ever SKG Band competition at Flowery Branch. They received a Superior rating!
10/28 - SKG Wrestling hosts their first ever scramble.
Female Athlete of the Month - Kylie Terry - Flag Football
Male Athlete of the Month - Blake McClenning - Esports
Blake works harder than many other players in our program in order to improve his gameplay. Blake comes to every mandatory and optional practice to have one-on-one practice sessions with me so that I can give him specific advice on what he can do to improve his gameplay. Blake takes all forms of criticism in a positive manner and often has to play champions (characters) that are not his favorite to play in order to help his team succeed. Blake functions as the glue that holds his team together and makes sure that he is practicing more than anyone else to help that bond stay strong.
Harrison Moskowitz - Head Coach of the Month - Esports
Coach Moskowitz has done an incredible job building our inaugural Esports program at the SKG. His passion and commitment to teaching and guiding our kids has been awesome to watch. Not to mention that his team is currently ranked 3rd in the state.
Garrett Shaffer - Assistant Coach of the Month - Flag Football
Coach Shaffer has been a huge help in getting the flag football team rolling. He is a great partner, leads the girls well, draws up awesome plays, and has high expectations of success. I couldn't have started this program up without his help!
Coach Harrison Moskowitz
Sport - Esports
Years of Experience - 10 years as a player, 3 years as a coach
Someone you look up to - After spending 20 minutes I truly cannot come up with one answer. My mother, grandmother, and the many father figures I have has in my life (Glenn Burrows, Michael Gonzalez, Jim Ambrose, and Lewis Karlan to name a few).
Favorite aspect of coaching - I love watching students passionately learning about their games. I see a young version of myself in each of them as I try to teach them strategies, communication, and a strong mentality.
Quote you live by - "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. - Winston Churchill
One thing you are committed to bring to the SKG - An atmosphere and environment where all feel welcome regardless of their experience with games.