Bright futures ahead: Warhawks off to a hot start in Kathleen

KATHLEEN, Ga. — First, let us rewind: The spring was not a normal one over at Veterans High School. Former Head Coach Milan Turner left the football program in the early spring. Afterwards, Josh Ingram, a former coordinator under Turner, was named as the head coach of the Warhawks. Spring practice for the Warhawks began in late April and lasted through early May. Veterans also hosted their spring game against Jones County on May 6, which the Hawks won, 24-21.

What does the future hold for the Warhawks? After GHSA’s “dead week” during the first week of June, coaches and teams are now able to begin off-season practices. Coach Josh Ingram and the gridiron athletes at Veterans began summer workouts on June 6, consisting of varsity and 9th grade practice periods.

Coach Ingram also welcomed in a couple of new position coaches to the football staff. Coach John Respert was announced as the new run-game coordinator, tight ends and running backs coach. Coach Mahan will take over as the new special teams and wide receivers coach in Kathleen.

Veterans Deondre Kennedy and Nate Brooks were selected to the class 5A All-State teams after last season. Now, the Warhawks will rely on the leadership of Preston Bird and Da’Mare Franklin, who were also selected as All-State honorable mentions. Da’Mare Franklin was special in his junior campaign. The Warhawk athlete was awarded GHSA region 1-5A offensive player-of the-year in 2021. This accolade comes after Franklin led all Georgia receivers in receiving yards for the majority of the season.

As a junior, Da’Mare Franklin caught 63 receptions for 1,001 yards. With only 15 carries, Franklin racked up 98 yards and seven total touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball, Franklin recorded 11 solo tackles, caught an interception and had six pass break-ups as a defensive back.

It took some time, but now recruiters are taking light of Houston County’s “Hidden Gem.” Veteran standout Da’Mare Franklin received his first collegiate scholarship offer from the University of the Cumberlands in early December. Also awarding a scholarship offer to Da’Mare Franklin was Reinhardt University.

The most recent of his scholarship offers came earlier this week. Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Albany State announced a scholarship offer to the Houston County native on June 6.

Da’Mare Franklin’s most recent scholarship offer was his first from a division-one school. On June 7, Presbyterian College also offered Franklin the opportunity to continue his athletic and academic career. Da’Mare Franklin was not the only Warhawk athlete who received collegiate offers this spring. Veterans’ Jaron Benjamin announced in late May, his scholarship offer from Reinhardt University.

Veterans will open up their fall 2022 football season with a big test. In a scrimmage, the Hawks will host the defending 5A state champions, Warner Robins. Kickoff for the scrimmage will be August 5 at 7:30 p.m. The full schedule for the Veterans Warhawks will be released at a later date.

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