LYONS, Ga. (WSAV) — Toombs County is off to a perfect 7-0 start ahead of a big matchup against 8-0 Savannah Christian.
The Bulldogs are loaded with talent, headlined by 4-star recruit Lagonza Hayward.
“I want a free education,” said Hayward. “Nobody has made it out of Toombs county yet.”
Hayward is working to represent the community.
“When you have one come through like him you just feel very blessed to have that,” said
Head Coach Buddy Martin. “Really neat just to be in a community like this and to see him come through the middle school and develop into the player and young man he is very special.”
As one of the highest rated recruits in Georgia, Hayward committed to Tennessee over Georgia, Alabama, and many others.
“Tennessee got on me early, that was my second SEC offer, and Georgia was my last offer,” said Hayward. “I’m the type of person where I rock with you if you rock with me.”
The recruiting process is different for everyone. While Hayward attended many camps to get noticed, Toombs’ quarterback T.J. Stanley committed to Georgia State after using the internet to his advantage.
“I had a lot of posts on twitter and trying to get myself out there,” said Stanley. “A lot of people and coaches helped me out along the way, a lot of social media went into it that’s the best way to get seen.”
The recruiting attention at Toombs has benefitted everyone.
“It’s great for our community, and it’s great for all the other kids on the team, some kids get exposure that maybe wouldn’t if you didn’t have a Lagonza out here,” said Martin. “I think the guys have taken advantage of that opportunity.”
Even with all the recruiting, the goal in Toombs County remains clear.
“We’re chasing a state championship that’s what the standard is,” said Bryant. “We’re gonna try our very best to get there.”
Toombs will face off with Savannah Christian on Friday night at 7:30 p.m.