Coastal Pines Technical College

    By Kevin Price

Jacob Sammis helped Frederica Academy’s baseball team make history this season. 

The Knights claimed the first-ever state championship in program history earlier this month, and Sammis was a major player for the 2025 Class AAA state champions in the Georgia Independent Athletic Association. 

The junior pitcher and infielder ended up earning GIAA Class AAA Player of the Year honors shortly after the Knights hoisted the title, and this week, Sammis is being selected by 912 Sports as the Coastal Pines Technical College Boys Student-Athlete of the Month. 

The Knights claimed the state crown by sweeping rival Pinewood Christian in a best-of-3 series played in Columbus. Frederica won the opening game 3-0 before rallying from behind to also take the second game by an 8-6 score to finish off the series and claim the title.

Sammis pitched a complete-game shutout for the Knights in Game 1 while allowing the Crusaders only three hits. Frederica also only had three hits, but led 1-0 early before getting a two-run triple for a 3-0 lead late in the game. 

Sammis played shortstop in the second game. Frederica head coach Tim Orlosky lauded his defensive play and also his quality at-bats in Game 2 in which the Knights trailed 6-2 after four innings before storming back to win the game and the championship. 

Frederica finished the year 23-6. They were 14-11-1 last season.  The Knights had been 0-10 in the postseason since playing for a state championship back in 2018. 

Coastal Pines Technical College

Boys Student-Athlete of Month

December - Jackson Hunter, Glynn Academy, cross country

January - MJ Quarterman, McIntosh Co. Academy, basketball

February - Clayton Hicks, Brunswick High, wrestling  

March - Bradley Patterson, Camden Co., wrestling 

April - Luke Edwards, Effingham, baseball 

May - Harrison Crofts, South Effingham, track and field 

June - Jacob Sammis, Frederica Academy, baseball  

    By Kevin Price

Frederica Academy has a powerhouse girls soccer program, and players like Mary Ford Fitzjurls are a big reason for that. 

The Lady Knights claimed their third straight Class AAA state championship late last month in the Georgia Independent Athletic Association, and Fitzjurls played a big role in the team’s season-long march to this latest title. 

The team’s junior captain, she scored 22 goals and notched 20 assists in 20 matches during the 2025 campaign. 

For her outstanding play throughout the spring season including the state title game when she played all 80 minutes, Fitzjurls has been chosen by 912 Sports as the Coastal Pines Technical College Girls Student-Athlete of the Month. 

“Mary has been a very important player for us the last four years,” said Frederica coach Gabe Gabriel. “She deserves every honor she receives for all of the effort, time and sacrifice she puts in to be great at her passion. 

“I look forward to coaching her for one more year and then watching as she goes on to great things on and off the field.”

Frederica won this year’s state championship with a 2-0 victory over St. Andrew’s. The title match was played at Stratford Academy in Macon. Fitzjurls provided the assist on Frederica’s second score. 

The Lady Knights finished with a 16-4-1 record. 

Fitzjurls was also named the GIAA Player of the Year in Class AAA following the season while Gabriel was voted the Coach of the Year. 

With a strong core group coming back next spring that includes Fitzjurls who will be a senior in 2026, the Lady Knights will try to make it four state crowns in a row next season.

Coastal Pines Technical College 

Girls Student-Athletes of the Month

December - Jada Evans, Ware County, cheer

January - Breanna Higgins, Camden County, wrestling

February - Parris Parham, Bradwell Inst., basketball

March - Charlacia Jones, Ware County, basketball

April - Ellie Luppino, Glynn Academy, tennis 

May - Kiara Green, Charlton County, track and field

June - Mary Ford Fitzjurls, Frederica Academy, soccer