Southeast Georgia In The Game High School Sports Magazine

Donovan Bolden has grown up hearing the clatter of pennies rattling inside milk jugs on Friday nights in Folkston. Attending football games at Indian Field, he has seen thousands of Charlton County football supporters swinging their arms in a familiar “chopping” motion in tune with the Indians war chant made famous at Florida State University.

The cadence can be heard for miles, not that there are many to hear it outside the stadium known as “The Swamp.” Most of Folkston’s population of 2,180 is usually in the stands chanting. The atmosphere in Folkston becomes electric on game nights as local businesses put out black and red decorations and signs showing support for the hometown team.

Now in his senior year, Bolden is often the reason the crowd cheers. Whether making a big reception, returning a punt or kickoff, picking off an opposing quarterback or making a big hit on defense, the two-way starter has stepped up to become one of the most respected players in Southeast Georgia. He is following in the footsteps of legendary Charlton County players such as Champ and Boss Bailey, Marquis “Mudcat” Elmore and Dwight Dasher, each of whom set a high bar within the program.

Outstanding athletes seem to be plentiful in Charlton County since Rich McWhorter became head football coach in 1990. He started a phenomenal run of success that includes 22 consecutive winning seasons and 22 consecutive playoff appearances. In his lifetime, Bolden has never seen an Indians losing season.

Knowing it would take a lot of hard work to continue the winning tradition, Bolden set himself to the task. “I just dedicated myself. I pushed myself more than I could handle,” Bolden says. “Whatever I do, I give it my best. I go hard at everything I do.”

In his first year playing at Charlton County, Bolden was named to the All-Region 2-AA freshman team. He continued to stand out as a sophomore with 43 receptions for 637 yards and seven touchdowns while also playing defensive back. He twice garnered First Team All-Region honors as a defensive back and Second Team honors as a wide receiver in 2009. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has also recognized Bolden with an Honorable Mention as a wide receiver on its All-State team.

Coming into this season, Bolden has accounted for 1,464 yards of total offense. Defensively, he has three interceptions, two quarterback sacks and two fumble recoveries. He has been a three-sport athlete since entering Charlton County High, excelling in track and basketball as well. This spring he made it to the state track and field finals as one of Georgia’s best in the 200 meters. He has started for the Indians basketball team since his sophomore year and last season was named the team’s Offensive MVP to go along with All-Region honors.

“He is very low maintenance as far as having to push him,” McWhorter says about his senior receiver and defensive back. “He is always the first one there even in the offseason.”

At 5’9” and 170 pounds, Bolden has pushed himself in the weight room to add strength to his impressive speed. He squats 390 pounds and can bench 250 pounds. His efforts on the field have grabbed the attention of several programs, including Georgia Southern University, Miami University of Ohio, The Citadel, Wofford, and Charleston Southern. But it’s the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State and the Purdue Boilermakers in West Lafayette, Indiana, who most interest Bolden who says he wants to play football while studying business or sports management.

Although his athletic exploits have attracted the attention of football coaches, his academic record and character will please admissions offices. Bolden carries a 3.56 grade point average and is active in church activities and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He manages to juggle athletics, academics and extracurricular activities with a simple plan.

“When I get home from practice I go over and over my schoolwork until I get it down pat,” the soft-spoken Bolden says. “You have your time for schoolwork and your time for sports.”

McWhorter calls Bolden an excellent student and one who teachers appreciate having in their classes. Bolden realized early that athletics, character and academics go together to form a complete package preferred by collegiate programs that want student athletes who can get the job done on the field and in the classroom and be good representatives of the school in the community.  Bolden credits McWhorter and his staff for preparing him for the move to the collegiate level.

“I tell kids that just because you can run fast doesn’t mean anything,” McWhorter says. “You have to have more to offer.”

Although he says he has yet to have a “big catch” for his highlight reel, Bolden said he and his teammates faced a crucial test of character earlier this season against the Bradwell Institute Tigers. The Indians pulled out a hard fought contest against the AAAAA school, winning 22-14 on the road in Hinesville in a game that was not decided until the Indians intercepted a Bradwell Institute pass with :05 seconds left to play. “It was tough and we could have put our heads down but we stayed tough and pulled through,” Bolden says.

Wherever Bolden decides to attend college next year, his work ethic and positive attitude should help him excel. McWhorter as a great deal of respect for Bolden, saying he gives more to the program than he takes.  Adds McWhorter, “If all of your players were like Donovan Bolden you would have fewer headaches.” ITG