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Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023

Scores & Schedules

Rankings

TV Listings

Loganville rally saves playoff hopes

It wasn’t just the game that was getting away from Loganville last week. It was the Red Devils’ season. Another loss would’ve been their third in Region 8-5A, and their next opponent would be No. 3 Jefferson.

 

In what might've been a must-win situation – and trailing by 16 points early in the fourth quarter and by 11 with two minutes left – Loganville found a way, scoring two touchdowns in the final 62 seconds to beat 22-point favorite Clarke Central 51-50 in Region 8-5A. [See coach Gene Cathcart's Four Questions from Monday.]

 

Sophomore QB Brody Hannah passed for 553 yards and seven touchdowns, four to Ahmed Souare, in the comeback thriller.

 

Loganville is GHSF Daily’s Team of the Week. The award, sponsored by BSN Sports and Titan Electric, will be presented to the team today at the school.

Maxwell Ratings' region-title odds

Four weeks remain in the regular season. Below are the Maxwell Ratings’ chances of each team winning their region. Teams with less than a 0.1% chance are not included. Here are some of the more intriguing region races and Maxwell favorites.

 

*Given less than a 1% chance in preseason, Bryan County (6-1, 1-0) of Region 3-A Division I is now a 93.4% pick to win its first title in history. That’s after beating defending champion Metter 21-20 last week, avenging a 30-0 loss from 2022. Bryan County fielded its first team in 1976. The Redskins also are positioned to earn their first home playoff game in history.

 

*Lumpkin County (7-0, 3-0) stands an 87.3% chance of winning its first region championship. Given a 7.7% chance in preseason, the Indians are now the only team without a region loss in Region 7-3A. Lumpkin started varsity football in 1961.

 

*Mount Vernon (5-2, 0-0) is favored at 82% to win its first region title in history, even if no games have been played in the four-team Region 6-A Division I. Mount Vernon is 6-2 against the classification’s 13th-toughest schedule, and Maxwell ranks the Mustangs No. 7 in the class. The other three region teams have losing records.

 

*North Cobb Christian (5-2, 3-0) has a 96.7% chance to win its first region title in history. The Eagles are the only team without a loss in Region 6-2A and play defending champion South Atlanta (3-4, 2-1) on Friday.

 

*Jenkins County (75.8%) can win its first region title since 1960. The Eagles (7-0, 1-0) were given a 9.5% chance in preseason. They beat defending Region 3-A Division II champion McIntosh County Academy 47-0 last week.

 

*Telfair County (91.1%) appears to be closing in on its first region title since 1993. The Trojans (6-0, 2-0) beat defending Region 4-A Division II champion Wilcox County 29-15 last week. They were given an 18.1% chance in preseason.

 

*Effingham County, without a title since 1995, is the favorite in Region 2-6A. Given a 9.5% chance to win in preseason, the Rebels now have a 42.1% chance in a region that includes preseason favorite and defending champion Brunswick (35.2%) and Glynn Academy (14.4%). Effingham has beaten Glynn, and Glynn has beaten Brunswick. Effingham plays Brunswick on Nov. 3.

 

*Toombs County (85.2%) is ranked No. 1 in Class 2A in the Maxwell Ratings and is favored to win its first region title since 2000. That could change quickly, though, if the Bulldogs don’t win Friday at home against No. 4 Pierce County as No. 3 Pierce County and Vidalia remain in contention in deep Region 3.

 

*With a 98% chance to close the deal, Douglas County is approaching its first region title since 2002. The Tigers are the only team with no region losses in 5-6A. Douglas County’s chances were only 6.3% in preseason, but a 30-27 victory over defending Class 6A champion Hughes on Sept. 22 did wonders for those odds.

 

*Spalding (7-0, 3-0) – given only a 4.1% chance in preseason – is favored to win its first region title since 2003. The Region 2-4A championship is likely to come down to an Oct. 27 game against Perry (6-1, 3-0), the defending champion. Both are in the top five of the Class 4A composite rankings.

 

*Trion (6-0, 2-0) has an 82.1% chance to win its first region title since 2003, though Darlington (5-2, 3-0) and Pepperell (3-3, 2-0) also have no region losses.

 

*Northeast (99.2%) appears to be a cinch to win Region 2-2A. That would be the Raiders’ first title since 2009.

 

*Northgate and Harris County rank 2-3 this week on GHSF Daily’s Improvement Tracker for Class 5A, and one is almost certainly going to win Region 3. Northgate, given a 57.3% chance of winning, can win its first region title since 2011. Harris County (41.8%) has won only two region titles in its 68 seasons, none since 2014. A year ago in this region, Northside of Columbus won its first title in history in its 19th varsity season. Harris County beat Northside 27-7 last week.

 

*Central of Carrollton is 96.7% pick to win its first region title since 2014 and second in more than 35 years. Central, given only a 3.6% chance in preseason, has avenged its two 2022 region losses (Cedartown, Sonoraville) the past two weeks, although Northwest Whitfield (6-1, 2-0) remains a threat.

 

*No. 1 Coffee of Region 1-5A is the favorite at 76%, and a region title would be the Trojans’ second in 20 years, first since 2015. But their final regular-season game is at No. 6 Ware County, the defending region and state champion.

 

*Newton’s chances of 82.2% seem a bit optimistic given the presence of No. 7 Parkview in Region 4-7A, but the evidence of scores goes Newton’s way. A region title would be Newton’s third in history, first since 2015. Newton was picked to finish fourth in preseason with a 3.5% chance of winning the region. Parkview is at Newton on Oct. 20.

 

*Region 4-5A is nearly a tossup between Arabia Mountain (58.5%) and Tucker (41.5%) percent. Those DeKalb County schools play Aug. 3. Both last won region titles in 2017. Decatur won this region last season, breaking an 18-year region drought, but Tucker (4-3, 2-0) and Arabia Mountain (6-1, 2-0) have beaten the Bulldogs in consecutive weeks and stand alone at the top of the region.

 

*Following its first back-to-back losing seasons since 2008-09, Greater Atlanta Christian is 6-0, 2-0, and given a 60.3% chance to win Region 6-5A after beating defending champion Cambridge 30-3 last week. But the Spartans likely must win at Kell (39%) on Oct. 20. They are the only 2-0 teams in the region. GAC was given a 7.8% chance of winning the region in preseason.

 

*Not so much history in this one, but maximum intrigue: Jones County (5-2, 3-0) and Warner Robins (4-3, 3-0) are the only teams with no region losses in Region 2-5A. Maxwell gives Jones County a 58.9% of winning despite losing its quarterback, Miami-committed senior Judd Anderson, to Warner Robins in an unusual midseason transfer two weeks into the season. But Jones County has won four straight games, and its new quarterback, Devin Edmonds, threw six TD passes in a 48-17 rout of 10th-ranked Ola last week. The two contenders meet Oct. 27 in Warner Robins.

GHSF Daily each week will rank the top five teams and their head coaches in each classification based on their improvement in the computer Maxwell Ratings from previous seasons, but with some exclusions. Only teams with winning records will be listed. In the end, each team and coach must also make the playoffs and improve playoff seeding or state playoff finish from the previous year to qualify. The objective is to recognize not only improvement but also the challenge of making a struggling program relevant on the state level or taking a good program to the next level. After the season, GHSF Daily will present an award, sponsored by Hudl, to the nine coaches who lead their classifications. The recognition will take place at the GACA Falcons Luncheon on Feb. 6 in Macon.

 

Class 7A

+23.27 - Newton (Josh Skelton)

+15.08 - Peachtree Ridge (Matt Helmerich)

+10.33 - Osborne (Luqman Salam)

+8.31 - Wheeler (Bryan Love)

+7.91 - Walton (Daniel Brunner)

 

Class 6A

+24.53 - Douglas County (Johnny White)

+14.49 - Thomas County Central (Justin Rogers)

+11.11 - North Atlanta (Jamie Aull)

+10.71 - East Paulding (Chris Hirschfield)

+9.38 - Lanier (Tyler Maloof)

 

Class 5A

+15.07 - Hiram (Pete Fominaya)

+14.38 - Harris County (Tommy Watson)

+10.42 - Northgate (Mike McDonald)

+10.20 - Greater Atlanta Christian (Tim Hardy)

+8.70 - Arabia Mountain (Julian Washington)

 

Class 4A

+19.72 - Spalding (Carl Kearney)

+14.25 - North Hall (Sean Pender)

+13.55 - Madison County (Chris Smith)

+10.42 – Johnson-Gainesville (William Harrell)

+10.35 - Stockbridge (Thomas Clark)

 

Class 3A

+19.36 - Lumpkin County (Heath Webb)

+17.87 - Mary Persons (Brian Nelson)

+8.44 - Morgan County (Clint Jenkins)

+8.35 - Calvary Day (Mark Stroud)

+8.17 - Stephens County (Wesley Tankersley)

 

Class 2A

+21.11 - Toombs County (Buddy Martin)

+14.68 - Providence Christian (John Russ)

+12.98 - Therrell (B.J. Jamison)

+8.84 - ACE Charter (Keith Hatcher)

+8.49 - East Jackson (Cameron Pettus)

 

Class A Division I

+13.30 - Bryan County (Cherard Freeman)

+9.85 - Bacon County (Mark Wilson)

+2.77 - Mount Vernon (Wayne Dabbs)

+1.14 - Trion (Sean Patrick)

+1.11 - Commerce (Mark Hollars)

 

Class A Division II

+25.62 - Greene County (Terrance Banks)

+7.85 - Portal (Jacon McEachin)

+7.78 - Jenkins County (Charley Waters)

+7.07 - Telfair County (Matt Burleson)

+5.35 - Hawkinsville (Tim Suttles)

 

GIAA

+31.71 - Flint River Academy (Kirk Hoffman)

+8.32 - Bulloch Academy (Aaron Phillips)

+6.24 - Edmund Burke Academy (Andy Woodard)

+3.32 - Southwest Georgia Academy (Kenny Morris)

+1.58 - Valwood (Brad Wells)

Here's a look at Georgia's teams ranked on a consensus of six polls (AJC – Atlanta Journal-Constitution/GHSF Daily; GPB – Georgia Public Broadcasting; SC – Score Atlanta; 680 – 680 The Fan; Max – Maxwell Ratings; and MP – MaxPreps).

100 Greatest

GHSA Finals

No. 43: R.E. Lee 17, Washington-Wilkes 16 (1988 Class 2A)

Points scored

Here are the top 10 teams in points scored per game, by classification:

 

Class 7A

51.7 - Walton

46.3 - Colquitt County

45.4 - Carrollton

43.7 - Westlake

41.8 - Mill Creek

41.3 - Wheeler

40.8 - Peachtree Ridge

40.0 - Parkview

39.8 - Grayson

38.8 - Lambert

 

Class 6A

49.4 - Roswell

47.9 - Thomas County Central

46.9 - Rome

46.7 - Houston County

43.0 - Lee County

42.4 - North Atlanta

41.4 - Hughes

38.7 - Douglas County

37.8 - Gainesville

37.0 - Brunswick


Class 5A

44.3 - Hiram

42.3 - Kell

40.6 - Jones County

38.6 - Dalton

37.3 - Tucker

36.5 - Coffee

36.4 - McIntosh

36.0 - Jefferson

35.0 - Greater Atlanta Christian

35.0 - Ola


Class 4A

45.3 - Perry

44.4 - Stockbridge

44.3 - North Oconee

40.4 - Troup

38.3 - Spalding

38.1 - Central (Carrollton)

38.0 - Madison County

36.9 - Cairo

36.3 - Benedictine

35.8 - New Hampstead


Class 3A

52.7 - Calvary Day

41.6 - Lumpkin County

39.9 - Stephens County

39.7 - Long County

38.1 - Harlem

36.4 - Morgan County

36.0 - Savannah Christian

35.3 - Mary Persons

34.3 - Cedar Grove

34.0 - Adairsville


Class 2A

47.6 - ACE Charter

43.7 - Providence Christian

42.6 - Thomson

42.5 - Pierce County

41.1 - North Murray

40.8 - Union County

40.5 - Athens Academy

39.3 - Fellowship Christian

38.1 - Toombs County

37.9 - Northeast


Class A Division I

46.1 - Prince Avenue Christian

42.7 - Trion

36.3 - Rabun County

35.3 - Bleckley County

33.6 - Mount Vernon

33.6 - Swainsboro

33.5 - Dublin

33.4 - Elbert County

33.1 - Darlington

32.7 - Temple


Class A Division II

45.2 - Schley County

41.7 - Jenkins County

40.6 - Bowdon

36.6 - Washington-Wilkes

34.3 - Greene County

32.5 - Telfair County

32.1 - Clinch County

31.6 - Portal

31.4 - Hawkinsville

31.3 - Manchester


GIAA

47.2 - Bulloch Academy

44.2 - Valwood

43.8 - John Milledge Academy

42.9 - Bethlehem Christian

38.3 – Brookwood School

37.2 - Edmund Burke Academy

36.4 - St. Andrew's

36.4 - SW Georgia Academy

35.7 - Flint River Academy

34.3 - Strong Rock Christian

Chattanooga WR Javin Whatley is the Southern Conference offensive player of the week after gaining a school-record 353 all-purpose yards in a 52-50 loss to Western Carolina. What west Georgia high school did Whatley lead to the Class 2A final in 2018? (Answer Thursday)

 

Answer to Tuesday’s question: Alabama’s Justin Eboigbre, the SEC’s defensive lineman of the week, played at Forest Park.

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GHSA

Tuesday’s game

Early Co. 45, Terrell Co. 22

 

Thursday's games

Callaway at Towers (GO)

Druid Hills at Clarkston (AV)

Lanier at Apalachee

Miller Grove at Stephenson (HS)

Westminster at Hapeville Charter (B)

Westside, Macon at Griffin (GM)

 

Friday's games

Archer at Parkview

Athens Christian at Commerce

Atkinson Co. at Charlton Co.

Baldwin at Perry

Benedictine at Southeast Bulloch

Berkmar at Norcross

Berrien at Cook

Blessed Trinity at Johns Creek

Bradwell Institute at Ware Co.

Buford at Mill Creek

Burke Co. at Islands

Campbell at East Coweta

Carver, Atlanta at Sandy Creek

Carver, Columbus at Crisp Co.

Cass at Dalton

Chapel Hill at Tri-Cities

Chattahoochee at Northview

Chattahoochee Co. at Marion Co.

Cherokee at Osborne

Cherokee Bluff at Walnut Grove

Chestatee at North Hall

Christian Heritage at Bowdon

Coffee at Statesboro

Collins Hill at Mountain View

Colquitt Co. at Camden Co.

Cottondale, Fla. at Baconton

Crawford Co. at Brookstone

Dacula at Central Gwinnett

Dade Co. at Coosa

Darlington at Pepperell

Denmark at South Forsyth

Dodge Co. at Sumter Co.

Dooly Co. at Dublin

Douglass at Cedar Grove (GO)

Dunbar, Fla. at Lowndes

Dutchtown at Jones Co.

Eagle's Land. Christ. at Columbia (HS)

Early Co. at Brooks Co.

East Laurens at Swainsboro

Effingham Co. at Evans

Elbert Co. at Rabun Co.

Emanuel Co. Institute at Portal

Fannin Co. at North Murray

Fellowship Christian at Athens Academy

Fitzgerald at Jeff Davis

Flowery Branch at Jefferson

Gainesville at Habersham Central

Glascock Co. at Johnson Co.

Glynn Academy at Grovetown

Greater Atl. Christian at North Springs

Greenville at Manchester

Hancock Central at GMC Prep

Haralson Co. at Model

Harlem at Richmond Academy

Heritage, Conyers at Clarke Central

Hiram at Cartersville

Irwin Co. at Pelham

Jackson, Atlanta at Creekside

Jefferson Co. at Bleckley Co.

Jenkins at Greenbrier

Johnson, Gaines. at Towns Co.

Kell at Cambridge

Kennesaw Mountain at Walton

KIPP Atl. Collegiate at Therrell (L)

Lake Oconee Acad. at Cherokee Christ.

Lamar Co. at Temple

Lassiter at Alpharetta

Lithia Springs at Banneker

Locust Grove at Union Grove

Macon Co. at Central, Talbotton

Madison Co. at Cedar Shoals

Marist at South Cobb

Mays at Villa Rica

McDonough at Stone Mountain (A)

McEachern at Marietta

McIntosh at Drew (SC)

McNair at Redan (AV)

Meadowcreek at Discovery

Metter at Savannah

Milton at Forsyth Central

Monroe at Dougherty (M)

Montgomery Co. at McIntosh Co. Acad.

Morgan Co. at Hephzibah

Mt. Paran Christian at Social Circle

Murray Co. at Rockmart

Newton at Brookwood

North Cobb at Wheeler

North Oconee at East Forsyth

North Paulding at Harrison

Northside, Col. at Northgate

Ola at Eagle's Landing

Pataula Charter at Abbeville Christ., Ala.

Peach Co. at Mary Persons

Peachtree Ridge at North Gwinnett

Pebblebrook at Carrollton

Pickens at Gilmer

Pierce Co. at Toombs Co.

Pope at Roswell

Salem at Cross Creek

Screven Co. at Bryan Co.

Seckinger at Duluth

Sequoyah at Creekview

Shaw at Bainbridge

South Atlanta at North Cobb Christian

South Effingham at Lakeside, Evans

South Gwinnett at Grayson

SW DeKalb at Holy Innocents' (RW)

St. Pius at Dunwoody (ND)

Taylor Co. at Schley Co.

Thomasville at Columbus (K)

Trion at Chattooga

Turner Co. at Clinch Co.

Union Co. at Providence Christian

Upson-Lee at Jackson

Valdosta at Richmond Hill

Vidalia at Brantley Co.

Wayne Co. at New Hampstead (P)

Wesleyan at Dawson Co.

West Forsyth at Lambert

West Hall at White Co.

West Laurens at Spalding (GM)

Westover at Hardaway (OS)

Windsor Forest at Appling Co.

Woodland, Carters. at Calhoun

Woodstock at Etowah

Woodward Academy at Rockdale Co.

 

GIAA/GAPPS

Friday’s games

Augusta Prep at Southwest Georgia

Calvary Christian at King’s Academy

Central Fellowship at Trinity Christ., Dublin

Crawford Co. at Brookstone

Creekside Christian at Pinecrest Academy

Fullington Academy at Gatewood

Harvester Christian at Community Christ.

Lake Oconee Acad. at Cherokee Christ.

Lanier Christian at Lakeview Academy

Loganville Christ. at George Walton Acad.

Mount de Sales at Tattnall Square

Piedmont Academy at Briarwood Acad.

Riverside Military at Bethlehem Christian

Robert Toombs at Edmund Burke

Rock Springs at Flint River Academy

Southland Academy at Brookwood School

Stratford Academy at John Milledge

Strong Rock Christian at St. Anne-Pacelli

Thomas Jefferson at Bulloch Academy

Tiftarea Academy at Deerfield-Windsor

Valwood at Terrell Academy

Westfield at Heritage, Newnan

 

Stadium abbreviations: (A) Adams; (AV) Avondale; (B) Banneker High School; (GM) Griffin Memorial; (GO) Godfrey; (HS) Hallford; (K) Kinnett; (L) Lakewood; (M) Mills; (ND) North DeKalb; (OS) Odis Spencer; (P) Pooler; (RW) Riverwood High School; (SC) Southern Crescent

Join the GFCA today! The GACA/GFCA has new membership options for your school for the 2023-2024 school year. You can now join all coaches/all sports in your high school and middle school for one discounted price depending on your school’s classification: GISA, A, 2A and 3A for $1,000; 4A for $1,250; 5A for $1,500; 6A for $2,000; and 7A for $2,500. For more information call or text 770-578-6366 or email Craig Davis by clicking here.

GHSF Daily will select 10 games each week for the Predict the Winner contest, presented by Shuma Sports. Predictions must be submitted by 5 p.m. each Friday. Limit one entry per email address. Contest winners will be announced on Mondays at the start of each new contest and will receive an apparel prize from Shuma Sports. Click here to play.

Today’s featured inductee is former Gainesville, Georgia Tech and Atlanta Falcons player Billy Lothridge. Lothridge will be inducted into the Georgia High School Football Hall of Fame on Oct. 21 at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.

Billy Lothridge

Gainesville High School Graduate

Billy Lothridge, best known as the 1963 Heisman Trophy runner-up to Roger Staubach while at Georgia Tech, was a bona fide high school star under GACA Hall of Fame coach Graham Hixon at Gainesville, where he was a three-year starter and two-time first-team all-state player in the 1950s. Gainesville was 23-7-2 during those seasons with a 1959 region title and Class 2A semifinal appearance. Lothridge quickly made an impact at Tech. He was the Yellow Jackets’ starting quarterback over his three varsity seasons. He passed for 2,394 yards and rushed for 746 yards in his career. He was runner-up to Navy’s Staubach in 1963 partly on his ability as a punter/place-kicker in a defensive era where field position and field goals often won the day. Lothridge ranked fourth nationally in points scored and averaged 40.8 yards per punt. He was twice named to the All-SEC team. The Dallas Cowboys of the NFL and Oakland Raiders of the AFL drafted him. He signed with the Cowboys and played nine NFL seasons, mostly as a punter, and mostly with the Atlanta Falcons. He was a member of the original Falcons 1966 team. He led the NFL in punting average in 1968 at 44.3 yards. He started seven games as a free safety in 1968 and intercepted three passes. His final games were played with the 17-0 Miami Dolphins of 1972. Lothridge passed away in 1996 at age 54.

Sponsored Content

Tickets still available for Hall of Fame induction ceremony

The second annual Georgia High School Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony is less than two weeks away, and now is the time to secure your tickets to come out and support some of the greatest players to ever step on a high school football field in Georgia. The event, which will take place on Oct. 21 at the College Football Hall of Fame, will feature a class of 40 new inductees. The event is expected to draw more than 750 attendees, and you can join in on the excitement as tickets are still available for purchase. The VIP reception will begin at 5 p.m. and feature a full tailgate-style buffet with access to an open bar, along with plenty of opportunities for a meet-and-greet with our inductees as well as inductees from last year's inaugural class, such as NFL Hall-of-Famer Champ Bailey. The induction ceremony will begin at 6:45 p.m. and include a red-carpet walk by each Hall-of-Famer before they receive their Hall of Fame jacket, medal and plaque. Click here to purchase tickets to the event.

Today’s interviewee is first-year Seckinger coach Tony Lotti, whose team in the past two weeks has earned the first two victories in the history of the 2-year-old Gwinnett County program. Lotti is a former coach at Apalachee and West Hall. He was the 2022 Atlanta Falcons Coach of the Year, an award that honors “integrity, leadership, perseverance, dedication to the community, commitment to player protection and on-field success.” In May of 2022, Lotti had surgery to remove two benign brain tumors. Wearing a hockey helmet to protect himself, Lotti returned to coach his Apalachee team last fall.

 

Tony Lotti, Seckinger head coach

1. What did these two recent wins, especially the first one, mean to the program? What's been the response inside and outside the team? “Well, the first one is always big – especially when it is the first one in a program’s history. I think the biggest thing that came from the win is that it in some way gave the guys the validation that they can win. The mood in the school building has been positive this year. Everyone has been very encouraging as to our improvement each week and anticipating getting that first win. When it happened, the school and community was abuzz, that is for sure. We are noticeably young obviously, but we have improved every week. I am measuring our growth and for us to keep taking steps forward.”

 

2. What brought you to Seckinger? What did you see in the job, and what's realistic? “Well, I am going to give you an honest answer here and not a political one. I honestly felt like God was steering me to Seckinger. I honestly believe that I could help the kids and their families here with the situation they were dealt. There have been several instances since I got here where I felt like I was needed more as a person than a football coach for my guys and their families. That is the bigger picture. Unfortunately, life happens, and I just want to be there to build a support system for when it does. High school football is an extension of the education process. As we build this program, it will be based on core values, and we will never lose sight of the fact that we do not have football players, we have people who choose to play football. That’s a significant difference, and it is what drives all the decisions I make. It takes patience to build a program to make sure it is built on a firm foundation. I am interested in sustainable success here and not a one-hit wonder. From 5 years old to graduation. We are building a program and not a team. The wins will come.”

 

3. Asking you about your recovery from brain surgery would be too much to cover in one question. I know it’s been a long but rich journey. But what one thing, whether it be a lesson, a moment, a memory, would you most want to share? “You are right when stating that asking me about my brain tumors and recovery from brain surgery would be too much to cover in one question, but I am happy to share my testimony with anyone who will listen. I will say this, my journey, still ongoing, is one of being Grateful. Be Grateful – Stay Vertical – 1 Peter 5:10. That is the message. From my brain and skull-base surgeons, ICU nurses, team doctors and team trainer, the message I want to convey is simply one of gratitude. I had and still have people who care for me like I am related to them when I am not. I will tell you this: When you have that going on in your life, you are a very blessed person, and I try to show my gratitude every day. I have a calling as a coach, not a job. I tell the guys every day that you can tell if someone has a job or a calling. They cannot fake it. This calling has allowed me to build relationships that last. It's always been my belief, and brain surgery didn't change that mentality for me. I am forever grateful to my high school and college coaching fraternity and all the people who pray for me. Ed Dudley, Mike Brown, my guys at Apalachee, and the list goes on and on of the friends I have been blessed with who were checking on my wife throughout this ordeal. I am grateful and will never be able to adequately express how I feel to everyone. Still have procedures every three months and going now from brain scan to scan, By the Grace of God go I.”

 

4. What is the most underrated thing that a coach needs to do to build a successful football program and why? “Be you and no one else. Be real. I am not afraid to show people I care. Hopefully, people who have been in my life and young people I have been trusted with know that I genuinely do care. Do not try to conform to who others think you should be or do. Honestly, I have the same core values and teach the same core values everywhere God has placed me. For example, ask any of my guys over the last many years, whether it was a Spartan 48, Wildcat 48 or now a JAG 48, the core value teaching is the same – Integrity, Intention and Fortitude. The logo on the shirt may change, but the guy wearing it should not. I have always believed that you should never allow your circumstances to dictate your principles. Sometimes the big piece in the magic formula for success is just believing in people so they will believe in themselves.”

 

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Visit our website throughout the season for updated standings in all eight classifications

Note: All scores are courtesy of the Georgia High School Football Historians Association, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and other media outlets. If a score is not accurate, it was reported incorrectly.


All games are on Fridays unless noted. All game schedules are subject to change.

Stadium key: A - Adams; AV - Avondale; B - Banneker High School; GM - Griffin Memorial; HS - Hallford; OS - Odis Spencer; P - Pooler; RW - Riverwood High School; SC - Southern Crescent

Character Education Athletic Program: The Mike Jones Story

Looking to improve the character and discipline on your team? Former professional and All-American athlete Mike Jones is looking to save the lives and careers of our youth by sharing with them the mistakes he made that sidetracked his career. The Mike Jones Story is relatable for ANY athlete in ANY sport. Let us reinforce the same messages that I know you try to instill into your athletes daily. Character education saves lives, and that is a fact! Contact Terry White at 706-442-1337 or via email by clicking here for bookings, or visit the website by clicking here.

 

Let The Steak House Restaurant serve your team’s next pre-game meal

The Steak House Restaurant in Hawkinsville specializes in high school football team pre-game meals. We have a private dining area for traveling parties of 140 guests. We serve high school football teams every week from all over the state traveling through central Georgia. We offer special rates for football teams. Let us cater your next pre-game meal. We are located at 341 Bypass, 9 Buchan Dr., Hawkinsville. Please contact Lewis Fowler at 487-892-3383 or via email by clicking here for reservations or to get more information.

 

GHSA is recruiting officials for all sports

The GHSA is actively attempting to recruit contest officials in all sports. If you are 18 years of age or older, go to the GHSA website (ghsa.net), then click on the Officials section to access the Playing for Another Team program. Individuals merely need to provide a name and email address and indicate the sports interested in to receive registration information. For more information, contact GHSA associate director Don Corr via email by clicking here.

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About Us
Georgia High School Football Daily is a free e-mail newsletter produced and owned by Todd Holcomb and Chip Saye. Holcomb is a former lead high school football writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and co-founder of the Georgia High School Football Historians Association. Saye is a 38-year veteran of the newspaper industry who has covered high school sports for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Athens Banner-Herald, Anderson (S.C.) Independent-Mail and Gwinnett Daily News.