Life is slowly returning to South Georgia in the form of football. I went to Cairo Thursday to a passing league game and got to check out the upcoming talent for the year. Then, it was on to Colquitt County for a passing league game and I got to watch teams from as far away as Indiana try out their talent for the year and I have to say that in South Georgia, it will be extremely competitive. It always is, but this year looks to be a difficult climb for any one team to stay on top without being knocked off the next week.
I recently had an interview with Coach Rance Gillespie, the head coach at Valdosta High School. He always seems so composed and makes it hard for me to believe he is in charge of one of the most prestigious high school programs in not only the state but in the country. He shows no signs of pressure and is calm, cool, and collected. Just what a head coach should be. After losing 3 starters on offense and 8 starters on defense they are creating new team leaders to step up and take on those roles. When asked who his player to watch would be, he replied, "Football is the ultimate team sport, you have 11 offensive guys and 11 defensive guys and several different people that are playing a huge part of your special teams. So, to pick out one guy is really hard. I think we have several guys that will contribute and play a huge part in our football team."
With Camden and Brunswick coming into division 1-6A, coach Gillespie thinks this will make a great region even better. They are two quality football teams that will provide for good football each and every week. With Valdosta High School being such a high profile program scouts are sure to come and check out these players and whether the players sign with a Division 1 college depends largely on what these players do on the field and put on the camera. It's up to each player to do his part and put everything they have on the field. Coach Gillespie when asked whether he prefers a run game or passing game said, "I like a balanced offense, we want to be a good, hard-nosed physical football team. At the same time we do want to have the ability to throw the ball around and we want to be able to make other teams defend more than one thing."
His goal for the season is to be the premiere football program in the nation. It's what he says they strive for each and every year and what they'll strive for this year. With a tough schedule ahead they will have their work cut out for them and especially one game that is one of the biggest rivalries around called the Winersville Classic. It means a lot to a lot of people and to each one it means something different. For Coach Gillespie it's something he hopes every one in the community enjoys by bringing two really good football teams together. The atmosphere, he says, is second to none. I have to say last years game was one of the best high school games I had ever seen. Starting a new season has meant new players in new spots and even new staff on the coaching side. They are beginning again just like every other team in the state but I'm sure after watching their passing league games last Thursday they will definitely be a force to be reckoned with this season. I'm sure they are ready and willing for all comers. I'm excited, just like all other football fans, to see what this season brings us.
