AJC > Sports > Highschools > Blog > Archives > 2006 > October > 20 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSWD’s back and Godfrey’s got ‘em
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In his 24 years at Southwest DeKalb, Buck Godfrey constructed a reputation that has run the gamut from no-nonsense to ornery to disciplinarian to controversial to champion. And all of those character traits still apply today, after all this time.
His Panthers have always exhibited the edge and toughness of their coach, even in recent years, when they were not a legitimate title contender. In other words, Godfrey has not changed. There’s a conviction in his speech, a confidence in his presence that commands attention and respect.
His team went into Friday night ranked No. 5 in the state, which was good news for everyone. The game is better when Southwest DeKalb matters, as it does now.
“I got my program back,” Godfrey said. This came after No. 6 St. Pius pulled out a 21-7 victory at Hallford Stadium, which tells you something.
You can tell the Panthers are back in a number of ways, starting with the play on the field, which is aggressive and rugged. The crowd in blue and gold is larger and more lively. The band plays more emphatically and louder. That’s the power of Godfrey’s program when things are as they are now.
Not even Godfrey felt good about his teams from 2001 to 2004, the run during which SWD’s significance took a hit. Never bashful about speaking his truth, Godfrey explained simply why the Panthers were less than their history during that four-year period.
“We had a plethora of selfish parents,” he said, “and the kids were confused about what to do. Once all those kids left, we got back to business.”
See? Buck Godfrey remains Buck Godfrey, after all this time.
“Nothing changes with a real football coach,” he said. Then he pointed out that he did not return a phone call before the game because of “pregame jitters.”
“Still get them,” he said.
The excitement in him boiled with Jerald Hatchett’s 2-yard touchdown run that evened the score at 7 early in the fourth quarter. It was a play that resuscitated a Southwest contingent that had only the rhythm of the band move it all evening to that point. The momentum seemed to ride the cool breeze to the Panthers’ side of the stadium. However, St. Pius had a resounding retort: two decisive touchdown runs in a matter of minutes.
As the clock ticked toward all zeroes, the St. Pius coaching staff exchanged emphatic embraces, which underlined the significance of the victory. Then those same coaches, one by one, took several minutes to hug and engage Godfrey. That’s respect.
“The gist of a human being is his character,” Godfrey said. “And I think I’ve shown that.”
Not often does he show the softer, gentler side that his family and close friends know all so well. But if you want to see his chest stick out, mention his son, Colin, who had an accomplished football career at Tennessee State, or his daughter, bubbly radio personality Rashan Ali of The A Team on Hot 107.9 — that tough veneer softens in an instant.
And if you want to see him blush, ask him about his first grandchild that is coming in December. The broad smile is infectious, even after a loss.
“Very few people know who I really am,” Godfrey said. “I’m proud of everything Rashan and Colin do. They make me proud.”
Godfrey has built a program that again is the pride of its community. He has a young team that holds great promise and still may have a run in the playoffs.
Simply, Godfrey said: “I got my program back.”
Permalink | Comments (34) | Post your comment | Categories: Curtis Bunn
Comments
By T Bake
October 20, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this
Godfrey is truly a living legend. Here’s hoping for many more years at the helm of the Panther Dynasty.
By Supaman
October 20, 2006 10:51 PM | Link to this
SWD has been hurt by the openings of both Stephenson and MLK in the past, its good to see that all 3 of these programs are back on their “A” game
By Northside_Football_Dominates
October 20, 2006 10:58 PM | Link to this
I believe Coach Godfrey has put together a fantastic program, one of the best in the state. However, winning one state championship and losing many state playoff games when SWD was clearly the superior team does not constitute a dynasty. Dynasty: No…Great Program: Absolutely.
I will say that I do not believe there is a state power that has had to deal with more adversity (losing players) than the proud SWD program has. With the emergence of Stephenson, which I understand to take many of the same kids that once played in the SWD program, it has been more difficult. Hats off to SWD and Coach Godfrey and his staff.
I honestly hope we don’t see you in the playoffs…actually the halftime show would be amazing. If we do, I will remind you that there is a significant different between the Northsides of the world and St. Pius, The 10th. All of Georgia loves the SWD band! :-)
By Swatguy
October 21, 2006 12:00 AM | Link to this
Indeed Coach Godfrey is a living legend. As you Supa and Northside point, to have his program back in light of Stephenson and MLK is just short of amazing. But considering the coach, it really isn’t amazing just par for course.
Northside, I hope you enjoy what is next. Expect Mays to bring it, ah and the Band too.
By Gunny
October 21, 2006 12:52 AM | Link to this
Buck is the best! A poet, a coach, a teacher, a man! Go SWD!
By GOPANTHERS
October 21, 2006 08:19 AM | Link to this
It is good to see the old Southwest attitude amongst the players, which has been missing the past few years. As stated, SWD has suffered due to recent school openings and believe it or not lack of support from the school system. The school system realigned the schools zones in favor of MLK.
Next week will be another true test of the progam’s resurgence.
TRUE THE BAND IS STILL THE BEST IN THE LAND
By lionsroar
October 21, 2006 12:26 PM | Link to this
Coach Godfrey is the ultimate man of men. He carries himself with the utmost confidence and poise. We had a great game with SWD last night and we came out on top 21-7 but both teams have classy programs and will be fine in the upcoming playoffs. Good luck SWD next week against Marist.
By lionsroar
October 21, 2006 12:32 PM | Link to this
Northside. You like many others have come on here running your mouth about St Pius X. We dont want your respect nor do we need it. Our boys play great fundamental football and play as a complete unit. They play the right way, conduct themselves with great manners and respect everyone we play. Your statement about there is a big difference from the northsides of the world and the st pius’s of the world is completely rediculous. Keep winning and maybe you will have your chance at Pius.
By Karl
October 21, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this
Yes, next week will be another test against the one loss Marist War Eagles and you can hear it live on Sports Radio 680 the Fan’s Friday Night Football Game of the Week.
By Karl
October 21, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this
Yes, next week will be another test against the one loss Marist War Eagles and you can hear it live on Sports Radio 680 the Fan’s Friday Night Football Game of the Week.
By Swatguy
October 21, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this
lionsroar what is your problem. Northside was completely complimenting the SWD program and you blast him. Apparently your mind is not able to receive a compliment. Sad. I’m certain you do Not speak for SWD.
By Pat
October 21, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this
I have all the respect in the world for coach but him bashing the parents of some good kids that played their hearts for him is classless. My advice for you coach is stick the what you do on the field and stay out of trashing those that trusted you with their most precious possessions. No parent was on your field or sideline during those times that were lean. That is not the thing that great coaches do. Just for your benefit those players that played for you then need better support from you than that. Keep your eyes on the real prize coach. Good Luck to you this year, we still support you and the team.
By Jakejake
October 21, 2006 06:28 PM | Link to this
Region 6AAAA will put 4 excellent teams in the playoffs. Because the district has become so much stronger with the addition of SWD and Mays, 6AAAA could put 2-3 teams in the quarter finals. It’s all about good football and respect.
War D@mn Eagle!
By d will
October 22, 2006 05:24 AM | Link to this
Warner Robins High(3 state titles) in central Georgia has been hit harder than any other school. The opening of Houston County High and redistricting that has taken some of their students to cross town rival Northside High have hit that program pretty hard.
I’ve been around this town for more than 30 years and off hand can’t remember SW Dekalb ever winning a state crown. Maybe I’m wrong but if I am, can someone correct me because I don’t see the SW Dekalb progam as being as outstanding program some of you want to portray it as being.
BTW, I am in the M.L. King district now!!!!
By Alvetta Freeman
October 22, 2006 09:16 AM | Link to this
Yes, SWD has won a state crown under the awesome leadership of Buck Godfdrey and quarterback Quincy Carter. However, few know that Buck is a phenomenal English/ Lanquage Arts teacher. He writes beautifully. My son had an opportunity to have him as an instructor. It was one of the best experiences in his high school career. He promotes confidence on the field and in his classroom. I was in the hospital for nine days during my son’s senior year. He took the time to assist me in getting my son into college with just a phone call and letter. Thanks, Buck. That young man you helped is now a college graduate and doing well in his career.
By Carl
October 22, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this
Coach Godfrey’s program goes beyond winning state championships. This man commands respect, especially in the South Dekalb area. So many of his players go on to get college scholarships and become productive leaders in our community. His legacy lies in producing strong young men that have character and value education. I grew up in the Dekalb County school system(Lithonia High) and I knew young men as young as 10 who didn’t even live in the SWD district that wanted to play for him. Hell he was the swim coach for SWD and it was all I could do not to ask him for an autograph. Maybe you have to be from the South Dekalb area to understand why this man and his program is held in such high regard. I’m 31 now and appreciate his presence more now than when I was growing up. He has done more than anybody I know in helping young men build character and make something of their lives.
By Bear Fan
October 22, 2006 09:30 PM | Link to this
Curtis,
How can Bobby Rainey from Griffin not be leading the state in rushing? He had over 700 yards in the three games I saw in person? He had 347 this week alone against a very good Riverdale squad. Is coach Devousney not supplying the data?
I bet Bobby has 1400 or more yards in 7 games and another 400 in passing. Add punt and kick returns and he has to be near 2500 yards total offense. He never come off the field, it is crazy.
By HS SPORTS
October 23, 2006 09:49 AM | Link to this
People Mr.Godfrey is a proven man if he never coach another down of football.Respect is due to any person that puts this much heart into these kids lives.So please dont get it twisted when comments are made by the media.You must understand that there is a story from behind all the glory.
By SWD Alum
October 23, 2006 10:13 AM | Link to this
I have known Coach Godfrey and his family for about 25 years. Me along with my 2 sisters and brother had the pleasure of swimming for him at Worthington Valley. He has always stated what is on his mind. I have to agree with him about some of the football parents. I had the displeasure of sitting next to a group of disloyal parents at the St. Pius game on Friday. From kickoff to the end of regulation, they bashed every move Buck made. At one point, I wanted to tell them if they were so unhappy then maybe they needed to look into sending their child to another school. It’s funny how when we were undefeated these same parents were happy with Buck. Now that we have lost a game, they feel he needs to be replaced.
For all of you Buck haters….take a look at his win/ loss record…in 24 years of coaching at SWD he has 227 wins (including a 1995 state championship) 66 losses and 1 tie. How many coaches have done this at 1 high school. He has the most wins for any coach in DeKalb County. He has sent hundreds of kids to college. He has several players that have gone on to play professional sports. Most of all he instills confidence and pride in each and every player.
At the start of the season, the coaches said they have a great group of boys this year and expect them to do great thing!! I am proud to have my son play for a great group of dedicated and caring coaches!! My hat goes off to all of the coaching staff!! Go Panthers!!!
By Panther Mom
October 23, 2006 02:27 PM | Link to this
Yes we parents like every parent want our kids to be part of a winning program. SWD parents are just like every other school, we just want to win…nothing wrong with that. But when we sit in the stands and see the kids “over coached” because they are getting so much false-starts or delay of game, it does irritate us. I watch them practice and they are more discipline, but I guess the pressure gets to them. Buck is an absolute legend. Something should be named after him. His legacy with also live on. But some of those “old heads” he has to get rid of…honestly. I really think that he needs to bury his issue with Davenport and bring him in. I may be wrong, but I think after the 1995 championship, the plot to break-up SWD district, to water-down the talent started. But that’s ok. We back!!Also, Buck must have angered a few refs too because I swear they be robbing him some times. PANTHER 4 LIFE!!!
By Coach Scott 2
October 23, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this
Buck Godfrey is a good coach…not great one. Great ones learn from their mistakes and see their weaknesses and correct them. He has almost always had great athletes at SWD in his 24 years, and this year a very good defense with a great Band and parental support to back them up. However, he is still running the same old, stale plays he did many years ago, and bottom-line that will keep him from winning another State Championship at SWD. Use your planning period to draw up some new plays Buck, and you might get that elusive Championship that’s been avoiding you since ‘95. Hurry, time is running out!
By Panther Mom
October 23, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this
I’m not dogging Buck, not at all. When you ask anyone about SWD football, Buck is the only one that comes up. But like every great coaches, there’s time to hang up your whistle and let the next regime take over. The “trick plays” that other teams use to beat SWD are not trick plays. There new plays, that unfortunately our boys are not coached to watch out for. Buck did a good thing by bringing back some of his former players to coach with him, because that’s what the team needs. He needs to continue to do that. Bring in fresh and new coaches with fresh and new ideas to get us over the hump, and make a true run at the championship again. Playoffs good, but there’s that extra hump that we just need to get over and some of these cats on the coaching swad needs some fine-tuning; need some coaches with the killer instince…. basically a coach like Propt, to make sure the boys always leave their hearts on the field. I graduated for SWD…my husband… our 2 sons(played for Buck), our daughter and if Buck is still there when our 3 year old reach high school, he’ll graduate from SWD also. I’m not like those fair-weathered parents that went running to another school because of the “newest”. Their loyalty was easily sold by new bricks and sheet-rocks. But Kudos to those parents and kids that stood by SWD while they go through this transition. Again, SWD 4 Life!!!
By KSShake
October 23, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this
Coach Godfrey is a legend and a pillar of the community and one of the largest influences on Dekalb football. And Northside and the Griffin guy, I try to be on your side when ya’ll get into it with the Gwinett folks, but your arrogance is sickening. Northside I don’t care if Houston County opened up and caused ya’ll to adjust how you do things down there. But you show your ignorance because you don’t have a clue about Dekalb football and how the Athletic directors and front office people have crippled this program AND the rest of our county. Yet we compete and remain competitive with everyone. And for everyone that keeps saying Stephenson is why SWD as lost some of its talent base, you’re wrong. The opening of ML King played more of a part in that. As well as the end of M to M, Panter Mom hit it dead on the head about this school and others being sabatoged by greedy, yet cheapskate bearucrat big wigs. Once M2M ended they knew the population at SWD (and some others) would increase and besides the county became majority black anyway (more so a reason to be cheap).
All of that being said, the man took the heat from those obcessive parents so he has the right to say whatever he wants. If he got more REAL support he COULD possibly have changed some things.
TOO much emphasis is put on the BIG BEAUTIFUL band and not on improving the football teams (not just SWD) part of that is because of the stupid restrictions placed on football boosters in Dekalb. And it seems they’d rather critisize and run their mouth than put their money up and get in Charlie Henderson’s (Dekalb AD) face about why he’s a cheapskate that pennypinches with Dekalb money and runs it the the USSR communism, hamstringing Dekalb’s success.
But there is some truth to making coaches (legendary or not) more accountable about what their doing X’s and O’s wise. The talent that comes through Dekalb is ridiculous and no one can dispute this. I sincerely don’t think the coaching (in general), the parent support (for the football PROGRAM, NOT JUST THEIR KID) that’s part of the selfishness he was eluding to. The man is too classy an too much of a man to complain about these things as well as how Dekalb athletics is run.
By KSShake
October 23, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this
There may be alot of X and O decisions of Coach Godfrey’s I haven’t agreed with. But his character, integrity, and ability to lead young men AND get them in college is UNDENIABLE! Love and respect Coach Godfrey for that.
By moBEbetter
October 23, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this
Somebody tell me how Scottie Williams has been doing this year? Does he look like a D-1 playa?
By SWD81
October 24, 2006 09:02 AM | Link to this
It seems like people forget there was a SWD before Buck Godfrey. Let go back in time to the late 70’s when the legendary Dewey Alverson coached, which, at the time, was predominately white. SWD always had a contender and things where great in the community. Then, M to M started and the words “white flight” became common in the school. Many families decided, for whatever reason, that they did not want to stay at SWD and have their kids go to school with other races. Right or wrong, these parents made that decision and moved to Gwinnett taking many talented players away from SWD. Coach Alverson left and Allan Fahring took over what was left of the old players and the new players who had moved in. SWD was no longer the same but Coach Fahring and those of us who stayed did the best with what we had. The adversity Coach Fahring faced was huge with the rich history Dewey Alverson left behind. We managed. We went 6-4 then 7-3 and made the playoffs. Do I regret all the talented white players moved from SWD? Sure. Would I trade my new team made up of white and black teamates? No way. We faced adversity and became better for it. I think it is wrong to criticize these parents who left SWD and Coach Godfrey for Stephenson and MLK High School because they were doing what they believed was best for their kids just as the parents who used M to M to go to SWD. How you handle adversity as a community is the real test. I think Coach Godfrey is great and has done a great job. I just remind everyone that he is not the only coach in SWD history to lose talented players to other schools. I’m sure he will do fine for years to come.
Did you know that SWD was originally located off of Flat Shoals Road near Panthersville? Remember, there was a SWD before Buck Godfrey and there will be one after.
By KSShake
October 24, 2006 10:43 AM | Link to this
SWD81, Why is it when someone is trying to give credit to a black man for his accomplishments someone (you in this case) attempt to deflect the attention to someone or something else or deminish his accomplishments. Dewey Averson was a good coach, but this IS about Buck Godfrey, and whether you want to admit it or not he did have more of an impact on SWD, Dekalb athletics, and the community. Alverson was apart of the “white flight” from Dekalb. For racist reasons or otherwise. I’m sorry but I can barely and begrudgingly give him ANY credit for that. Everyone knows there was a SWD before Buck Godfrey. But he put them on the map as a consistent powerhouse in the state.
Truth of the matter is, people don’t want SWD or any other now predominantly black schools to win a state championship and the leadership in Dekalb doesn’t have a clue how to facilitate or equip their schools to win a state championship in football. SWD had been LONG overdue for improvements and expansion, and they’re just now getting around to a few, little cosmetic improvments. But they should’ve and could’ve built a larger better SWD. But instead there’s a larger seperate ML King, not to mention Miller Grove. Because now with the growth of the south area and east area of Dekalb, (with African American families). It comes at the same time people want to reduce classroom sizes. But they continue to carve up the school districts and built these “half-built”, lack of facilities, low population schools. All of this crap that’s sabatoged Dekalb schools and you NEVER hear Coach Godfrey complain. The things that people dealt with in 1980-81 weren’t nearly as expansive.
Have you seen how pathetic Towers, Clarkston, Cross Keys, Avondale, and Tucker look. No one moving here with kids is gonna give those schools a second thought unless they have no choice. Close some them and build bigger, better schools. And let Coach Godfrey get his props. He may not be the best at X’s and O’s or some late game decisions, but he’s state champ multiple times over when it comes to mentoring and leading youg men.
By Marcus Thorpe
October 24, 2006 11:14 AM | Link to this
Coming from a former Doug high player who beat SWD a few times back in the late 90’s when i played with Jamal Lewis we really enjoyed those games the best. every year it was built the game of the year with Jamal vs. Quincy. You could always expect at least 10-15,000 and that was because of the strength of BOTH programs.
By SWD81
October 24, 2006 09:39 PM | Link to this
KSShake, Get a clue and stop using the “poor me being picked on by a white person” routine. If you were able to think instead of defend, my point was that SWD has gone through many changes and adversities. Yes, Dewey was part of the white flight. Many of my friends were but many of my friends also came in to SWD by way of M to M. I was simply saying that parents have the right to do what they feel is best for their kids and, believe it or not, it does not revolve around football. You obviously do not know as much about SWD pre-Buck as you think otherwise you would know that Dewey Alverson won as many State Championships as Buck Godfrey (1). Those of use who grew up in the SWD community think Dewey was also a great man for us and our community. So unless you lived in the community in the 60’s and 70’s, which obviously you did NOT, please don’t lesson what one man or one community was like.
I gave Buck his credit. He obviously is a great coach and even greater man but there are many who feel the same about Dewey Alverson and Allan Fahring. The point I was making is people and communities encounter adversity and it is how you handle it shows what you are made of. Buck Godfrey has handled it well but don’t criticize the parents for doing what they do. I would hope you would do what YOU think is best for your kids. Dewey Alverson chose to move closer to his home in Gainesville in his later years of his career. He had that right - right or wrong.
And please, do not inply that race has anything to do with anything I said. I think it’s great when SWD does well and most of the people I went to school with feel the same way. The problem is, the way everyone is talking our school never existed and we would never be welcomed or acknowledged as a SWD alum. I know, I’ve been to the games and wore my SWD colors. I would love to see SWD have pride in it’s present AND past!
Marcus Thorpe, you Douglass guys were tough. We had many great games as did my brothers before me when both SWD and Douglass were perenial powerhouses (although KSShake thinks that only happened with Buck). My last game was a 7-0 loss to Douglass at Lakewood Stadium in the playoffs. We had beaten you the week before in the season finale when you were undefeated and ranked. Those were great times and great memories!
By KSShake
October 25, 2006 10:32 AM | Link to this
I just reread your blog SWD81 and I’m trying to find exactly where you were giving ANY credit to Coach Godfrey. I found it the one line that says “Coach Godfrey is great and has done a great job.” Almost missed it.
Typical, and I totally expected that type of reponse from you. First you say “get a clue” like automatically I know less than you and nothing I said was tru or you choose to ignore because you THINK your opinion is the only one that counts and has any validity. This was an article about BUCK GODFREY, and like I said, everyone that knows anything about Dekalb schools and athletics knows that there was a SWD before Buck Godfrey. I know my HISTORY a little, so I know about Alverson more than I knew about Fahring (I’ll admit alearned a little about that little period of time in between Alverson’s reign (and “white fight” don’t care what you say, its appologist that don’t want admit when someting is what it is) I can handle it, it was what it was. But don’t try it wasn’t or call “people wanting something better” come on man I grew up in Dekalb too. Stop thinking you know SO much more than everyone else.
And what else do you call it when you go on and on about Dewey Alverson from the 60’s and 70’s and besides you, the majority of the people that think all of these great things about Alverson are long gone either in Gwinnett or Hall or Forsyth someplace. And then you had the gaul and audasity to suggest that I can’t THINK, and then you get all salty and defensive when someone says “racism”. Then your “poor me being picked on by the white person”. First of all, your totally off base and got some nerve to even suggest that I in anyway feel inferior or intimidated to express how I feel towards you or anyone (you must really do think its still the 60’s or 70’s). I’m gonna voice my opinion and express myself whether you agree with it or not because regardless of what you say the article was about Buck Godfrey and your right don’t try to lessen what one man has accomplished butthats precisely what you did going on and on about Dewey Alverson (and I really think its more because thats who you come up with more than anything else)when the article was about Buck and what he’s doing know.
As far as adversity goes, We realize thre are advesities and obsticles everyone has faced. But alot of the challenges SWD faces now is because of things going on now and from the past. It’s great you still pull for SWD but, have you wanted to get expressed and brought out that the school has been given a raw deal AND neglected the past couple of decades and part of that is because people don’t care about kids that go there NOW and improving the facilities at the school. And I completely stand by what I said. How come Buck can’t get credit now, on his own for 24 years of doing what he’s doing NOW SWD81, NOW! It may or may not be significant to you (because it has to do with race) but the fact that he’s put so many young black men in college and mentored them does need its own platform because so many aren’t in college, so many aren’t graduating, and so many (at disporportionate amount) are in jail or prison. A man that having an impact deservers his just do here in 2006 with allof the extra obsticles a caoach is up against. As you may notice SWD81 I’ve never questioned your intelligence or disputed the truth of anything you first wrote about even if I did’t agree with all of it.
By SWD81
October 25, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this
KSShake. let me explain why I even wrote the email. To quote Buck in the article, he said “We had a plethora of selfish parents,” he said, “and the kids were confused about what to do. Once all those kids left, we got back to business.” By that statement I think he is saying that the parents were selfish for making the decision to go to these other schools. That’s unfair just as it is unfair to say the parents back in the 80’s who used M to M to go to SWD were “selfish”. What parent would not do what’s best for their kids? I guess I am selfish for moving from Lithonia to Lawrenceville (Horrible Gwinnett) 7 years ago. It had nothing to do with race but rather the fact my wife works 5 minutes from our house instead of 45 minutes. Just because we moved from a mixed community to a mostly white hade nothing, zero, to do with it. In fact, our neighborhood has a good mix of white, black, Asian, Mexican and Indian. I’m not looking to move either.
You are the one who started out by saying to me “Why is it when someone is trying to give credit to a black man for his accomplishments someone (you in this case) attempt to deflect the attention to someone or something else or deminish his accomplishments.” My remarks have nothing to do with whether he is black or white. It sounds to me like you are looking for someone to call racist when, honestly, you need look no further then your own mirror. You made the statement “Truth of the matter is, people don’t want SWD or any other now predominantly black schools to win a state championship.” By “people” it sounds like you are refering to white people. Please don’t think that is true at all. True, some “people” may feel that way but many, many more don’t.
I guess part of my point is that the SWD of today does not respect the SWD of the past. We are not even spoke of. Example: the #3 was retired by SWD after the 1980 season in honor of Bob Berry who wore the number and was a great quarterback. He played at Auburn until he chose pro baseball for the Braves organization. There was not honoring what he had done and the #3 was soon un-retired and worn by Buck’s team. SWD history was just thrown out the window and that is my point. If SWD’s present acknowleged their past as one school, one tradition, then maybe some alumni would be willing to help and support the school today. Don’t look at white or black, just look at the Panther Family!
Honestly, you and I may disagree on what is said. I did say and will say again - Buck is a great coach and a greater person. He must be for people like yourself to feel such passion. My hats off to you. It sounds like the real problem is the politicians in DeKalb. They obvioushear what the people are saying as far as their schools. As years go by, things get old. Improvements must be made. If the politicians don’t do what they need to do, get rid of them. Your only other option is to move to somewhere like (dare I say) Gwinnett. Problem is things are not much better here as far as bad politicians. They are all greedy. It does have new schools though.
You and I do share one thing - pride in SWD! It would be great to unit the present with the past and so real pride together!
By SWD81
October 25, 2006 01:01 PM | Link to this
I need to clarify. In the last paragraph is mistyped “They obvioushear what…”. I meant to say they DON’T hear what the people are saying. My mistake. Face it, SWD was in need of improvements back in the 80’s and I’m sure even more now. The politicians will only do what makes them money and keeps them in office.
By Parent of 2005 Team
October 27, 2006 11:57 PM | Link to this
I guess those plathera of parents 2001-2005 was the reason for the Marist lost, too!
By KSShake
October 30, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this
No, that goes back to X’s and O’s ability that I said I’ve always questioned. Coach Chadwick is a brilliant coach of the X’s and O’s that’s why whenever they play (Marist and SWD) Marist always wins by a landslide. If you can match SWD’s athleticism and physicality (which is easier to do now because they don’t get the “lionshare” majority of athletes and football players like they did from the early mid 80’s to mid 90’s. When SWD plays a team that extremely well coached, disciplined, and not intimidated by the SWD mystique, they struggle. I love Coach Godfrey, but this is a Dekalb high school football fact. He did have that SWD school zone and talent base shrink and from time to time it gets exposed. He’d never admit it because the man has never been an excusemaker. Not to mention Marist is an excellent football team with exceptional coaching. But I knew they would struggle with St. Pius and Marist. They have a better chance beating Tucker and Mays (they squeaked by Tucker) and even if they lose I guarantee they’ll play Mays better regardless of how Mays fairs against Marist (and they beat St. Pius).