GHSF Daily asked Georgia head coaches to answer these four questions. We'll report from a different head coach each day.
Kyle Adkins, Campbell
1. What is the real difference-maker in winning and losing in Georgia high school football? "In my opinion, high school football in Georgia is unmatched in regard to talent, coaching, etc., and you better be ready each week or you will get exposed quickly. I think the No. 1 difference-maker is the support of the administration. I have seen many fine programs peak with great administrative support and quickly fall apart after a change in leadership. I am so fortunate at Campbell to have 100 percent support from the administration, and I think if you truly look at the great programs in the state, year in and year out, you will see an administration that is very supportive of the football program and works diligently to ensure that the needs of the program are being met."
2. Which player that you've coached is memorable mostly for his character or inspiration? "This is an easy one for me. I have coached many great young men over the years, but I think that Bernard Granville is the most memorable because you will not find a finer young man on the planet. Bernard played defensive line for me at Shaw in Columbus and went on to be a four-year starter at Berry College. The character that this young man has is truly indicative of the job that his mother did in raising him - tremendous lady. The bond that Bernard and I have is unmatched, and that is why I hired him immediately as my defensive line coach when I took the job at Campbell this year. I am so proud of Bernard and the man that he has become. He will truly be an asset for Campbell High School and a great role model for our students."
3. What is the best atmosphere for a high school game that you've experienced away from home? "The Granite Bowl, Elbert County. My junior year of high school [at Americus] we played Elbert County in the quarterfinals of the state playoffs. An incredible place to play a high school football game, and that 1995 team (the eventual state champion) might have been the fastest high school football team I have ever seen."
4. As a player or coach at any level, which game do you wish you could play again? "2012 state playoffs, first Round - Shaw vs. Monroe Area. MAHS was loaded that year, and we took that long bus ride from Columbus to their place. We scored the go-ahead touchdown with about three minutes left, and the officials called the play back for holding. My center was about 175 pounds, and the officials flagged him for holding on a nose guard that was more than twice his size. Stanton Truitt ended up scoring for MAHS with about 90 seconds to go to beat us. We were a No. 4 seed and gave them all they wanted. They ended up making it to the semifinals, losing to Sandy Creek, who was a member of our region that year."
Produced by Georgia High School Football Daily, a free e-mail newsletter. To join the mailing list, click here.
