GHSF Daily asked Georgia head coaches to answer these four questions. We'll report from a different head coach each day.
Gary Hughes, East Jackson
*1. What is the most memorable game you've been a part of as a player or coach?"My most memorable game that taught me so much was in Ocala, Fla., where I played. We played Forest High School on Thanksgiving morning at 10 a.m., and the stadium was packed. This was our cross-town rival, last game of the season, etc. They had so many fine players that eventually made their way to college and the NFL. Scott Brantley was one, and Tyrone Young was another. We lost 18-16 and missed a field goal at the buzzer from the 10-yard-line. They went on and won their second state championship. But this game taught so much about mental preparation and giving your all and what the capacity for performance could be when rightly motivated. To look into those seniors' eyes and watch as they played their last game with tears rolling down their faces marked me for life. It was a difficult loss, but that game sticks out in my mind more than any other just for what it taught me."
*2. Which high school coach would you want your son to play for, and why?"There are so many great, great coaches out there. My sons actually played for two outstanding men, Jared Zito and Norb Terza. Just awesome guys who give back so much more than you could even imagine. There are literally tons and tons of great coaches in this state. That's one reason why I feel like Georgia has such outstanding high school football. Not just great men of integrity and honor, but great tactical coaches as well."
*3. What is your pet peeve as a coach or favorite saying/motto?"I don't have a favorite motto, although our players will probably tell you I do, but I think these kids need hope and direction. So it's always going to be about something positive or something uplifting. We don't ever really know what's going on at home or in their personal lives, and let's face it, times ain't like they used to be where most kids got what they needed at home. They get it from us nowadays."
*4. Which GHSA policy or high school football rule would you most like to see changed?"I would like the GHSA to consider allowing a game or jamboree type of competition at the conclusion of spring practice, even if it's just a half and four teams get together and play each other for a half. I think it would mean more to our players to have that type of competition."
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