GHSF Daily asked Georgia head coaches to answer these four questions. We'll report from a different head coach each day.
Jonathan Gess, Eagle's Landing Christian
1. What is the most memorable game you've been a part of as a player or coach? "In 2011, we beat Landmark Christian 35-14 to win the region championship. They came back and beat us in the semifinals 14-7 the same year. We came back in 2012 and beat them 43-0. That was the sweetest victory because there was a very bitter taste in our mouths for a year leading up to that point." [ELCA went on to win the 2012 Class A championship, its first in the GHSA.]
2. Which high school coach would you want your son to play for, and why?"Coach Fred Yancey from Briarwood Christian Academy in Alabama or Coach Kenny Dallas, who is our defensive coordinator. All I care about is that someone is pushing my son spiritually. I will want the coach to be consumed with things of Christ before he is consumed with football. Christ, not football, is the only thing that will matter for our eternal souls. Football is just the master teacher."
3. What is your pet peeve as a coach or favorite saying/motto?"I can't stand kids who are lazy in the weight room and lazy on the practice field. Everyone wants to play in games. Champions want to work and practice day in and day out."
4. Which GHSA policy or high school football rule would you most like to see changed?"We preach 'Take Ownership.' Whatever the rule is, then follow it. If it is to drive 35, even thought that doesn't make sense, drive 35. If your teacher makes a rule in the classroom that doesn't make sense to you, follow it anyway. So whatever rules the GHSA makes we will just follow. There will always be rules we don't like in life. I tried to complain to the GHSA in 2012 about how stupid the point system was. They nicely told me to shut up. Lesson learned - just do what they say!"
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