Today's interviewee is Grayson coach Adam Carter, whose team defeated No. 1-ranked Marietta 28-14 in a Class AAAAAAA game last week. Grayson ascended to the No. 1 ranking this week. This is Carter's first season at Grayson. In 2018, he led Creekview of Cherokee County to a 12-1 record and was named the Class AAAAAA coach of the year.
Adam Carter, Grayson head coach
1. What was the difference in the game Friday? Where or how was the game won? "I think the difference in the game was the turnovers and special teams. We were able to force four turnovers, and I feel like we were able to limit some of their explosive players in the kicking game. The game for us was won in the trenches. I felt like as the game went on, our O-line started to get more confidence and started to give [Lafayette] Gurvin some holes to run through. Their passing game is explosive. I did not feel like we played great for most of the game in the back half, but we were able to make a few plays. Our kids' effort was great and we ran around. The effort allowed us to be in the right spot a few throws."
2. What did the win mean to the team, beating a No 1-ranked opponent? "I think the win was big for everyone. Marietta is a football team that will be around late into the playoffs, for sure. We try to talk to our kids about being 1-0 each week, so from that aspect it was just the next game on the schedule. For the community, I think it will help with the buy-in and support. I talked to our kids Monday and let them know that if this game was the pinnacle of our season, then we are in for a long year. We have to continue to improve as an individual and as a team if we want to meet the expectations of being a Grayson Ram."
3. Marietta was ranked top-five nationally. Last year, Grayson was the same. For the past two seasons, Colquitt at times looked unbeatable. All of those teams lost games. What does the win say about Class AAAAAAA as a whole this season, and all seasons? "7A has multiple teams that can be there at Georgia State come December. In 7A, you have to have your 'A' game every week or you will get beat. You do not have room for a down week. There are multiple teams playing at a high level right now. South Georgia will always be in the picture, and metro Atlanta has proven to be just as good. It makes for long weeks of work, for sure."
4. There are certain things that you believe in that you attempt to bring to every program where you've coached. What has been the main challenge at Grayson that might be a little different than another team or program? "I was the third head coach for this group of seniors. The main challenge was to get them to buy in to my philosophy. There is always going to be talent at Grayson, but my roots are grounded in outworking others. I have never been the most talented player or coach. I just try to work hard every day. These guys needed to know that we would do things the right way and everyone would be held to a higher standard. A lot of people know my motto of 'compete.' We have tried to instill in our guys from the start that we want to compete in all aspects of life. Every day, wake up and be the best son, student, brother, teammate, athlete they can be."
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