GHSF Daily asked each of Georgia's eight 2017 state-winning head coaches to answer these four questions. We'll report from a different head coach each day.
Winston Gordon, Class AA champion Hapeville Charter
1. With a full offseason to reflect, what is the most memorable or special thing that you take from your championship season? "I would have to say being the No. 1 seed and [still] playing quarterfinals, semifinals and the state championship on the opponents' fields and winning it all."
2. What did winning this championship teach you about what it takes to win a championship that you didn't already know? "I'm not sure if it taught me anything that I didn't know about what it takes, but I can say it is amazing to see what these kids accomplish with less - no practice field, little to no weight room and no stadium [of their own] to play in."
3. The 2017 finals had some controversies. One was the weather postponement of several games out of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The other was a call in the Peach County-Calhoun game that sparked a debate about the use of instant replay. How would you critique the GHSA's handling of those situations? "I do believe that if we play championship games where technology is available to help aid the game [such as instant replay], then we need to consider the use. As for how the GHSA handled those two situations, they are both in the past. I am a believer of looking forward and helping advance the game. You would have to think that the governing body of high school football would want to do what is right for all the children of the Georgia. So, with that being said, I would have to think that all alternative dates and venues were explored. Also, the rule as it states is there is no replay in GHSA championship games, so there was no recourse."
4. What's the outlook for your team this season? What are your chances of repeating? "My outlook is the same as every season - to win the region championship and win the state championship. I do believe this is a totally different team but the same goal to repeat as champions."
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