GHSF Daily asked Georgia head coaches to answer these four questions. We'll report from a different head coach each day.
Chris Brown, Hiram
1. Who is/was the most influential person in your coaching career? "I had the pleasure to serve under three great men in Tim Barron, Jimmy Dorsey and Andy Dorsey. I learned a lot from each of them and really appreciate how much they have helped me through the years. But I would have to say the biggest influence to me was my high school coaches at Pebblebrook High School. Tony Fellows and Cliff Collins really made an impression on me. They coached with such passion and enthusiasm. You could tell they loved the game, and you always knew they wanted you to be the best player you could be. Win or lose, be the best you are capable of being. What a wonderful life lesson."
2. Who is the best Georgia player you ever faced? "Branden Smith from the 2008 Booker T. Washington team. Fastest player I ever coached against. He played receiver and defensive back, and sometimes they would put him at quarterback. He was also their punter. We went to block a punt, he pulled it back and went out the back door, and I swear I felt the wind blow when he ran by me. From that point on, we covered the punter like we were in lanes to cover the kickoff."
3. What is the best team you ever faced as a coach? "2002 Brookwood. They were as solid up front as any team I ever coached against. They also had guys that could make plays in space. Fundamentally sound and physical at the point of attack. They were really good. They lost twice that year to Parkview. Once in the regular season and once in the state championship. I never saw Parkview live and in color that year, but if they were better than Brookwood, I am glad we did not play them."
4. If you were Gary Phillips, the new head of the GHSA, what would be the first rule that you would try to change? "After reading all the posts this year in this forum, I would like to join in with a few from earlier this year. I think we should revisit the six-quarter rule. I think not counting Friday night special teams toward the six quarters would allow for better sub-varsity play and also allow coaches to reward younger kids on Friday nights."
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