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. What is the real difference-maker in winning and losing in Georgia high school football? "I believe talent is the most important factor in sustained success. I also believe it is important to have a good staff for the team to achieve its full potential, and all great teams have chemistry. Great teams are made up of great teammates."
2. Which player that you've coached is memorable mostly for his character or inspiration? "I've been fortunate to coach some great kids, so this is tough to narrow it down to one. I would say Taylor Downs. He was an average athlete that was being challenged by one of the best I ever coached at his position, linebacker. He always found a way to make plays when we needed it as well as make sure our locker room was in the right frame of mind. He was the leader of our FCA and is now a youth minister in Colorado. He never complained when I put the other kid in and kept making plays when it was his turn to go. He ended up starting all 12 games that year."
3. What is the best atmosphere for a high school game that you've experienced away from home? "The best atmosphere was Northcutt Stadium at Marietta High School. There is always an electricity at that place."
4. As a player or coach at any level, which game do you wish you could play again? "If I had to play one over, it would be the region championship game at McEachern my senior year [1987] at Pebblebrook. We lost 9-6. In the third quarter, I broke on a pass in the flats. Nothing between me and the end zone but green grass and the night sky. I dropped the ball. I have looked that ball into my hands 20 to 30 times every football season since."
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