Today's interviewee is Houston County coach Ryan Crawford, whose team defeated Peach County 32-31 in overtime Friday night. The victory was the first in school history against a No. 1-ranked team and put Houston County in the top 10 for the first time since 2016, Jake Fromm's senior season.
Ryan Crawford, Houston County head coach
1. What was the difference in the game Friday? Where or how was the game won? "Coming into the game. we felt like we had some matchups that we could use to our advantage. We felt like that if we could limit the big plays from their offense and make them drive the ball, we could hang around until the fourth quarter. I felt like we were in good shape at halftime and told the guys that the game is just now getting started and to be ready for their best shot in the start of the third quarter. When you play great programs like Peach County, they always start both halves fast and physical, and your team has to match their intensity and keep playing hard to make plays with them. We made some mistakes and got behind by two touchdowns. To our guys' credit, they fought and tied the game at 24 in the fourth quarter. When we got into overtime, I felt good about going on defense first because that allows you to know what you need to win the game from a points standpoint. It was not until the last play of overtime when we caught the two-point conversion did I know we were going to win the game."
2. You decided to go for two in OT. Why make that call? "The decision to go for two was a byproduct of us going on defense first in OT. If we had gone on offense first and scored I think my decision might have been different. Coaching football is really about the relationship you have with your players and understanding what they can do well. Making a call like that is really a feeling thing, just like calling plays as a coordinator. We knew we had a matchup that we liked and thought we could win one on one, so I told [offensive coordinator Ben] Bailey to get us a good play and run it. Max Rigby, our quarterback, has a lot of experience, and the moment was not too big for him. He got a good snap, the offensive line did a good job protecting, our running back did a great job of picking up the pressure, and the ball was laid up perfect to Jaylen Mills, one of our receivers. I also did not want to give Peach County the ball back. I have seen enough of their playmakers the last four years."
3. The win turned around a 49-14 game from a year ago. What did it mean to your team to win the game, and what's the difference this year in your team? "This was a huge win for our program and our school. Football in this part of the state, like other parts, is very important. These players know each other and have been competing against each other for years, so this is something they can take pride in for years to come. Middle Georgia football is really good right now, and we have a chance to play in several games of this magnitude, and as a competitor you should want to test your skill versus the best.
"The difference in this year's team and the teams from the past two seasons is we have a large senior class. This group of seniors has been in our program for four years and takes pride in playing for Houston County High. This day and time, some players and parents are chasing an individual goal and not teaching their sons to work, compete and struggle, which are the true characteristics for the real world. I love winning football games, but if I do not instill in my players how to work hard and add value to them spiritually, physically and mentally, I have wasted the calling as to which I'm in the business. I care more about my players after they get off the field and that they are successful men once they leave high school."
4. All five teams in your region look like they should be in the playoffs, but one won't make it. What's it like to play in a region like yours? "The 6A state champion has come out of our region four out of the last five seasons. When I came to Houston County as a coordinator seven years ago, I came knowing that this football job would be a challenge. We have a great school for academics, athletics and fine arts, and we compete in our region very well in all other sports. We feel that we have hard-working kids that listen and want to be successful, and we can't control where the GHSA puts us. We just have to play the cards we are dealt. I think all five head coaches in our region would tell you that playing in this region prepares you for the playoffs like nothing else can. We play four playoff-caliber teams from our region, so whoever gets in the playoffs will be prepared to make a deep run and have a chance to win a state championship. Playing in this region is why you play and coach high school football. You will be challenged each week mentally and physically. Football aside, the type of young man that sticks to this program with our schedule will be better prepared for life after football because of the experiences they have been through in this region."
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