GHSF Daily asked Georgia head coaches to answer these four questions. We'll report from a different head coach each day.
John Bowen, Montgomery County
1. What is the real difference-maker in winning and losing in Georgia high school football? "1. Talent. Can't win without it. 2. A unified staff that understands the goals and schemes and can teach and implement them properly. 3. An administration and community that values football success and provides the infrastructure needed to establish a great product."
2. Which player that you've coached is memorable mostly for his character or inspiration? "Tyrese Harris, defensive end/tight end at Butler High School. Harris was a relentless force on both offense and defense as well as a star on the basketball and soccer teams. His work habits on the field and in the classroom and hallways, and his manners and genuine respect in every aspect were also 100-percent effort. Tyrese went on to play at Charleston Southern."
3. What is the best atmosphere for a high school game that you've experienced away from home? "The Class AAAA state playoffs when I was at Butler in 2003. We played at Troup. The visiting dressing area was under the home stands, and you came out of a tunnel-type exit there onto the field. It was loud while we were under there, and it was like the old NFL Films clips from the 1970s as we walked out and ran onto the field."
4. As a player or coach at any level, which game do you wish you could play again? "Butler at Baldwin in 2003 while I was offensive coordinator. We were down like 31-13 and sitting on a fourth-and-17 on the last play of the third quarter. We converted it for a TD and went on to complete the comeback and win. We finished 8-3 that year, with each loss being by less than four points. A fun team to be around all year long."
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