Today's interviewee is Morrow coach Jerome Weaks, whose team defeated Tucker 19-14 last week. Tucker had been 27-0 all-time against Clayton County schools and was a 20-point favorite in this game, according to the Maxwell Ratings. Weaks became Morrow's head coach in 2016, when the program had won 17 games over the previous 13 seasons. In 2017, the team was 5-5, its best record since 1998. The next season, the GHSA moved Morrow into a higher classification, AAAAAA, making things even tougher.
Jerome Weaks, Morrow head coach
1. What was the significance of beating Tucker for your program? "The Tucker football program is one of the top programs in the state of Georgia. Every year, they are contenders for the state championship and are a tough team to play. We became the first team in Clayton County to defeat the Tigers and only the second team to beat them since entering Region 4-AAAAAA. Our program took a significant step in the right direction after defeating the Tigers. We have a goal of making the playoffs this season, and that victory keeps us on track to get there."
2. What was the difference in the game, and how did it come down in the end? "Although we turned the ball over four times during the game, our defense played stout and held Tucker to 14 points for the entire game. After halftime, we made some adjustments on both offense and defense that allowed us to dominate them in the second half. We drove the ball down the field on offense and kept them off balance with a variety of different formations. Momentum began to swing our way, and we rode that wave to victory."
3. What are the most important things that you and your staff have done to make the program competitive? "We've instilled a sense of belief and a commitment to doing things the right way. Our kids work hard and have developed a strong work ethic that allows us to compete at a high level. My staff has also continued to teach our kids 'how to win.' A program that hasn't been competitive in years must be taught how to win and fight hard for an entire game. We're in the process of developing a culture of success that is still a work in progress."
4. What's the most underrated thing to rebuilding a struggling program? What advice would you give to a coach in that situation that wouldn't be obvious? "I would say to first develop a rapport with both administration and the parents. A strong, supportive administration is vital to the success of any program. Although Morrow wasn't having the success that they may have wanted on the field, the administration has always been supportive of all athletic programs. This gives a coach the support that is needed to change the culture, so to speak, not only on the football team but throughout the entire school. Parental support is the other thing that is vital for success in a struggling program. Once the parents are all in, they will spread the word about the good things that are happening and gain other supporters for your program. I am grateful for the awesome and unwavering support of both the administration and parents of Morrow High School."
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