GHSF Daily asked each of Georgia's eight 2017 state-winning head coaches to answer these four questions. We'll report from a different head coach each day.
Bill Stewart, Class AAAAAAA champion North Gwinnett
1. With a full offseason to reflect, what is the most memorable or special thing that you take from your championship season? "The most memorable thing from the championship season was how our team stayed glued together through every twist and turn in the year. From our starting quarterback breaking his leg in game two to having a significant starter out every playoff game, our team continued to believe, and the next man would step up. The camaraderie the kids had with each other and the special dinner and devotion times our team had made it special."
2. What did winning this championship teach you about what it takes to win a championship that you didn't already known? "As a team, our players learned that staying together when it gets tough is critical and to keep believing. I think sticking to your values and principles of play when it gets tough is what our kids excelled at."
3. The 2017 finals had some controversies. One was the weather postponement of several games out of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The other was a call in the Peach County-Calhoun game that sparked a debate about the use of instant replay. How would you critique the GHSA's handling of those situations? "The GHSA has a very difficult job. As far as our game, I believe it was handled well. There is no way our fans or Colquitt's could have gone that night to play that game in the Benz, due to the icy conditions. As far as it going to a home site, all of the state finals used to be at a home site. It is a great atmosphere for a championship game no matter which site it's on. Each team had to play in the elements that were presented that night. That's all part of it."
4. What's the outlook for your team this season? What are your chances of repeating? "We feel great about our team this year. They have been working diligently in the offseason to become better. I am excited about where we are as a team and look forward to our upcoming big games."
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