GHSF Daily asked Georgia head coaches to answer these four questions. We'll report from a different head coach each day.
Billy Shackelford, Sprayberry
1. Who is/was the most influential person in your coaching career? "There are so many people in my life that had a huge influence - Mike Ledford, Dean Hargis, Scott Jones - but if I had to pick one, I'd have to choose my mother. As a single parent, she had to be mom and dad. She taught me to be tough and never quit. She taught me to love people even when they aren't easily loved and to believe in the best in people. Finally, she taught me to be loyal and do all you can to never quit or give up on people. I try to use these principles every day coaching my team, dealing with staff, parents and the community."
2. Who is the best Georgia player you ever faced? "Ahmad 'Batman' Carroll from Frederick Douglass High School. Ahmad was a rare combination of strength, speed and skill. A high school and college All-American and first-round NFL draft pick."
3. What is the best team you ever faced as a coach? "Probably the 2011 Tucker team. They finished as state champions, 15-0, and were well-coached, disciplined and unbelievably athletic at nearly every position."
4. If you were Gary Phillips, the new head of the GHSA, what would be the first rule that you would try to change? "I would love to have the kickoff kicked from the 35 instead of the 40 or allow kickoffs to be returned from out of the end zone. I love the kicking game. In my opinion, one of the most exciting plays in football is not even an option if you have a kicker that can kick it 60 yards, which is becoming more and more commonplace. Strategies and game planning are minimal with or against kickers that can kick the free kick into the end zone. I think it would be good for the game and fans."
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