GHSF Daily asked Georgia head coaches to answer these four questions. We'll report from a different head coach each day.
Mark Farriba, Stratford Academy
1. What is the most memorable game you've been a part of as a player or coach?"There are two games that are at the top of my list. In 2004, I was the head coach at Stratford Academy and we were playing First Presbyterian Day School in the GISA state championship game. Stratford won 35-34 in overtime. I have had many people tell me it was one of the most exciting games they have ever seen. The other was in 2011. I was the head coach at Prince Avenue Christian School and we were playing Charlton County in the GHSA Class A second-round playoffs. Prince Avenue won 20-3. Both of my sons were playing on that team, and it was such a big win for a young program against a team with such a great tradition."
2. Which high school coach would you want your son to play for, and why?"I am so thankful that both of my sons played for Richard Bell at Prince Avenue. Coach Bell was introduced to me by a mutual friend and told me he was interested in coaching high school football after many years in college coaching. His decision to join us was one of the greatest blessings of my life, as well as every player and coach he was associated with. Outstanding coach, even better man. George Collins would be another. George was my college roommate [and teammate at the University of Georgia]. From playing experience, to coaching experience, to character, George is a man you would want your son to be coached by."
3. What is your favorite saying/motto?"TCB: Taking Care of Business. Basically it means well done is better than well said."
4. Which GHSA policy or high school football rule would you most like to see changed?"I would like for the GHSA to mandate a 25-second clock in hopes that some continuity from referee to referee would occur. I would like for the officials to not worry about a player's pants length and concentrate more on applying the rules that affect the outcome of the game like interior linemen holding. I would like to see the five-day acclimatization period eliminated or changed to begin August 1st if you can't do away with it."
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