Today’s interviewee is Chris Mooneyham, host of the Georgia High School Scoreboard Show. Mooneyham also is a co-host for the Georgia Tech Sports Network, the play-by-play man for the Georgia Swarm lacrosse team, and the play-by-play man for Emory University’s men’s basketball and baseball teams. He has called most of the state championships for the NFHS Network and statewide radio.
Chris Mooneyham, Georgia High School Football Scoreboard Show host
1. For those who don’t know, what is the Georgia High School Football Network Scoreboard Show? “Well, in most ways we are just like any other high school football show that gives scores, updates and storylines. There are so many great high school football shows across this state. And each does such great work. No one covers prep football like the media in Georgia. Our Scoreboard Show is based out of Atlanta. I suppose the biggest difference between us and other shows is we are ‘sort of’ the ‘official’ scoreboard show of the GHSA. Now, all that means is the GHSA actually works with the network and our front-office admin at the home studios, 680 The Fan in Atlanta, in building the statewide network. It doesn’t mean we are better or worse than any other shows, it’s just something that is different.”
2. The show keeps alive the legacy of the late Tommy Palmer, who was host for many years. What have you taken from Tommy’s format, and what have you done to put your own stamp on it? “When we took over last year, we spent a great deal of time talking about Tommy and carrying on his legacy. It was very important to us that we keep an aspect of the ‘down home’ feel of the show. Rural Georgia is where football is made in this state. Shoot, I’ve spent half my life calling games in Middle and South Georgia. Having said that, we did want to modernize it slightly. We cannot give every score; that is impossible. Plus, with modern technology and the availability of apps on smart phones, people can check their local team’s score and their rivals’ with ease. So, we use the final scores that come across the board as conversation pieces. Also, we make it more of a talk show by covering the topical stories of the day in great depth.”
3. You’ve done a wide range of broadcasting work in both radio and TV. What place does this show and high school football hold for you? “Well, I had a colleague tell me not too long ago, ‘You are that guy everyone across the state has heard, yet no one has any idea what your name is.’ There is definitely truth in that. I have been covering prep sports since I was in high school myself, starting in 1994 at Osborne High School. Since then, I have covered or called professional, collegiate and prep sports across the country. But while jobs have come and gone, high school broadcasting jobs have always managed to provide new opportunities. And it is the level of competition which means the most to me.
“Not counting shows which I have hosted, because I would never be able to figure out the number, just focusing on play-by-play, color analysis and sideline work, I am closing in on 900 games called in my career. I have been blessed by the man above to cover some of the greatest games, athletes and moments in the state’s high school sports history over the last quarter century.”
4. What about the show itself is the most fun? “That is a tough one. I am a storyline guy. To watch the season and region races unfold for clubs across the state is exciting. I love providing coaches, during an interview, the opportunity to brag on a player. There is nothing like diving into the state’s rivalries and history like The Swamp War, or the Winnersville Classic, or the Battle for Buckhead, or Brookwood-Parkview. Steve West and I love to talk history and about our bucket list stadiums to visit. Adam Bomb is our man on the street and loves to talk atmosphere and community. Brandon Joseph is our ‘heat check’ opinion guy who puts things in proper perspective. And Derrick Thomas, our executive producer, is able to manage four strong personalities and keep us on the rails. Our show crew truly loves high school football.”
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