Q&A: Sandy Creek football coach Chip Walker

Sandy Creek coach Chip Walker quietly has developed one of the state's top high school football programs, with the Fighting Patriots posting a 36-2 record over three seasons. Sandy Creek won last year's Class AAAA state championship, the first in football for a Fayette County school, and is 11-0 heading into Friday's second round of the Class AAA playoffs. Walker spoke recently with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Q. Do you think many other coaches consider Sandy Creek a football powerhouse yet? Or a Cinderella team that won state last year?

A. I think most respect us. Obviously, we feel like we have to make sure we're very successful in this year's playoffs to cement that. We want to be considered one of the elite programs in the state of Georgia. Obviously, if we make another big run to the championship, then that will [help our reputation]. But I do think many coaches are aware that we're 36-2 in three seasons and turning this program into one of the state's elite. Again, a good playoff run would cement that, for sure.

Q. How does this year's team compare to last year's?

A. I think we're very talented. We may have less depth than last year. It's hard to compare because at some positions we may be more talented, while in other areas we may be less talented. But overall, the talent level is at least comparable. I just think there's a little less depth with us losing so many guys that played a lot last year. So we have a few more guys going both ways and things like that.

Q. How much of this year's success has to do with momentum from last year?

A. I think there's some that has definitely carried over. But this team has also developed its own identity. Obviously, if you have what we feel like is a good football program, there is some momentum from previous years. But a lot of hard work has gone into this team since last January.

Q. Sandy Creek was in Class AAAA last year and moved down. Is it easier in Class AAA?

A. No, I don't think it has been any easier. I think there are some really, really good football teams in lower classifications. I think the biggest difference we've had this year is that we have not had the rival games. When we were in Class AAAA, we played everybody in the county. We played against teams where there was good rivalries, and our student bodies were very close. This year, we've had to form new rivalries.

Q. You and your father were the first father-son tandem to each lead teams to state championships. Is he attending your playoff games again this year?

A. Yes, unfortunately, his team [Mary Persons] did not make the playoffs, so he will be here every Friday night rooting us on. He was at all five playoff games last year, and hopefully he'll there for five this year and we'll win again.

Q. Does your dad help you during the games?