Clarke Central High School defensive coordinator Mike Williams poses for a picture with members of the varsity football team on Oct. 21 after the team’s 44-21 victory over Flowery Branch. The win earns the CCHS team a chance to play in the 2016-2017 playoffs. “Our first goal was to get in the playoffs, and now we are there,” CCHS varsity football head coach David Perno said. “Our second goal is to win some games.” Photo by Julie Alpaugh
By OLIVIA RIPPS – Sports Editor
After their 44-21 defeat over Flowery Branch High School on Oct. 21, the Clarke Central High School varsity football team earned their spot in the playoffs and have begun working towards a victory.
Clarke Central High School defeated Flowery Branch High School 44-21 and earned a spot in the playoffs for the first time since 2013 on Oct. 21.
“It feels good (to go to the playoffs),” CCHS head football coach David Perno said. “I have one kid, maybe two, that played on the 2013 team, so it is good to get these players and these seniors an opportunity to get to the playoffs for the first time.”
Perno has high expectations for the team and is working to best prepare the Gladiators for the game and final stretch of the season.
“(Our goal is) to continue to improve, first and foremost. We are in a good place and we are playing better than we have all year, collectively, and anything can happen in the playoffs,” Perno said.
Senior linebacker Byron “Memphis” Spraggins was a member of the 2013 playoff team and is looking forward to being a part of the playoffs for a second time.
“I want to go out with a bang,” Spraggins said. “I have not played a playoff game since my freshman year, and I did not really get much playing time. I am very excited to play my first playoff game and playing hard.”
Though the Gladiators are aiming for a victory in the 2016 playoffs, the team hopes to improve overall as well.
“Our last game (our main goal is that) we have got to finish strong,” Spraggins said. “(Now) our momentum going into the playoffs is to make sure everyone is helping out and just continuing to get better and better each day.”
