The 57th edition of the Classic City Championship will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 19 at Cedar Shoals High School’s Waters-Wilkins Stadium. First played in 1974, the local rivalry has been a yearly community tradition for generations of those in the Athens community even if it no longer has playoff implications. “It doesn’t mean much to me as a coach because I’ve been doing this for a long time, I’ve coached for both schools,” CSHS head varsity football coach Leror Ryals said. “(The game) means a lot to the community, (but) it’s just one more game for us to prepare for the season.” Illustration by Eleanor Robinson
By the Numbers
The varsity football team will play against the Cedar Shoals High School varsity football team at CSHS’ Waters-Wilkins Stadium at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19. The Gladiators currently hold a four-year winning streak against the Jaguars and are looking to make it five. Photo by Lucas Donnelly
The CCHS varsity football team will play Cedar Shoals High School in the 57th Classic City Championship at CSHS’ Waters-Wilkins Stadium at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug 19.
*All stats are from the 2022-2023 varsity football season.
Clarke Central High School
(5-6): Record for the Gladiators.
(4-2): Region 8-AAAA record for the CCHS varsity football team.
(2-3): Last year’s home record for the Gladiators
(3-3): Last year’s away record for the Gladiators.
(40-0): Score for the last game played against Cedar Shoals High School.
287: Total points scored by the CCHS varsity football team.
282: Total points allowed by the CCHS varsity football team.
125.3: Average passing yards per game for the Gladiators.
195.5: Average rushing yards per game for the Gladiators.
4: CCHS varsity football team’s current winning streak against the Jaguars.
138: Georgia state ranking for the CCHS Gladiators according to MaxPreps Computer Rankings.
Cedar Shoals High School
(5-6): season record for the Jaguars.
(3-3): Region 8-AAAA record for the CSHS varsity football team.
(2-3): Last year’s home record for the Jaguars.
(3-3): Last year’s away record for the Jaguars.
(0-40): Score for the game played against Clarke Central High School.
238: Total points scored by the CSHS varsity football team.
379: Total points allowed by the CSHS varsity football team.
185.2: Average passing yards per game for the Jaguars.
96.0: Average rushing yards per game for the Jaguars.
2018: The last year the Jaguars beat the Gladiators.
254: Georgia state ranking for the CSHS Jaguars according to Maxpreps Computer Rankings.
All stats by maxpreps.com
Game Preview
Clarke Central High School and Cedar Shoals High School players compete at the line of scrimmage during the 54th Classic City Championship on Sept. 4, 2020. After a fight broke out with the Gladiators up big in the fourth quarter in last year’s game, head varsity football coach David Perno called for the Gladiators to keep cooler heads in this contest. “(We) try and get their minds on executing, try and get their minds on the details and off of the hype,” Perno said. “You can’t get caught up in all the emotion. We tell our guys all the time, ‘Be passionate, give effort, play hard, but don’t be emotional about it.’” Photo by Lucas Donnelly
The CCHS varsity football team will compete in the 57th Classic City Championship against Cedar Shoals High School at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 19 at CSHS’ Waters-Wilkins Stadium.
The Clarke Central High School varsity football team will face off against Cedar Shoals High School in the 57th Classic City Championship at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 19 at CSHS’ Waters-Wilkins Stadium.
The non-region rivalry game will be the first official game for both teams this season, though the Gladiators faced off against North Oconee High School in a preseason scrimmage on Aug. 4. According to CCHS head varsity football coach David Perno, the NOHS game was a positive experience for the team despite the eventual 24-21 loss.
“Off the scrimmage, (we had a) bad, bad start, which is okay. (The game was) on the road (against a) well-coached team and for us to come out in the second half and do what we did in the third quarter, they showed a lot of resiliency,” Perno said. “For the type of schedule we play, we’re going to have to have that mentality of just hanging in there and keep fighting harder.”
As for the Jaguars, their head varsity football coach Leroy Ryals says their preparation has been hindered by the heat wave across Athens, which has caused the team to move some of their workouts indoors.
“We started a little bit last week in preparation, but yesterday was the first day of our game week and we were in the gym because it was too hot to go out, and then the storm came,” Ryals said. “We’re gonna go late at night to actually get out there and try to prepare in terms of our game plan.”
The game is being played on a Saturday for the first time since MaxPreps began tracking in 2004, as well as taking place at 5:30 – at least an hour and a half before high school games typically kick off. Perno believes the timing of the game, with temperatures likely breaking 90 degrees throughout, will have a detrimental effect on players for both teams.
“I feel like we’re punishing our players for doing the right thing, (for) trying to play. It just feels like we’re not taking care of the people we need to take care of.”
— David Perno,
CCHS head varsity football coach
“I feel like we’re punishing our players for doing the right thing, (for) trying to play,” Perno said. “It just feels like we’re not taking care of the people we need to take care of.”
Ryals echoed Perno’s sentiment, worrying about his team’s upcoming game against Monroe Area High School on the subsequent Friday.
“We both have big-time games the following week and now we’re behind on preparation,” Ryals said. “Anytime you get us off our normal routine of a gameday, it’s tough.”
Despite the coaches’ concerns, CCHS linebacker and running back Kendrick Curry, a senior captain, feels the game will still result in a statement victory over the Jaguars.
“(People can expect) a blowout. Everybody gonna come out of there hyped,” Curry said. “It’s gonna be a good atmosphere, it’s gonna be a good day to be a Gladiator.”
Timeline
Band Preview
The Clarke Central High School band performs at the 56th Classic City Championship against Cedar Shoals High School on Aug. 18, 2022, at Billy Henderson Stadium. CTAE department teacher Jaclyn Brown was a former clarinet player for the marching band and supported the school spirit like the band does today. “1996, we win every year. That’s all I can remember, just winning,” Brown said. “CCHS is just a powerhouse when it comes to football against Cedar (Shoals High School). Good clean competition.” Photo by Lucas Donnelly
The CCHS Gladiator Marching Band will perform during the 57th Classic City Championship at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 19 at Waters-Wilkins Stadium.
The Clarke Central High School Gladiator Marching Band will perform at the 57th Classic City Championship held at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 19 in Waters-Wilkins Stadium.
The rivalry between Cedar Shoals High School and CCHS has been alive since the first game in 1974, and every year since then the CCHS band has been there to support the players and show school spirit. According to CCHS Band Director Chris Simpson, the marching band is prepared to come back for their first game.
“It’s going to be a good performance because the first (game) is the Cedar (v. Central) game, people are going to be looking forward to what’s going on around not only (with) the band, but (with) the football team (too),” Simpson said. “(The band students) look forward to something fun where they get to let their hair down and have a little bit of fun out there and support a football team.”
Senior and CCHS drum major De’Taizae Moses feels the band plays an important role in the soul of the game and looks forward to the rivalry game.
“Although we’re there to perform a halftime show, we’re also there to provide spirit. There’s the student section and then you have the marching band,” Moses said. “Everyone loves a good rivalry, and as long as it’s not toxic, and malicious, I feel like it can be really fun. Obviously, Central is going to win, but it’s always good to see Cedar try.”
— De’Taize Moses,
CCHS drum major
“Although we’re there to perform a halftime show, we’re also there to provide spirit. There’s the student section and then you have the marching band,” Moses said. “Everyone loves a good rivalry, and as long as it’s not toxic, and malicious, I feel like it can be really fun. Obviously, Central is going to win, but it’s always good to see Cedar try.”
Band captain and senior Nadiah Collins expresses the goals of the CCHS marching band and where their priorities lie.
“Putting the opener of our show on the field was our main focus for this game which is actually pretty far compared to previous years,” Collins said. “There’s never been a disconnect between our band programs. It’s more of a companionship more than a rivalry.”
Cheer Preview
Varsity football cheerleader Ke’aira Smith, a senior, poses during a 2022 varsity football game. Varsity football cheerleading co-captain Semaj Jordan was positive about the relationships between the 2023-2024 cheer team. “We have a tight bond, so when we cheer together we look like we’re one, we sound like one,” Jordan said. Photo by Aza Khan
The varsity football cheerleading team looks forward to continuing tradition during the 57th Classic City Championship at Cedar Shoals High School’s Waters-Wilkins Stadium at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 19.
The varsity football cheerleading team will make their first appearance of the season at the 57th Classic City Championship against Cedar Shoals High School on Aug. 19 at 5:30 pm at Waters-Wilkins Stadium.
In preparation for the season, the cheer team attended the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Cheer Camp at Emmanuel College from June 26-29 and have been practicing since mid-June.
“We’ve been going through our cheers, making sure we know all the cheers and they’re perfected, along with our band dances that we do whenever the band plays,” varsity football cheerleading co-captain Semaj Jordan, a senior, said. “On top of that, we’re practicing how to put up the flag the players run through and make sure we have that ready as well.”
Jordan believes that starting the season facing off against a crosstown rival will motivate the football and cheer teams for following games.
“We’re getting prepared for it and we’re going to be ready. It builds the momentum of the season, starting off with your rival, because after that you probably beat them, or tried to at least,” Jordan said.
To head varsity cheerleading coach Sophia Campbell, cheerleading is an important part of the atmosphere at football games.
“When the team is losing, you look to those cheerleaders to lift you up. That’s what they’re supposed to do.”
— Sophia Campbell,
head varsity cheerleading coach
“When the team is losing, you look to those cheerleaders to lift you up. That’s what they’re supposed to do,” Campbell said. “When the chips are down, everybody’s looking sad, and we’re down by 20-some points, you got one job and that’s to keep the crowd and the football players going.”
Campbell is anticipating the sense of tradition provided each year at the Classic City Championship.
“It’s just that fun game everybody looks forward to. You get cute, you get your family together, you bring the kids out. I mean, it’s like a big family reunion for the city every time they do these games,” Campbell said.
Kick it into gear: Q&A with CCHS varsity football kicker Cooper Evans
Players from the Clarke Central High School and Cedar Shoals High School varsity football teams compete in the 2022 Classic City Championship. CCHS Varsity football kicker Cooper Evans “The energy in the community is building and this is a big week for the Athens high school community, so it’s definitely gonna be fun and I’m just ready. Ready to get the victory,” Evans said. Photo by Lucas Donnelly
In anticipation of the 57th Classic City Championship against Cedar Shoals High School on Aug. 19, the ODYSSEY Media Group talked with CCHS varsity football kicker Cooper Evans.
Sports Editor Cadence Schapker: What has practice looked like in anticipation for the Classic City Championship?
CCHS varsity football kicker Cooper Evans: I’d say team-wise, the intensity level (has) definitely risen over the week and after we got over that preseason game, all our intentions focused on Cedar. So I think the preparations been good and (we’ve) put in some good practices. (We) had to work around the heat a little bit, but other than that, I think we’re ready.
CS: What has the team been practicing that’s going to incorporate well in play tomorrow?
CE: Definitely how we use some of our skill position players, like our wide receivers and running backs. We’ve put in a couple new formations in the week by week game scheme, depending on who we play. So, haven’t altered our game too much, but put in plays to where it should exploit Cedar’s defense.
CS: What do you think CCHS can capitalize on in the game?
CE: If we win the turnover battle, like we take care of the football and don’t make sloppy mistakes by turning the ball over and giving them opportunities, I think that’s how we really should beat them, just by taking care of the football and executing our jobs. If we play, we play our sound football where it’s just move the ball slow, take our shots when they come available, and make our field goals. We shouldn’t have anything to worry about.
“I think that’s how we really should beat (Cedar), just by taking care of the football and executing our jobs. If we play, we play our sound football where it’s just move the ball slow, take our shots when they come available, and make our field goals. We shouldn’t have anything to worry about.”
— Cooper Evans,
CCHS varsity football kicker
CS: What are your score predictions?
CE: We want to blow them out, just because it’s Cedar, but it’s fun to play when it’s the back and forth battle and momentum shifting, but score prediction, I’m hoping to have, kicking-wise, 12 points. So two field goals and six extra points. So I’d say give us a solid 58 around there. 58-14. I’ll give ‘em 10 points.
CS: Do you prepare yourself differently for rivalry games from region games?
CE: Honestly, it’s gonna change a little bit because we’re playing at 5:30 (p.m.) on Saturday, which is not normal for a normal high school football game. So it’s not like when you go to school on a Friday morning and everyone knows what’s happening tonight.You feel the energy building in the school. So that’s gonna be a little different, just waking up and being by myself at my house, but I’d say I listen (to) a lot of music before the game. I like to slow down the pace and not listen to upbeat songs closer to kickoffs, to just mellow my mind and be calm.
CS: What are you expecting to be the same or different at Waters-Wilkins Stadium?
CE: The thing that’s a pretty big change, kicking-wise, at Cedar’s field is it’s grass and it’s not the best-maintained grass. So it’s pretty lumpy, which compared to turf is a pretty dramatic change because playing on turf, everything’s perfectly level and the ball can sit up, you don’t have to worry about anything affecting it because everything’s perfectly flat. But then you got grass and there’s lumps and rough patches and patches of dirt and sand that’ll affect how the ball sits. So we’ve switched to a half inch field goal to just give you the ball (a) spot to sit on before we kick it.
“Since it’s a rivalry game, that means emotions are gonna fly high and sometimes you don’t keep a level head when your emotions are through the roof. So I’d say just being able to keep our calm in the heat of the moment and worry about what we have to do, not what the other team’s doing.”
— Cooper Evans,
CCHS varsity football kicker
CS: What might hold the team back?
CE: Unnecessary penalties. Since it’s a rivalry game, that means emotions are gonna fly high and sometimes you don’t keep a level head when your emotions are through the roof. So I’d say just being able to keep our calm in the heat of the moment and worry about what we have to do, not what the other team’s doing.
Illustration by Eleanor Robinson
By The Numbers by Liya Taylor
Game preview by Wyatt Meyer
Timeline by Wyatt Meyer and Riley Ramsey
Band preview by Evan Cornish
Cheer preview by Cooper Jones
Q&A by Cadence Schapker
Photos by Lucas Donnelly and Aza Khan
Package by Anna Shaikun
