Coaches and players from multiple high schools in the Athens area came together on July 23 for the second annual Football Media Day. There, the coaches and players answered questions about the upcoming season. “(This season is) just more important. This is it. Every day that passes, they don’t get it back… When you have seniors that have played like (CCHS senior linebacker Elijah Smith and CCHS senior quarterback Jack Mangel), and have experience, you’ll be hard to beat,” Clarke Central High School head football coach David Perno said. “The experience (is important for seniors), but also that inner drive that tells you, ‘this is your last go-around.” Photo by Sunčana Pavlić.
By MADELEINE INGLE – Staff Writer
The Clarke Central High School head football coach, David Perno, and two CCHS football players, Elijah Smith and Jack Mangel share their goals and expectations for the upcoming 2017 season.
Following several months of practicing and conditioning, coaches and two players from Clarke Central High School, Cedar Shoals High School, Prince Avenue Christian School, Athens Academy, Oconee County High School, North Oconee High School and Athens Christian School met for the second annual Football Media Day. This event allows different media outlets to have the opportunity to talk with coaches and players from high school football teams in the area.
During Media Day, a series of interviews with coaches and players were conducted in which they discussed how they have been preparing for the upcoming season and what they expect from their team throughout the season.
“We (practice) Monday through Thursday 9 a.m.-12 p.m.. I leave the weekends open for (the team) to go to camps, different colleges or satellite camps,” CCHS head football coach David Perno said.
Although this practice schedule during the summer can leave players with little free time, CCHS senior linebacker Elijah Smith believes the hard work pays off.
“They work us out pretty hard in the weight room so that we go out on the field and we compete,” Smith said.
Including Smith, there are 30 seniors playing football at CCHS this season. In addition to the skills and experience these players have, Perno believes the seniors will also contribute a positive team mindset.
“(This season is) just more important. This is it. Every day that passes, they don’t get it back… When you have seniors that have played like (Elijah Smith and CCHS senior quarterback Jack Mangel), and have experience, you’ll be hard to beat,” Perno said. “The experience (is important for seniors), but also that inner drive that tells you, ‘this is your last go-around.”
When Mangel was asked what his goals are for his final season at CCHS, his response was immediate.
“State championship,” Mangel said.
Smith and Perno agreed.
“I know (aspiring to win the state championship) is tough and it’s lofty, but the truth of the matter is that we have a good team,” Perno said. “I’m excited to play in front of our home crowd.”
