Wide receiver Jaden Cofer, a senior, catches a pass during the varsity football team’s 38-31 victory over Oconee County High School on Aug. 25 at Billy Henderson Stadium. The varsity football has begun the season with a two-game winning streak and hopes to keep it going in their next game against Gainesville High School at Billy Henderson Stadium at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 8. “We already started off with some tough teams and it’s only going to keep getting tougher, so we’re just making sure that we’re detailed in every game,” varsity football defensive coordinator Joshua Dawson said. “(If) we limit the mental errors, we’ll be fine.” Photo by Isabelle Duncan
The varsity football team will play Gainesville High School at 7:30 p.m. on Sep. 9 at Billy Henderson Stadium.
The Clarke Central High School varsity football team has the chance to maintain their undefeated record of 2-0 when they face off against the Gainesville High School Red Elephants at 7:30 p.m. on Sep. 9 at Billy Henderson Stadium.
So far, the team has had a successful season, most recently beating Oconee County High School 38-31 on Aug. 25.
“We’re undefeated at the moment, which is awesome,” CCHS varsity football defensive coordinator Joshua Dawson said. “Things are starting to click on all three phases – offense, defense, and special teams – so that’s the biggest thing that has shone these past two games.”
CCHS varsity football kicker Cooper Evans believes that the team’s success is owed to their mentality, which has allowed them to hold onto leads late in games.
“We’ve played smart and haven’t caused a bunch of unnecessary penalties (like the ones) that killed us last season,” Evans said. “When we play with our minds and not our emotions, and (don’t) let the moment get too big for us, that’s when we play our best football.”
“When we play with our minds and not our emotions, and (don’t) let the moment get too big for us, that’s when we play our best football.”
— Cooper Evans,
CCHS varsity football kicker
According to Dawson, the team has been preparing for the game by staying focused on what they can do to get better.
“We work on what other teams are going to look like, but our mindset is all about what we do,” Dawson said. “So we’ve been trying to get better each and every practice, each and every day and each and every game.”
On paper, the game will be a challenge for the Gladiators. The GHS varsity football team, ranked number one in the 6A class, is also undefeated with a record of 3-0. Despite the expected rigor of the game, Evans is looking forward to the experience.
“(Gainesville) is probably one of the best teams we’ll play all season. Them being a 6A team, a bigger school than us, they have a bunch of really good talent. It should be fun,” Evans said.
Like Evans, Dawson is anticipating the excitement and competition that the Red Elephants will pose.
“Growing up, this is the type of game that you want to be in,” Dawson said. “A packed stadium, Friday night lights, a huge opponent – it’s one of those games that comes down to the fourth quarter. Fans love it. Coaches hate it. It’s going to be one of those games and I hope it’s very entertaining.”
