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Eagles to Collide with Rockmart
This Friday night, the Coosa Eagles, 1-1, will face Rockmart, 0-2 at Eagle Stadium. Rockmart's two losses came at the hands of Villa Rica (0-1 0vertime) and Paulding County. The Eagles lost a heartbreaker to rival Trion last week after defeating Cherokee County, AL.. Rockmart is currently ranked 51st in AA while Coosa is ranked 55th. Both teams were hurt by having open weeks early in their schedule. The game will begin at 7:30
Saturday, September 29
Rockmart outlasts Coosa's Eagles in OT
2004 Football Schedule
Saturday, September 2
Eagles Win 2006 Opener
 | |  | | Photo By William T. Martin, RN-T |
Eagles warm up for win
09/02/06Jeff Gable, Rome News-Tribune Sports Writer Respond to this storyEmail this story to a friend
It took the Coosa Eagles a while to get rolling in Friday nights season opener against visiting Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe. Once they did, they were hard to stop. Coosa exploded for 18 points in the second quarter and 21 more in the third quarter to turn a 7-0 deficit into a 39-7 lead, and the Eagles wound up beating the Warriors 39-13 to start the new season 1-0. From the end of last year until now weve only had a couple of quarters of the varsity playing together (in last weeks scrimmage), and with the adrenaline of the first game, it took a while for us to settle down, said Coosa coach Chad Perry. We, as coaches, even had to put our nerves behind us, but everyone really executed well, especially in the second and third quarters. The Eagles also used a number of skill position players, using 10 ball carriers to roll up 270 yards on the ground. Were blessed this year with a lot of depth, Perry said. That depth allows us to do a lot of things. We had a lot of guys step up tonight. LFO (0-1) took a 7-0 lead on their second possession of the game, when Jacob Jennings ran it in from 28 yards out and Marcio Oricolli kicked the extra point. But thats when Coosa got its own momentum rolling. Bobby Smith scored on a 38-yard run early in the second quarter, and Chris Jones later dove in from one yard out to make it 12-7. Smith struck again from 15 yards out and Coosa had an 18-7 lead at halftime. Chris Warner scored on a four-yard run in the third period to make it 24-7, and Jones two-point conversion made it 26-7. Jones then passed for two sharp-looking touchdown passes late in the quarter, one to Warner from 33 yards out and another to Stephen Washington from 26 yards out. LFOs final score came on a 30-yard run by Josh Laney in the fourth quarter. Jones finished the night with 133 yards passing and 26 yards rushing, while Warner had 76 yards on eight carries to lead all ball carriers. Coosa travels to Trion next week in another non-region game, while LFO hosts Chattooga, its second straight Region 7-AA non-region foe.
Monday, September 11
Trion narrowly beats Coosa
|  | | Photo by: Ken Caruthers, RN-T | |
September 9, 2006
By Jeremy Stewart
Rome News-Tribune
Both Coosa and Trions coaches knew that their game Friday night was going to be an early test for both teams.
Coosa got an A for effort, but Trion set the grading curve in the end.
The Bulldogs came out with a huge second half and took the lead with 3:31 left in the game and kept it to squeak by 22-21 in their home opener at Sam R. McCain Stadium.
Im proud of the way our kids responded tonight, Trion coach Tom Bryant said, the shock still sinking in from his teams come-from-behind win.
We had our backs up against the wall and our players never let up. We dont point fingers. We just play.
The first-year head coach paused for a moment, and then laughed a little.
We won, right?
In a game that had a striking hint of a postseason playoff and not week two of the regular season, Region 7-AA/A Coosa held a 21-0 lead three minutes into the second half when quarterback Chris Jones made a 38-yard pass to Corey Edmondson.
But it was Region 6-A Trion who gathered steam soon after and forced the final score to come down to a blocked field goal with 3.9 seconds left.
It basically came down to them wanting it more, Eagles coach Chad Perry said. They had the momentum in the end and they hung on to it.
A 48-yard touchdown run by senior running back Bobby Dover on fourth-and-two put the Bulldogs over their guests.
The two-point conversion failed but it was enough.
Coosa (1-1) fumbled the ball on their following drive and Justin Warnock recovered for Trion.
Coosa linebacker Kane Coursey gave the home crowd a scare however when he stripped the ball three plays later but was stopped on the Bulldogs 30-yard line.
Eagle Daniel Cruz attempted an 18-yard field goal to take the game with less than ten seconds left but Trions Cain Smith bolted past the line and blocked it, sealing his teams victory.
He really wasnt supposed to be our blocker that time but Bobby (Dover) was cramping up so we sent him out there, Bryant said.
He is a heck of a football player and a playmaker.
Mark Chapman ran for 140 yards on 23 carries for the Bulldogs, including a 52-yard touchdown run with 19.1 seconds left in the third quarter.
Trion (2-0) got on the board a minute earlier when Jones was called for intentional grounding while in the end zone for a safety.
I know our kids gave a great effort, Perry said. Tonight turned out to be a one-point win in their favor.
They finished the drill. We didnt.
The Eagles had a promising start.
Edmondson picked off a pass from Trions Jordan Reynolds early in the first quarter and following a 38-yard TD pass from Jones, Chris Warner kept his feet under him to land in the end zone from two yards out.
With only three minutes expired in the game, Cruz made his first of three extra points and Coosa led 7-0.
After two penalties on their first series of the second quarter, Trion turned over the ball on a fumble.
Coosa capitalized on the mistake a minute later when Jones put his head down and carried the ball on a 22-yard touchdown run.
The Cruz kick gave the Eagles a 14-0 advantage with 6:14 remaining in the half.
Coosa hosts Chattooga next Friday in a Region 7-AA crossover game while Trion will travel to Region 6-AAA Haralson County.
Saturday, September 16
Eagles Down Chattooga for Homecoming Crowd
| |  | | Photo by W.T. Martin, Rome N-T |
Eagles rally by Indians
09/16/06
Jeremy Stewart, Rome News-Tribune Sports Writer
Coosas Stephen Washington tries to avoid Chattoogas Trey Brooks during Friday nights game. William T. Martin, Rome News-Tribune.
Coosa didnt have a lot go their way Friday night in their Region 7-AA crossover game against Chattooga. But enough went right when it mattered the most to give the Eagles a homecoming victory over the Indians.
Despite turning the ball over four times on fumbles and being down 9-6 at halftime, Coosa rallied for a 13-point fourth quarter to come out on top 19-15.
It feels good to smile again, Coosa coach Chad Perry told his team. It took four quarters, but our guys laid it all out on the line.
Eagle quarterback Chris Jones and running back Chris Warner each had a big night.
Warner led Coosa with 73 yards on 11 carries with two touchdowns while Jones ran for 37 yards on six touches and one touchdown.
We had to make a couple of adjustments in the second half, Perry said. We started opening up holes for Chris (Warner) to run through. We trust the ball in his hands.
Trailing 15-6 going into the final quarter, Chattooga fell on top of a Coosa fumble but had to punt.
It felt like we were going to settle down and play some football for a while there, Indians coach John Starr said. Coosa played hard though and we just didnt execute at all in the end. It was disappointing.
The Eagles (2-1) put together a 51-yard drive in seven plays and capped it off with a 9-yard run by Warner.
Daniel Cruz made the extra point and Coosa closed the gap to 15-13 with 4:58 left in the game.
Then, on the following kickoff, Chattoogas Jack McCutchins began to return the ball but fumbled it on the Indians 25-yard line.
The Eagles recovered the ball and, three plays later, took the lead as Warner scored from 16-yards out on a dive into the corner of the end zone.
With 3:26 left to play, Jones was stopped short on the run for a two-point conversion but Chattooga went four-and-out on their next possession.
Coosa proceeded to run the clock down and celebrate the win.
I think our guys had to have time to settle down during the first half, Perry said. We went into the second half and fought hard and came out with a victory.
Chattoogas Brett Wilson led all rushers with 123 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. Our defense played well, we just didnt help ourselves, Starr said. This isnt the end of the world for us. We know where we need to make adjustments.
The Eagles started the scoring when they marched 48-yards down the field and Jones had a 13-yard run to put the ball in the end zone for six points.
Cruz missed the extra point and Coosa took the lead with 3:05 left in the first quarter. The only other Indian touchdown came on a 13-yard Wilson run after they recovered a fumble in the second quarter.
Coosa travels to Trenton next Friday for a contest against Dade County while Chattooga (2-1) hosts Rockmart.
Saturday, September 23
Eagles fight off Dade Co.
Eagles fight off Dade Co.
09/23/06
Staff reports
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Ask any Greater Rome team that makes the trip playing a game against Dade County in Trenton is not an easy task.
But the Coosa High football team came up with the big plays when needed Friday night during their trip to the northwest corner of the state as Chris Jones 56-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter helped the Eagles fight off a determined Dade squad for a 29-22 win.
Were real fortunate to come away with the win, Coosa coach Chad Perry said after the victory that improves the Eagles to 3-1 heading into next Saturdays Shrine Game at Barron Stadium against Armuchee.
(Dade) is an improved team, the coach added, noting that his team played the second half without the services of five injured starters. Our kids did what they had to do.
Dade had an early lead, but trailed through most of the second half.
The Wolverines finally tied it up with 4:29 left in the game on a 26-yard field goal, knotting the score at 22.
Three plays later, Jones cut loose with his touchdown run to provide the Eagles with the winning margin.
The Wolverines had scored a first-quarter touchdown for an early lead, but Coosa got a 56-yard run from Jernays McNutt to tie things up. Stephen Washington then blocked a punt and ran the ball in from 17 yards out to put the Eagles back on top.
Dade scored another touchdown with 18 seconds to go in the half, cutting the Eagle lead to two points heading into the locker rooms.
McNutt gave Coosa some more breathing room with a 22-yard run in the third quarter, but Dade came back with another touchdown to keep the game close going into the final quarter.
Coosa finished with 272 yards of total offense. Jones racked up 91 yards on six carries, and McNutt finished with 84 yards on three carries.
Sunday, October 1
Eagles extend reign in Shrine
10/01/06
Jeremy Stewart, Rome News-Tribune Sports Writer
For a while during Saturday nights 59th annual Shrine Game at Barron Stadium, it seemed that Armuchee would give Coosa a run for their money.
But it was not meant to be as the Eagles dug in their heels in the second half and shut out the Indians in the final two quarters to win with a whopping score of 62-21. The victory gives Coosa a 1-0 mark in the Region 7-AA A subregion and a 4-1 record on the year. The main thing we try to emphasize to our team is to stay on top and stay in the drivers seat, Coosa coach Chad Perry said. Tonight, there are three teams in our subregion who are 1-0 and were one of them. Continuing a trend that was initiated in area games Friday night, the Eagles ran for 407 yards on only 29 carries. Stephen Washington ran for touchdown runs of 85, 74 and 30 yards on his way to 197 yards on only eight carries, an average of over 24 yards per run. Bobby Lee Smith added 77 yards and two touchdowns on just three carries and Jernays McNutt had 67 yards and six points on six. We havent challenged our kids a lot this season, Perry said. This week, we challenged our offense to put up 50 points and go for over 400 yards. Consider the mission accomplished.
The Eagles had just five offensive plays in the first quarter but were up 21-7 going into the second. Washington broke for his longest run with 7:27 left in the opening quarter before Corey Edmundson, on his turn as a defensive back, picked up a fumbled pass by Armuchees Jeremy Duvall and took it in for a score. Daniel Cruz made the extra point, one of five for him on the night. Washington, a sophomore, then had his second touchdown with 24 seconds left. Our entire team came together tonight, Washington said. We decided today that we arent a team, were a family. And we played like one tonight. Armuchee (2-2, 0-1) actually tied up the contest in the second after they opened up the quarter with a trick play that saw quarterback Will Wiggins complete a 65-yard pass to Justin Davis for six points.
After the Indians stopped the Eagles on fourth down, Armuchee had a 60-yard drive capped off by a 7-yard touchdown reception by Clinton Kilgore. With the score 21-21, it took Coosa only two plays to get back ahead when McNutt had a 29-yard touchdown with 3:28 left in the half. Then, after a short gain by Armuchee on their next possession, Edmundson came in full speed and intercepted a Wiggins pass and toted it into the end zone from 36 yards out. Cruz missed the PAT to make it 34-21 at the break. Those two big plays in the second quarter killed us, Armuchee coach John Mullinax said. Give them all the credit. Once they smelled blood, they took it to us, which is what you ought to do in this game. Three plays into the third quarter, Smith gave Coosa some more insurance when he broke free for a 49-yard touchdown with the ensuing kick putting them up 41-21. Armuchee would not score again and the Eagles ramped up for three more trips into the end zone. We werent in our comfort zone yet at halftime, Perry said. We knew they had the potential to come back and our guys responded.
Monday, October 9
Heartbreaker: Pepperell 13, Coosa 12
| |  | | Photo by Ken Caruthers, RN-T |
October 6, 2006
By Jeremy Stewart
Rome News-Tribune Sports Writer
JStewart@RN-T.com / 706-290-5261
If there was any doubt that Pepperells game at Coosa Friday night was going to be anything but an all out brawl, the first quarter put an end to it.
The two Region 7-AA/A teams traded defenses back and forth for the period and played the 12-minutes on the clock in just over 15 with neither team able to score.
But each team slowly found ways to bend the others back and after an all out battle, Pepperell emerged the victor, 13-12.
That was a great game, Dragon coach Lynn Hunnicutt said with a flash of a smile across his face.
We tip our hat to Coosa. Their guys played magnificently. But we played pretty hard too, especially on defense.
After the first quarter, I knew it would be exactly the kind of game I thought it would; a defensive fight, Eagle coach Chad Perry said. And when it was all said and done, thats what it turned out to be.
Kicking didnt have as much of an impact in the contest as it did last year, but there was certainly something to be said for it.
Both teams got touchdowns from the same players with one coming in the second and another coming third.
Pepperells came on runs of two and four yards from Kaleb Beard while Coosas Chris Warner took the ball in from two and 52 yards.
Neither team succeeded in scoring on their extra-point attempts until Pepperell (5-1, 2-0) came up with six more points at the end of the third to tie it up, 12-12.
Neil Bramblett just barely made the PAT following the Dragons final touchdown of the night with 1:24 and a quarter left in the game to come up with the game-winning kick.
After we missed the first extra point, I thought it was going to turn out the same way it did last year, Hunnicutt said.
I thought that they could come back at any point. They were attacking our perimeter pretty well and had some timely receptions.
Coosa (4-2, 1-1) had a chance to play the spoiler when they went up 12-6 early in the third
With a kick putting them in position to tie it, the Eagles went for two. Quarterback Chris Jones pass was incomplete.
It was a game time decision, Perry said. After we missed the first PAT, I made the decision to go for it. It just didnt turn out our way.
Each team raced the clock and the field in the fourth quarter, Pepperell trying to get some insurance and Coosa attempting a comeback, but both offenses came up short on fourth downs in each possession.
The effort was tremendous, Perry said. We knew what we were going to run into and Pepperell stuck with their game plan and never let up.
Beard, who has continued to be the workhorse for the Dragons offense, found Coosas defense to be a bit hard to swallow.
He still came up with 132 yards on 34 carries and a long run of only 19 yards.
Were 2-0 in the subregion and thats the most important thing right now, Hunnicutt said.
They showed me tonight that we can play real good defense against a very speedy team and well have to do that a lot this season.
Pepperell will be at Darlington next week while Coosa will visit Rockmart.
Monday, October 16
Heartbreaker Part 2: Eagles Lose to Rockmart in OT
|  | | Photo: Lowell Vicker, Rockmart Journal | |
Rockmart 13, Coosa 10
October 14, 2006
By Stephanie McCombs
ROCKMART In what seemed like a replay of their 2005 contest, the Coosa Eagles faced the Rockmart Yellow Jackets in a Region 7-AA/A shootout.
A year after coming back in overtime to win at Eagle Stadium, the Jackets repeated the feat at home Friday night to win 13-10.
The kids fought and fought and got us into overtime, Rockmart coach Dan Duff said. It was a sign of character. This teams got a lot of good character.
With the score 7-7 at the end of regulation, following a bad snap on a field goal attempt by Coosa with .5 seconds left in the game, the two teams headed into overtime.
The Jackets (5-1, 2-0) used their defense in overtime to put a stop to the Eagles offensive attack.
Coosa (4-3, 1-2) was forced to go for a field goal as they started off the extra period. Daniel Cruz made the kick and put his team on top, 10-7.
The Jackets kept their composure and went with their man, T.J. Roberts to take the win as he moved the ball up three yards for six points and the win.
Im so proud of the kids and the effort they gave, said Coosa coach Chad Perry. They fought hard and I couldnt ask for one more ounce or one more minute out of them.
In the beginning, it looked as if the Eagles were not ready to play another marathon contest.
In the opening minutes of the game Coosas Bobby Smith broke loose for a 64-yard kick off return bringing the Eagles to Rockmarts 16-yard line.
A few plays later, Stephen Washington forced his way into the end zone from eight yards out, getting the Eagles on the board. The kick by Cruz was good putting the visitors up 7-0.
The score remained the same for the remainder of the first half, making it the first time this season that the Jackets were scoreless at the break.
We felt like our game plan was still there, said Duff of his teams effort in the first half. We were going to stick to it.
And thats exactly what they Jackets did. After the break, the Yellow Jackets came out and stepped up their game.
Late in the third quarter, Madison Moss completed a 58-yard pass to DeAndre Blackmon to give Rockmart their first six points of the night. Brad Brumbelows kick was good and the score was tied 7-7.
The pass paved the way for the overtime match-up as both teams stood their ground on defense.
The Coosa Eagles will visit Temple next Friday while the Jackets will travel to Lindale for a contest against Pepperell.
Both are Region 7-AA A subregion contests.
Monday, October 23
Eagles Defile Temple
Coosa 7, Temple 6
October 21, 2006
By Jeremy Stewart
TEMPLE The Coosa Eagles have lost three games this season by a total of four points.
Friday night against Region 7-AA/A foe Temple, coach Chad Perry and the Eagles (5-3, 2-2) finally got the upper hand as they edged out the Tigers 7-6 in Carroll County.
We played a close game again and this time we came out on top, Perry said. Its good to know that we can win close ones too.
Coosa was down 6-0 going into the fourth quarter and put together a 77-yard drive that featured their longest runs of the night and was capped off by an 11-yard run by senior Kane Coursey.
Daniel Cruz made the extra point, and the eventual game-winning kick, with 6:52 left in the game.
Extra points have been something of a battle for us this year, Perry said. We knew it could come down to one point after they missed their kick and we needed Daniel to come through for us tonight.
The Eagles had to fight hard to get the win though, and the Tigers (3-4, 1-2) came out ready to attempt their second subregion win in a row.
Temple found holes in Coosas offensive line all night, or made some themselves, resulting in the home team producing 144 yards on the ground at the break compared to the Eagles 21 yards of total offense.
Our defense is still playing great ball even though we had more of a bend not break philosophy tonight, Perry said. They got stingy inside the 30-yard line and kept us in a situation where we score once and win.
The third quarter began with a panic alert for Coosa when a hand-off to Stephen Washington was fumbled and recovered by Temple just five yards from the end zone.
Two plays later, Drake Strickland, who put up a total of 114 yards on 25 carries in the game, rushed in from two yards out and put the Tigers up 6-0 with 9:49 remaining the in the period.
Casey Weathers missed the PAT however, setting the stage for Coosas one-point victory.
My hats are off to their defensive line, Perry said. They handled our offensive line in the first half and we had to adjust some things at half time.
Starting at their own 23 early in the first quarter, the Eagles used outside runs of 21 and 27 yards from quarterback Chris Jones and Jernays McNutt, respectively, to get themselves in the red zone.
A few plays later, Coursey, who is normally noticed for his abilities at linebacker, headed up through the Tiger defense and in for the score.
Kanes ready to go anytime you need him too, Perry said. Hes been rotating on offense the past few games and he hit the hole wide open and got it in for us.
It was a great football game, Temple coach Marty Wild said.
The Tigers defeated Armuchee last week in a 35-34 overtime thriller and Wild said that he was still proud of his team in a season that has seen them go from Class A to Class AA competition.
Our defense played outstanding tonight, he said. Its good for us to be able to play this well in this region this early.
For Perry, Friday marked what he hopes is the beginning of good times again for his team after tough losses to Pepperell and Rockmart in the last two weeks.
The kids have held on to as much morale as possible over the last two weeks, he said. I know a win will be good for us.
Temple travels to Model next week while Coosa hosts sub-region contender Darlington for Senior Night.
It will be a big game for us and our last home game of the
Monday, October 30
Eagles Fall to Darlington
|  | | Phto by Ken Caruther, RN-T | |
Darlington 16, Coosa 13
October 27, 2006
By David Dawson
When the game was on the line Friday night, the Darlington defense didnt give up a yard.
As a result, the Tigers dont have to give up on their playoffs hopes.
Overcoming a wet field, wet footballs and a late-game Coosa comeback attempt, Darlington posted a 16-13 win in a 7-AA/A game at Eagle Stadium.
The Darlington defense saved the victory by stopping the Eagles on fourth-and-inches at the Darlington 5-yard line with 2:27 to play in the game. The Tigers (6-2, 3-1) then ran out the clock to keep their playoff hopes alive and eliminate the Eagles (5-4, 2-3) from postseason contention.
I told the kids after the game that in order to have a great season, you have to make great plays and that fourth-down play was definitely a huge one, said Darlington coach Tommy Atha of the Tigers, who are tied with Rockmart for second place in 7-AA/A with two games remaining in the regular season.
I cant say enough about the way the kids responded to that situation.
On the preceding play, the Tigers had been flagged for a personal foul, which moved the ball to the Darlington 5. But the infraction didnt produce an automatic first down for the Eagles, and that proved significant when the Tigers defense stiffened on the following play.
I thought a dead ball penalty led to a first down, said Coosa coach Chad Perry. But when I questioned (the officials) they said it wasnt (an automatic first down). I will certainly be looking that one up in the rule book this week.
Darlington led 10-7 at the half and extended the lead to 16-7 when Daniel Smith returned the second-half kickoff 85 yards for a TD.
But Coosa made a late charge, using a 29-yard touchdown run from Stephen Washington to pull within 16-13 with 7:58 to play.
The Eagles then had a golden chance to take the lead after recovering a Darlington fumble at the Tigers 32-yard line with 7:07 to go, But Coosas ensuing drive stalled on the failed fourth-down conversion.
Still, the Eagles head coach didnt feel like that play was the difference.
Everyone will talk about that play, but really, we lost this game in the first half, said Perry. And I take full responsibility for that. I didnt have the kids ready, and we didnt play Coosa football in the first half.
The slick field and slippery footballs caused both teams to stay grounded much of the way. There were only two pass completions one by each team in the entire game.
The wet balls also contributed to four fumbles, three by Darlington, and may have played a role in both teams missing extra-point attempts in the second half.
But in the end, it was just another Darlington-Coosa classic, the type the fans have come to expect.
It was knock-down, drag-out, like always, said Atha. That was the most physical game weve been involved in all year and I was so pleased with the way our kids battled. Were undersized, but they played their hearts out.
Coosa led 7-0 after offensive lineman Benji Logan recovered a fumble in the end zone on the tail end of a long run by quarterback Chris Jones midway through the second quarter.
But Darlington responded with 10 straight points a five-yard TD run by Collie Powers and a 36-yard field goal by Shawn Powell to take the 10-7 halftime lead.
Smith then gave the Tigers some breathing room with his 85-yard burst to start the second half, which ultimately proved to be the difference in the game.
Our coaches had been saying all week that we looked like a team that was ready to roll out the basketballs, smiled Smith, the Darlington senior. We showed tonight we arent ready do that.
Coosas Chris Warner rushed for 74 yards on 19 carries, and Darlingtons Derricus Ellis countered with 64 yards on 13 carries.
Darlington hosts Model this Friday, then visits Rockmart to close the regular season.
Honestly, we havent talked about playoff scenarios, said Atha. Were just concentrating on getting better as a football team. Truthfully, just being in this region is like being in a playoff game every Friday.
NOTES: Coosas pregame Senior Night festivities took place in a driving rain, through the rain stopped just prior to kickoff. It returned briefly at the end of the first quarter, then stopped for good.
Eagles Ready to Fly Again
By Erik Green, Rome News-Tribune Sports Writer
Coosa football coach Chad Perry listens as his players receive a pep talk from other members of the Eagles staff. D. Patrick Harding / Rome News-Tribune
Chad Perry isnt in over his head.
Hes only following a beloved coach, replacing stars and trying to duplicate one of the greatest seasons in school history as a first-time coach.
But spend five minutes talking to Coosas new head football coach and its easy to see that even though hes jumped off the ship without a life jacket, he is ready for the swim.
This program has stepped up over the past few years and that comes with expectations, said Perry, 34, who led the Eagles through their first spring intrasquad game Friday night.
(Former coach Scott) Chandler and his staff did a good job of getting the kids to perform. I hope to continue that tradition.
Perry was in a catch-22 situation in taking the job because it didnt come with the athletic directors tag attached to it. But he did have a ready-made staff in place.
All but one of Coosas assistants came back after the school parted ways with Chandler following the Eagles run to the quarterfinals of the Class AA state playoffs last season.
Replacing Chandler, who left much to the chagrin of a fiercely loyal fan base, was something that weighed on Perrys mind. But knowing that the assistants wanted to stay and continue coaching at Coosa helped ease his mind.
I would have been concerned if the guys wanted to leave, said Perry, who arrives after a stint at Dublin High as offensive coordinator. But nobody did and any questions I had about loyalty were dismissed. After that I got excited.
The other issue Perry faced, as would any coach who comes into a tough situation, was wondering how the players would react to him.
But those concerns disappeared after Coosas 16 rising seniors sat in on his interview. He knew then they were dedicated to winning.
I felt bad for them (the players) and I knew they needed some solidarity, Perry said. It was during a time of the year where everybody else was working out and they were waiting for a new coach.
I dont know how their opinions impacted the hiring process, but after I was hired I was eager to get these guys moving forward.
The Eagles took the first step in moving forward with the spring Black-White game, which the White team won 7-0.
Gone from the lineup are quarterback Blue Cooper and running back Patrick Dupree, as well as the top offensive lineman Brandon Carter.
But a good nucleus of players like defensive standouts David Robinson, Cohen Sharp and Daniel Burchett provide deep leadership.
On offense, Chris Jones and Chris Warner are back along with kicker George Galvis, all of whom have big game experience.
However, they have to learn a new offense, the wing-T, and get used to the play calling of a new coach.
The (rising) seniors have been playing together since they were old enough to say the word football, Perry said. But it would be a tough situation for anybody. They could have quit or been bitter, but its a compliment to them that they want to move forward.
Eagles Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Football
10/07/05
Erik Green, Rome News-Tribune Sports Writer
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Eagles Fall in OT to Rockmart
Eagles Fall to Calhoun
 | | Photo by WT Martin, RN-T | |
Eagles Defeat Model
OCTOBER 21ST, 2005
By Jeff Gable
Rome News-Tribune Sports Writer
JGable@RN-T.com / 706-290-5256
Coosa High's football game with Model Friday started out as homecoming night, but by the end of the evening, it had turned into the Jernays McNutt show.
McNutt touched the ball only five times for the Eagles, but he parlayed those chances into 184 total yards and four touchdowns, helping lead Coosa to a 42-14 win over Region 6-AA foe Model on a cool, foggy night at Eagle Stadium.
McNutt's first carry late in the opening quarter only went for four yards, but after that, he had scoring runs of 58, 30 and 36 yards, along with catching a 56-yard screen pass for another TD.
``We were able to establish a good running game tonight, and McNutt pulled away a few times for some big plays,'' Coosa coach Chad Perry said.
``Those plays kept the momentum on our side most of the night. We've been challenging our guys to put together a full game in all phases, and I think they did that tonight.''
Model coach Gordon Powers said he noticed a difference in the urgency and attitude of the two teams.
``This is two weeks in a row that we've given up some big plays,'' Powers said. ``I think this game tonight came down to where one team was playing for something.
``It was evident that one team had a purpose and a mission. I'm still trying to figure out what our purpose was tonight. Coosa just totally outplayed us in every aspect.''
The Eagles (6-3) kicked off to start the game and watched as Model (3-6) marched 67 yards in 8 plays, capping things off with a 2-yard TD run by quarterback Steven Powers.
But Coosa's offense proved equal to the task all night long, starting with its first drive. The Eagles finished off an 82-yard march with a 1-yard touchdown plunge by Chris Jones, tying the game at 7-7.
Early in the second quarter, McNutt started to take things over. He sprinted 58 yards around the left end for his first score of the night, putting the Eagles up 14-7.
On his next touch midway through the second quarter, he ripped off a 30-yard TD run up the middle, and on Coosa's next drive, he took the first play - a screen pass from Chris Warner - 56 yards for a touchdown to give the Eagles a 28-7 halftime lead.
If there was any doubt, on Coosa's first drive of the third quarter, McNutt took a counter play 36 yards for his fourth score of the night to make it 35-7.
Stephen Washington scored the Eagles' final TD of the night, while Powers hit Bear Crowder for a 5-yard scoring pass to close things out.
Coosa finished the night with 245 passing yards and another 120 yards through the air, while Model gained just 82 yards on the ground on 32 carries.
Powers finished the game 22-of-32 passing for 226 yards.
Model hosts Rockmart next week in its finale, while Coosa hosts Chattooga. The Eagles' only hope for gaining a 6-AA playoff spot is to beat the Indians - and hope that the Blue Devils can upset Rockmart across town.
Click Here for the 2006 Football Schedule
Eagles End Season with Win Over Indians
| |  | | photo by Ken Caruthers, RN-Tribune |
Chattooga
OCTOBER 28TH, 2005
By Erik Green
Rome News-Tribune Sports Writer
EGreen@RN-T.com / 706-290-5261
The Coosa Eagles found out Friday night that sometimes winning isn't good enough.
Despite beating Chattooga 21-20 and finishing the season 7-3, the Eagles still missed the playoffs because of a head to head loss to Rockmart in overtime earlier in the year.
The Eagles needed Model to defeat Rockmart Friday in order to earn the No. 4 seed, but the Yellow Jackets earned a victory over the Blue Devils and a postseason trip.
``You're never ready for that end of the season feeling,'' said Coosa coach Chad Perry, who wrapped up his first season with the Eagles.
``You never want to accept that your season is over until it is. I guess that's why anybody with football in their blood can't wait to get back out there.''
Perry pointed to the loss to Rockmart - when the Eagles blew an 18-6 lead and lost 25-18 - as the turning point in the season.
Had the Eagles won that game, Perry said, Coosa might not have needed any help to get into the postseason.
``I still look at the season as a success,'' Perry said. ``The young men displayed a lot of character and class and for me being a first year coach, this senior class will always be special to me.''
The seniors at least went out on a positive note, despite the circumstances.
Coosa bounced back from a 20-7 fourth quarter deficit to win the game off back to back late touchdowns.
``We didn't make the plays we needed to make,'' said Chattooga coach John Starr. ``Both teams competed and nobody deserved to lose this game. But Coosa did their part to win it.''
For most of the game, the Eagles did their part in helping Chattooga put points on the board.
The Eagles turned the ball over five times, including two interceptions and three fumbles.
Neither team was able to move the ball very effectively nor most of the points were set up by big plays, mostly in the second half.
With the Indians leading 12-7 midway through the fourth, Chattooga's Brett Wilson found John Starr Jr. on a 78 yard touchdown pass to make it 20-7 after a two point conversion.
But on Coosa's first play of the ensuing drive, Chris Warner hit Chris Jones on a 69-yard touchdown pass to cut the lead to 20-14 after the George Galvis PAT.
On Chattooga's next possession, Warner made up for throwing two picks by intercepting a pass to set up Coosa's game winning drive.
After a 13 yard run by Andy Staples, Jones took it in from two yards out and with the Galvis PAT the Eagles picked up the one point victory.
The bright spots for Chattooga were Brett Wilson and Jacob Lee.
Lee picked off two passes for the Indians and Wilson, who played both quarterback and halfback, rushing for 102 yards and two touchdowns.
Wilson also had touchdown runs of 41 and 22 yards, while Staples had a touchdown run for Coosa in the first half.
Coosa's leading rusher was Jernays McNutt who had 59 yards on 12 carries.
Warner was 9-for-12 for 165 yards passing.
Eagles Down Lafayette in 2nd Win of the Season
| |  | | Photo by Matt Ledger / RN-T |
at LaFayette
SEPTEMBER 2ND , 2005
By Scott Herpst
Rome News-Tribune Sports Writer
Sherpst@walkermessenger.com
LAFAYETTE The Coosa Eagles are now 2-0, but it was far from easy.
LaFayette missed on a two-point conversion attempt and an onside kick with a minute to play and the visiting Eagles barely hung on for a much-closer-than-expected 28-26 win.
My hats off to LaFayette, said Coosa head coach Chad Perry. They were 0-2 and their backs were against the wall, and they came out and fought a very hard game.
To be honest with you, I feel were just very fortunate to come out of here with a win tonight.
Coosa (2-0, 2-0) scored on its opening possession as Andy Staples scampered 42 yards for the score just four minutes into the game. Jorge Galvis booted the first of four PATs and Coosa quickly led 7-0.
But LaFayette countered with an 11-play, 59-yard drive, ending in Jesse Tatums 12-yard touchdown run. Clint Clevelands kick knotted the score at 7-7.
A short kickoff and two costly penalties helped move the ball inside the Rambler 10 before Chris Jones scored on a 10-yard run on the final play of the quarter put the guests on top 14-7.
The Ramblers had a final shot to get points late in the second, but Cleveland missed wide right on a 32-yard field goal attempt on the final play of the half.
Fumbles were a problem for Coosa the entire game. After fumbling five times in the first half without losing one, the Eagles luck ran out on its first series of the third quarter as Will Seaton recovered for LaFayette near midfield.
A big 28-run by freshman Alric Adams helped set up a 4-yard TD pass from Jonathan DeLay to Taylor Sumrall with 6:37 left in the period. Clevelands kick squared things at 14-14.
Coosa would get the momentum back with a big play just over a minute later. Jones got loose on the outside and took off on a 45-yard scoring run to give his team a 21-14 left.
But yet another fumble proved costly for the Eagles late in the third. Zach Carrell sacked quarterback Chris Warner who coughed up the ball. Wade Gilbert then returned it to the Coosa 26.
Three plays later, DeLay hit Sumrall on a 22-yard fade pattern to pull LaFayette within a point, but the kick was no good as Coosa held on to a slim one-point lead.
A 55-yard Galvis punt pinned LaFayette deep in its own territory and a bad snap forced the Ramblers to punt out of their own endzone with 4:31 to play. A penalty then moved the ball to the LaFayette 12.
Staples bulled his way in from the 2 three plays later to put Coosa up 28-20, but the Ramblers would make sure it would be an uneasy final 3:15 for Eagles fans.
Using the short passing game, the Ramblers moved the ball to midfield and got the benefit of a Coosa pass interference call on fourth down to keep the drive alive.
DeLays pass toward the endzone was tipped by Coosa, but snared by Brandon Harris to give LaFayette first-and-goal at the 3. Two plays later, Jesse Tatum found the endzone to pull the Ramblers within two.
But overtime was not to be. DeLays pass toward Seaton fell incomplete on the conversion attempt and Coosa covered up the kick to preserve a narrow two-point win.
Jones finished with 97 yards on eight carries while Staples was the workhorse with 96 yards on 13 carries.
Andy ran the ball hard, Perry said. He had some clutch runs on that final drive and got us a couple first downs when we really needed it. Were still just real fortunate to come out with the win.
Warner completed 5-of-6 passes for 84 yards.
DeLay was 21-of-32 for 191 yards. Sumrall led LaFayette with 85 yards on nine catches while T.J. Williams had seven for 63 yards.
Adams cracked the century-mark with 104 yards on 20 rushes.
As expected, LaFayette head coach Tommy Welch was extremely pleased with his teams effort.
Im proud of them, he said. There were just a couple times we didnt get it done. We had our chances, but I was really proud of the kids. They played tough and weve played three really good football teams.
I dont think anyone thought (the game) would be like that. Its coming around and were starting to do things a lot better. Im proud of my kids. Coosa did a good job and found a way to win, but I though we fought pretty hard.
LaFayette will play at Chattooga next Friday while Coosa will host Darlington.
Eagles get First Win for Coach Perry
Last barometer : Eagles Down Rome
Eagles best Wolves in final tuneup of the preseason 08/12/05
Joseph Myers, Rome News-Tribune Sports Writer ...
Eagles Win First Pre-season Game
by: Chris DePew, Rome News-Tribune Sports Writer
The Coosa Eagles are radically retooled for 2005, but that doesnt mean an automatic dropoff from last years Class AA quarterfinalist squad. Just ask bigger, deeper Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe. The Class AAAA Warriors left town smarting Friday night after absorbing a 20-6 loss to Coosa in a preseason scrimmage at Eagle Stadium. After a sluggish start and a handful of turnovers by both sides, Coosa finally got on the board with a 22-yard Chris Warner touchdown to claim a 7-6 lead after two quarters. When Warner came out throwing after intermission, LFO was caught off guard and the Eagles rolled home.The offensive breakthrough provided new coach Chad Perry with a happy baptism, even though he acknowledged the three-quarter scrimmage was little more than a glorified practice. Our philosophy is to go out and establish the running game, and then after halftime we were able to open it up a little more, said Perry, who switched Coosa from a spread formation to the wing-T in the offseason. Early on, the contest had all the sloppy hallmarks of an opening scrimmage, with both teams combining on four fumbles in the span of just seven plays. LFOs lone score came as the result of its own miscue, when a lineman jumped on a Dexter Scudgins fumble for a touchdown and a 6-0 Warriors lead. It was typical of any scrimmage, said new LFO coach Mark Davis. At this time of year, you expect the defenses to be ahead of the offenses. oosas defense was several jumps ahead all night. LFO stuck to a conservative plan and the Eagles closed down the rushing lanes time and again. The Warriors gained just 60 yards on 32 carries, as Scudgins was sacked three times. In our pregame talk, we talked about how we were going to be successful was our defense, said Perry. And the defense responded to that really well. While the defense kept LFO bottled up, Coosas new-look offense finally started clicking. Warner drove the Eagles across midfield with three straight completions to open the third quarter, setting up a Charles Campbell touchdown and Jorge Galvis second straight PAT. Stephen Washington added a 41-yard score in the closing minutes. Coosa visits Rome for a scrimmage game on Thursday. LFO will host Hixson (Tenn.) for a scrimmage on Tuesday.
Eagles Turn Pages
| |  | | Photo by Ryan Smith, RN-T |
Eagles turning pages
07/21/05
Erik Green, Rome News-Tribune Sports Writer
First-year Coosa High football coach Chad Perry yelled to his coaches Wednesday that the team would be warming up in nine minutes.
To that, one of the assistants replied snidely, Yes, boss! Perry, who just laughed and rolled his eyes, is fitting in just fine.
Im starting to get a good vibe, Perry said. Ive settled in and already have a great relationship with new principal Sam Sprewell and I think everybody is one the same page.
Getting 62 players on the same page is what Perry and his coaches are trying to do this week and so far everything is going as planned.
Were in the routine of putting in all the kicking game and we are splitting practice where one is offense and one is defense, Perry said. We try to get our conditioning work within the drills.
And thus far the players are responding, Perry said.
We had about 95 percent participation in the summer as far as all the kids making workouts, Perry said. Thats higher than its ever been as I understand. Using what weve done in the summer makes everything a lot easier.
Having seven starters back on each side of the ball helps as well, especially when a majority of the team has deep playoff experience.
However, Perry will have to replace the vast majority of his skill players, which is never easy.
All the returning guys are offensive line defensive line guys, who have been together since Mite leagues, Perry said. I dont think you can fill the shoes of (quarterback) Blue Cooper (running back) Patrick Dupree.
But hopefully with the offense, we can spread it out more and get a whole lot more kids involved.
One of the biggest things that has helped everything run smoothly for Perry has been the cooperation of his staff.
Keeping the staff here has been a big help, Perry said. I think changing the staff would have been a blow, but keeping them together helped. The kids are very open to whatever we throw at them.
And I think the rapport with the kids is as good as it could be, he added. Theyve been very accepting of me coming in and changing a few things. It gave everybody a fresh start and a new chance to help themselves.
Perry and company will get a chance to get a good look at a lot of players in the coming days when Coosa scrimmages L-FO and Rome.
Well get tested with our two Class AAAA scrimmages and our first away test is the first game at Dade County, Perry said. The second week is an open week so we can see what happened with our stuff.
The Eagles open the season Aug. 19 at Dade County.
 | | image by Randy VIce, Sports Information Director | |
SHRINE GAME SET FOR SATURDAY NIGHT
COOSA vs. ARMUCHEE
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24th, 2005.
Barron Stadium in Historic Downtown Rome
7 pm
All proceeds go toward helping the Shriners help those in medical need.
Coosa Downed by Darlington
Eagles Cage Tigers
| |  | | Photo by WT Martin, Rome News-Tribune |
By David Dawson
Rome News-Tribune Sports Writer
ddawson@RN-T.com / 706-290-5254
ADAIRSVILLE - Some people have to wait months or years or maybe even a lifetime for a chance at retribution.
Coosa's Chris Warner had to wait ... oh, about two minutes.
Warner was the central figure on two keys plays -one he'd like to forget and one he'll always remember - in the closing seconds of Coosa's 19-14 win that spoiled Adairsville's homecoming Friday night.
With the Eagles owning a narrow five-point lead late in the game, Warner, the Coosa quarterback, fumbled the ball away on a bad exchange from center.
Three plays later, however, he atoned for his mistake. Playing defensive back, he came up with an interception that essentially secured the Region 6-AA win for Coosa.
``I knew there was some people in the stands who were probably going to blame me if we lost this game,'' said Warner, smiling, ``so I knew I had to make a big play and make up for it. I was glad I had a chance to do that.''The Coosa victory - coupled with Darlington's loss - puts the Eagles (5-1) in sole possession of second place in 6-AA, and Friday's game clearly demonstrated the region's parity. Adairsville (2-4) gave Coosa a major scare before Warner's heroics helped the Eagles deliver their third straight win.
Warner's interception came with just 1:29 left in the game and ended Adairsville's potential go-ahead touchdown drive at midfield.
``Chris is a special kid,'' said Coosa coach Chad Perry. ``He's not the type that's going to hang his head about one play. He knew he could get back there and recover from it, and that's what he did."
Adairsville eventually got the ball back with roughly 15 seconds to play. But the Tigers had time for only two plays - an incomplete pass and a short completion on the game's final play.
For Coosa, Jernays McNutt rushed for 109 yards on just four carries, including a 61-yard scoring run in the third quarter.
Andy Staples added 88 yards on 14 carries for the Eagles, who finished with 262 rushing yards. Warner ran for 31 yards on eight carries, the biggest being a one-yard touchdown run late in the second quarter that gave Coosa a 13-7 halftime lead.
For Adairsville, quarterback Tracy Brittian completed 9 of 16 passes for 135 yards and also ran for a 16-yard score. Daniel Beard had 50 yards on 11 carries.
``This is a tough loss,'' said Adairsville coach Johnny Gulledge, ``We felt like we did almost everything we wanted to do, but Coosa made two big plays that were the difference.''
One of those plays, oddly enough, came in the game's first two minutes - a 14-yard interception return by Coosa's Chris Jones that put the Eagles on top 6-0.
The night's second monumental play came with less than a minute left in the third quarter when McNutt broke his 51-yard TD run to put Coosa up 19-7.
The Coosa lead stood until the 2:34 mark of the fourth quarter, when Jamel Trimble scored on a six-yard run to give Adairsville a heartbeat and set up Warner's late-game adventures.
Eagles Shine in Shrine
|  | | Photo by Mike Moore, RN-T | |
By David Dawson
Rome News-Tribune Sports Writer
DDawson@RN-T.com / 706-290-5254
When Blue Cooper and Patrick DuPree graduated last year, it seemed the Big Play Era had ended for the Coosa football team.
But the Eagles revisited the past Saturday night when they used a string of big runs and long passes to knock off Armuchee 38-22 in the 58th Shrine Game at Barron Stadium.
The victory stretched Coosas Shrine Game winning streak to six games, with all the wins coming against Armuchee.
Prior to that, Coosa had lost six in a row to Pepperell in the annual contest.
Saturdays Region 6-AA win was highlighted by three massive game-breaking scoring plays all of which went for 50 yards or longer.
Quarterback Chris Warner hooked up with Corey Edmondson for a 51-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter, and hit Jernays McNutt with a 64-yard scoring pass in the second quarter. McNutt added an electrifying 70-yard TD run early in the third quarter.
Running back Chris Jones also added his share of big plays for Coosa (4-1).
Though he carried the ball just four times, he rushed for 56 yards, gaining at least 12 yards on all four attempts.
This season we havent (relied) on big plays like we did in the past, said Jones, who scored on a 16-yard run in the third quarter, but tonight, we were able to break off some big ones.
Perhaps the biggest of the big plays belonged to Coosas Jake Thompson, who turned the momentum in Coosas favor for good late in the first half.
After Armuchees Kyle Davies had returned an interception 45 yards for a touchdown to tie the Indians tie the game at 14-14 late in the first half, Thompson returned the ensuing kickoff 55 yards.
Three plays later, Warner raced in from 10 yards out to put Coosa back in front, 21-14, at the half.
The Eagles then pulled away in the opening three minutes of the third quarter by scoring two touchdowns in the span of 12 seconds.
The big play worked well for us in the first half, said Coosa coach Chad Perry. (And) we were able to turn things up in the second half.
We made some adjustments and were able to capitalize in the second half and make it a comfortable lead in the fourth quarter.
On Coosas first play from scrimmage in the third quarter, McNutt got loose for his 70-yard run.
Then, after Armuchee fumbled away the kickoff, Jones scored on the next play from 16 yards out.
Suddenly it was 35-14, and Coosa was in command.
Giving up touchdowns on back-to-back plays you cant win when you let that happen, said Armuchee John Mullinax. I thought our defense did a pretty good job for the most part, but those two plays were back-breakers.
Mullinax said he was surprised by the Eagles gung-ho offensive mentality.
Coming into the game I wasnt overly concerned about big plays, he said, especially in terms of them throwing the football downfield. I hadnt seen them do that much on film.
But their quarterback threw a couple of beautiful passes tonight, he said, and that hurt us.
Warner was just 4-of-11 through the air, but most of his completions were huge gainers. He finished with 131 passing yards.
For Armuchee, Marvin Armstrong had another gutsy performance. He intercepted Warners first pass of the game and returned it 18 yards for a touchdown. He also caught four passes for 28 yards.
Armuchee quarterback Will Wiggins completed 9-of-23 passes for 91 yards.
Coosa kicker Jorge Galvis kicked a 38-yard field goal and was 5-for-5 on PATs.
Eagles Defeat Pepperell in Overtime Classic
|  | | photo by: Ken Caruthers, RN-T | |
Rome News-Tribune Sports Writer
JMyers@RN-T.com / 706-290-5277
The Coosa Eagles lost at home to Darlington last week and many people questioned whether coach Chad Perrys team was going to be a contender or an also-ran in Region 6-AA.
On Friday night at Dragon Stadium in Lindale, the Eagles answered that question by beating Pepperell 27-20 in double overtime to get back on track and remain in the hunt for a state playoff spot.
Our loss to Darlington last week was like our loss to LaFayette last year, said Coosa junior Chris Jones, who blocked an extra point in the fourth quarter and scored the game-winning touchdown. It made us focus on things and made us want to win more.
We came out tonight, played like were capable of and got the job done.
The Eagles and Dragons were tied 13-13 at the end of Regulation Time. Coosa's Chris Werner had scored a touchdown on a fake punt for the Eagles while Jorge Galvis had added the extra point and two field goals.
Jones 2-yard touchdown run and the extra point by Jorge Galvis gave the Eagles (3-1) a 27-20 lead in the second overtime period.
Pepperell (3-2) then got the ball at Coosas 15-yard line.
Kaleb Beard who finished with 173 yards and two touchdowns on 31 carries ripped off 11 yards on his first carry, giving the Dragons first-and-goal from the 4.
Beard lost a yard on first down, then got stopped for no gain on second down.
He gained two yards to the 3 on a third-down sweep, setting up a fourth-and-goal, do-or-die situation from the 2.
Pepperell tried a toss sweep by Beard around the right end and he leaped for the end zone, but was stopped a yard short, sending the visitors side into a frenzy.
First of all, all of the credit for this goes to Jesus Christ, said Coosa coach Chad Perry. He blessed this team with so much talent.
I couldnt ask for one more ounce of effort out of them than what I got. I havent been a coach for very long, but I know this is going to be one of the top 5 wins in my career, no doubt.
Trailing 13-7 in the fourth quarter, Pepperell drove 78 yards in six plays to tie the score at 13 on a 6-yard touchdown run by Beard with 4:13 left in regulation.
But Jones came around Pepperells right side on the extra point and blocked it to keep the game even.
Pepperells end guy was stepping down or out or anything, said Jones. I just ran around him and got my right hand on it.
Once overtime started, the Dragons got the ball first and scored on a 5-yard run by Beard. Loverings extra point made it 20-13 Pepperell.
But Coosa forced the second overtime when quarterback Chris Warner sneaked in from 1 yard out on a fourth-and-goal play. Galvis extra point tied the game at 20.
Coosa made the plays when the game was on the line, said Pepperell coach Lynn Hunnicutt. Im not faulting our effort, but we didnt make a play. We had a situation where we had to make a play to win and we didnt.
Pepperell is at LaFayette next week, while Coosa faces Armuchee in the Shrine Game at Barron Stadium on Saturday.
Coosa Welcomes New Head Coach
Coosa High School has announced the hiring of Coach Chad Perry as the new Head Football Coach.
Coach Perry teaches Mathematics. He was an assistant coach with the Dublin High School Fighting Irish football team.
Coach Perry has a B.S. in Math & Health/P.E. from Middle Tennessee State University, and a Masters degree from Cumberland University.
Coach Perry went to D.H.S. from Tennessee. He moved to Dublin in July of 2003 with his wife Kelley and two children, Josie and Jake. He has eleven years experience as a teacher and coach, and brings that experience with him to the classroom and the football field. His hobbies are sports, hunting, and motorcycles.
Mrs. Janice Vick, CHS Principal added; (Perry) is very qualified and I think he will do a good job. Hes excited about being here, working with kids, the school and community. He comes very highly recommended.
Coosa H.S. is excited about having Coach Perry and wish him and his family great success and happiness in the Coosa community.
Saturday, May 5
Spring Training, 2007
| |  | | Photo by William T. Martin, Rome News-Tribune |
05/04/07
Jeremy Stewart, Rome News-Tribune Sports Writer
... ...Coosa football coach Chad Perry has looked to the past before when it came to finding out where his program stands in May.
After two days in pads at spring practice, he and his staff are ready to let go of that way of thinking and bring in a different view.
Ive been guilty in the past of starting to think about how much youre going to lose after a season but right now, were going to try to focus on how much we can get in during these 10 days, Perry said.
Well make the most out of this class. Were all looking at 07 and were going to be the best we can for this year.
According to Perry, theyre off to a good start as he told the team following Fridays session that they had already implemented 80 percent of what they plan to cover in spring practice.
Thats the luxury of returning the whole line, Perry said of their quick progression. Ive only got one new kid who didnt play on the line last year.
He said now its just a matter of drilling what theyve learned so far and keeping one word on their mind at all times: fundamentals.
Our goal for spring practice is to become a better fundamental team, Perry said.
Weve got so many numbers out this year that we want our guys who werent sound fundamentally last year to become better.
Well see how we progress.
The Eagles have been throwing the younger players, including upcoming freshmen, into the mix with the more experienced players during the first few days to be sure that everyone gets the same instruction in the basics.
When we get done with eight days, if we can block and tackle, Ill be happy, Perry said. Whether weve got offense and defense in or not, weve got to be able to block and tackle.
As for what sets a player apart from the rest to make him a possible starter, Perry said it all comes down to competitive fight.
(Football) is a team sport and, sure, weve got 90 guys out here, but they all know that we can only put 11 guys on the field at a time, he said.
Perry added that they played eight guys on both sides on the ball last season and most of them are graduating.
Were looking for these guys to get out here and fight for positions, he continued.
Id love to have 11 on offense and 11 on defense and the more guys that step up, the more depth we gain and the fresher we can stay in the fall.
The Eagles will hold their annual spring scrimmage on May 19 at 3:30 p.m.
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