Season 1 of Gridiron Glory will focus on the athletic exploits of the town I am from, Warner Robins, Georgia. More specifically, due to Urban Sprawl, the County of Houston which happens to be right smack dab in the middle of the state of Georgia! Historically speaking, there have been two High School powers in this county, Warner Robins and Northside.
During the 1970s, 1980s & 1990s, the Demons of Warner Robins High School were the preeminent power in this area. Other than the South Georgia National Power Wildcats of Valdosta High School, Warner Robins was feared by most throughout the state. With players ranging from James Brooks to Ron Simmons to John John Perkins to Clyde Jackson to Eddie Anderson to Willie Reid to Alton Sanders the Demons boast 23 Region Titles, 4 State Titles and 2 Mythical National Titles.
In the 1990s the Eagles of Northside High School began their rise to dominance culminating in 1998 with the beginning of a streak of 17 consecutive seasons with 10 or more victories. 18 10-win seasons over the past 20 years, 3 State Titles, and countless missed opportunities for more titles. The Eagles have set the modern standard in the region and possibly the State. Northside has created a culture of winning that burdens the newest Eagles with the expectations of undefeated regular seasons and deep runs in the GHSA playoffs.
Other schools in the county have had runs in the playoffs but these two Giants have been the standard bearers for more than a Half Century. Gridiron Glory will provide an inside look into what makes High School Football so important to the fabric of society, in both America and especially in the South. The mystical nature of Friday Nights in the Fall has become a constant in my life. There is little that rivals the excitement of watching 15 to 18 year olds playing Football. The strategy and the planning it takes to be successful. The historical uniforms and familiar faces at each game. Most importantly the community involvement, expectations and excitement!
Just typing this gives me goosebumps thinking of the impending season only 3 months away at this point. Hopefully those of you who love this game as much as I do get something out of the season and can learn about a community that thrives on Football in the fall!
During the 1970s, 1980s & 1990s, the Demons of Warner Robins High School were the preeminent power in this area. Other than the South Georgia National Power Wildcats of Valdosta High School, Warner Robins was feared by most throughout the state. With players ranging from James Brooks to Ron Simmons to John John Perkins to Clyde Jackson to Eddie Anderson to Willie Reid to Alton Sanders the Demons boast 23 Region Titles, 4 State Titles and 2 Mythical National Titles.
In the 1990s the Eagles of Northside High School began their rise to dominance culminating in 1998 with the beginning of a streak of 17 consecutive seasons with 10 or more victories. 18 10-win seasons over the past 20 years, 3 State Titles, and countless missed opportunities for more titles. The Eagles have set the modern standard in the region and possibly the State. Northside has created a culture of winning that burdens the newest Eagles with the expectations of undefeated regular seasons and deep runs in the GHSA playoffs.
Other schools in the county have had runs in the playoffs but these two Giants have been the standard bearers for more than a Half Century. Gridiron Glory will provide an inside look into what makes High School Football so important to the fabric of society, in both America and especially in the South. The mystical nature of Friday Nights in the Fall has become a constant in my life. There is little that rivals the excitement of watching 15 to 18 year olds playing Football. The strategy and the planning it takes to be successful. The historical uniforms and familiar faces at each game. Most importantly the community involvement, expectations and excitement!
Just typing this gives me goosebumps thinking of the impending season only 3 months away at this point. Hopefully those of you who love this game as much as I do get something out of the season and can learn about a community that thrives on Football in the fall!
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