Calhoun’s shutout win over Dalton; Sonoraville’s great start

Calhoun victory over Dalton: More than a win

The Calhoun versus Dalton game creates more talk than any game on the Jackets’ schedule. Before the Coach Hal Lamb era (1999 to the present) the talk was just that – talk and hopeful speculation. Except for a rare accomplishment on one or so occasions over the long history of the meetings of the two schools the talk was all a discussion of Dalton’s domination over the Jackets.

The tide turned greatly in 2008 when Coach Lamb’s team began a streak which saw them win eight of the next nine games. The win on Friday night was more than a win. Let’s examine the reasons why one might say that:

First, it was a shutout. Way back in 1932 Coach “Red Maddox’s Jackets defeated Dalton 32-0 on the way to a 7-1-1 season. The Jackets only lost to Marietta and then fought to a scoreless tie with Lafayette in their young eight- year- old program which began in 1925. In 1987 the Jackets and Catamounts tied 0-0 in the season-opening game. Coach Fred Shaver’s 1960 7-6 win over Dalton was the lone Calhoun victory of the modern era until Coach Lamb appeared on the scene. Shutouts are hard to come by against the fine Dalton program.

It was more than a win because it sent a message to our friends to the North that the Jackets could no longer be a sure win. The victory gave natives of Calhoun something to smile about when visiting with their friends.

It was more than a win because it came on the heels of a game, nonetheless a victo- ry, which coaches and spectators alike put in a category of projecting a less than promising game against Dalton. My position has always been that when you win looking bad in some or all phases of the game that good things must surely be ahead.

The win does not guarantee a victory over the powerful Cartersville Purple Hurricanes. It does say the Calhoun boys will be able to make a statement for themselves.

Sonoraville Phoenix ranked for first time

Congratulations to Coach Denver Pate and his Sonoraville Phoenix in their season-opening win. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reflected on that win by placing the Phoenix in their top 10 season rankings. The Phoenix defeated Model 28-7 for its first opening-game victory since 2009.

The report stated, “Playing in the shadow of Calhoun, Sonoraville has made the playoffs each of the past four seasons under Coach Jim Kremer, who is now Lee County’s defensive coordinator. Denver Pate was promoted from offensive coordinator this season and got his first career win.”

Incidentally, Coach Kremer’s Lee County team is off to a rousing start with a 2-0 record.

There are several playing dates between now and October 20 when Coach Pate and his Phoenix invade Phil Reeve Stadium in a big Region 6-AAA South meeting. It is suspected here that both teams have cast a glimpse toward that meeting while attempting to keep their focus on the task at hand. Without knowing how either school will do against their foes from now until they meet but can’t we all conclude it will be a wild time in the old town that night?

The 1979 Red Bud High State Wrestling Champions

As noted last week it was Coach Frank Caputo’s 1979 Red Bud High’s wrestling team honored at the 2017 Calhoun-Gordon County Sports Hall of Fame banquet. It was great to see the coaches and many of those young men associated with that team.

In front of me as I write is the picture of that team and their coaches of that and previous years. Many of those wrestlers were juniors and played on the outstanding Cardinal football team in the fall of the new 1979 season. Coaches Caputo, “Bubba” Faulkner, David Cox all were with me on the staff as an outstanding group of players fought to a Red Bud 7-3 record. This came after Coach Cliff Key’s 1978 team had recorded a 6-3 record which would probably have also been 7-3 if Suwanee, TN. had not dropped football shortly before the season began. Coach Key stayed with me as our trainer. Sadly Coach Key and Coach Faulkner have passed away.

Coach John Wilson of the Rosedale Community and teacher and coach at Red Bud in previous years was loved by his students and players alike. He and his wife were present to be a part of the festivities. Coach Caputo and Coach Wilson pursued their coaching career after leaving Red Bud. They both are to be appreciated for their contribution to the Cardinal athletic program.

Some reflections of consequence

“Ability can take you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.” –Zig Ziglar

“The chief cause of failure and unhappiness is trading what you want most for what you want right now.” — Unknown

“There has never been a statue erected to honor a critic “– unknown, and let me add “or a malcontent.”

“Now let’s open the discussion to those who are unqualified to do their own jobs – much less mine.” – Anonymous