For Shane Davis, it hasn’t taken long for the historic significance of the 2009 season to sink in.
In fact, even as the season was progressing, Davis knew what his Apalachee High School team was going through was in fact special.
“Going undefeated while playing a straight region schedule says a lot about our kids,” Davis said. “It says a lot about their heart and character. To win two playoff games in the manner we did, also shows what type of team we had this season.”
The 2009 season was the culmination of five years of hard work by Davis, his coaching staff and all players who have been a part of the program. AHS has now been to the postseason four consecutive years. For their accomplishments on the gridiron and for respresenting the school, program and entire Barrow County community in such a high standard, this fall’s Apalachee High School football team is the Barrow Journal’s Sports Story of the Year.
“It was indeed a great run,” Davis said earlier this week. “It was great for the school, the fans and the community. The people who were around it will never forget it. It will go down as one of those special years regardless of how long Apalachee is in existance.”
SEASON
PREPARATION
Going into the 2009 campaign, Davis felt the potential was certainly there for a successful season.
“We thought we had as good a chance to defeat everyone as they had at defeating us,” Davis said. “As coaches, you try to take it one week, one game at a time. If you look ahead then someone will slip up on you. If you are in week two and looking ahead to week six, then it can cause trouble.”
By taking the old line approach of “one game, one week at a time,” the Wildcats began the season with a win against Monroe Area. Week by week, the wins began to compile. There were some tests along the way, including an overtime thriller against Loganville. That game was not decided until a defensive stand secured a 42-41 victory.
“You are not guaranteed anything week to week,” Davis said. “You can’t always play your best every week. The key is to not do things that will beat yourself. You always want to make your opponent defeat you. If you lose, make them earn it. We didn’t blow out all our opponents, but we felt going into each game we had the opportunity to win. You can never look at a season and guarantee you will go 10-0, but we thought we had a chance to do it.”
Once the Region 8-AAAA title was secure, the next goal was to complete the regular season undefeated. That goal was also accomplished with a win against Salem in the final regular season contest.
By winning region, the Wildcats were guaranteed at least two playoff games and they used that homefield advantage to win two nailbiters and advance to the quarterfinals for the first time in school history. The historic season seemed to continue each week.
“We’ve been to the playoffs four years in a row,” Davis said. “You won’t ever have a chance to win a state championship unless you get to the playoffs. We want to get ourselves to the point where we are always in the big dance. We would like to finish first or second and host a playoff game, but the main thing is to get in.”
LOOKING AHEAD
TO 2010
Davis, as much as any of his coaching counterparts, stresses the importance of offseason work.
“I’ve always said when you lose your final game, the offseason begins,” the coach said. “After our game with Griffin, the offseason work began on the following Monday. I told our returning players it was time to go to work.”
Part of the offseason program will include players competing in weight lifting competitions. AHS has been successful at the state level in weight lifting events as well in recent years. For Davis, it’s all about preparation. It’s all about working for the next season.
AHS will remain in Region 8-AAAA next season and will have a chance to defend its region crown. However, Davis and his coaches will have to replace a large group of seniors who played a large role in this season’s success.
The family atmosphere that makes up the program, however, will likely lend itself to more success. Davis has a core group of assistant coaches who have been with him his entire five seasons at AHS. The head coach also credits the support of the entire school in making the program successful. One team. One page. One goal. It helps make the Wildcats the success they are.
For now, AHS will continue bask in the glow that is 2009. The Wildcats garnered attention across the state for their on-the-field success this fall. The team will be honored in January at an awards banquet.
“It was definitely special,” Davis said. “This season is something the players will be able to look back on years from now. Making positive memories is what high school athletics is all about. It’s about being part of a team working toward one goal. We accomplished so much this season and we know how special it was. Hopefully, this will be something we can do again in the future. That would be even more special.”
