When Shane Davis was hired as the Apalachee High School football coach several years ago, there were likely some who responded by saying, “Who?”
I was probably one of the few Barrow County residents who not only knew who Davis who, but knew what type of coach, what type of leader he was. Call it a gut instinct, but I had a feeling Davis was going to do some pretty impressive things with the Wildcat program. Yet, even I probably underestimated him to some degree. I happily admit that.
Davis, once upon a time in his coaching life, was a football assistant at a high school in my home town. During his tenure there the school was very successful. I don’t think it’s a conincidence since Davis and the rest of the coaches from that era moved on, the program has struggled and struggled mightily.
Yes, there are always numerous factors which go into the success, or non success, of programs, but make no mistake, quality coaching plays a big hand in it.
Davis is simply a sound leader, a sound coach, a sound man who leads by example. It didn’t matter whether he was helping direct the football team back in my hometown or working as head baseball coach, Davis got the job done with a high level of success. More than a decade ago, I hated to see him move on.
Yet, I can say it’s great seeing him do so well as head football coach at AHS. Making the playoffs four consective seasons is no small accomplishment. What Davis and his coaching staff have done is put Barrow County football on the map when, quite frankly, there has not been a great deal of success.
Yes, there has been some highlights here and there, but you are seeing a new standard set. Through hard work, sheer determination and a tireless effort led by Davis, the Wildcats captured the heart of Barrow County this fall. A perfect 10-0 season followed by two playoff victories have set the tone for future seasons.
The Wildcats won their first region football title in 2009 although I don’t think it will be their last. As long as Davis is at the helm, always look for AHS to be competitive, even in so-called “down years” when the talent base may not be as high.
Was it somewhat of a gamble when school officials at AHS hired Davis five years ago to lead the program? to the uninformed outsider, the answer would be yes. To those who have followed his career, however, it was a hire which was sound, safe and wise. Five years later the decision to hire this first-time head football coach has exceeded all expectations.
Chris Bridges is sports editor of the Barrow Journal. E-mail comments about this column to cbridges@barrowjournal.com.
