Panthers welcome off week

Jackson County head coach Billy Kirk and his Panthers enjoy an off week this week.

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Thursday, October 14. 2010

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JCCHS to shake things up, including coaching staff duties

It may be an off week on the schedule, but this week will serve as anything but downtime for Jackson County.

With an extra week to prepare for Jefferson, Jackson County (3-4, 1-3) will use the time to make personnel changes in its lineup and shift coaching assignments around after disappointing results the first six weeks.

Coach Billy Kirk — whose Panthers are coming off a 37-0 loss to North Oconee — said his team will return to “old school football,” with each player playing on both sides of the ball and all coaches having both defensive and offensive duty.

The reshuffling of the coaching duties will allow players more instruction from multiple coaches, Kirk said. Assistant coaches had been concentrating on one side of the ball to this point.

“Now we’ve got nine sets of eyes on offense and on defense, the same thing is going to happen,” Kirk said.

Jackson County has been outscored 120-29 in subregion games and, at 1-3 in the 8-AA South standings, is out of the playoff hunt. Kirk said it’s his responsibility as head coach to make the needed changes.

“When you see the lack of results, you’ve got to start at the top,” Kirk said.

Kirk said that no one is losing a job, but said these are major changes to the staff, nonetheless, and changes that had to be made. The coach felt the Panthers, who have scored just two touchdowns combined in the last three games, were sputtering.

“We’ve kind of stumbled and stumbled and stumbled,” Kirk said. “Nobody is losing their job. We’re just fixing our staff.”

The timing off this, the off week, is no coincidence. No other point in the schedule would allow enough time for these big changes. Kirk believes the team will only emerge stronger as it heads into its last three games and tries to generate momentum for next year.

“We’re not changing what we’re doing,” Kirk said. “We’re going to get better at what we’re doing.”

In addition to the coaching shuffle, the off week will allow the Panthers some time to heal their wounds. Jackson County has had four starters out due to injury and has had to use a make-shift lineup in recent weeks. Kirk notes that the squad that took the field Friday against North Oconee “was not the same team” that Jackson County originally fielded for the first four weeks of the season.

“We’re going to take this week and get healed and hopefully get everyone back,” Kirk said.

But more than anything, Jackson County will spend the bulk of the free time game planning for Jefferson, which is as close a geographical rival the Panthers could have. The schools have only played twice and haven’t met since 1985.
While this will certainly be a huge game as far as community interest, it’s a good game for Jackson County’s program, too.

“This game with Jefferson is a big game,” Kirk said. “It’s a good radar of where we are as a program. If we can play well and have a chance to win, that’s a big step forward for our program.”

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#1 Michael on 10/15/10 at 08:05 AM [Reply]

The only Coaching change Jackson County needs is a new Head Coach!

#2 panther on 10/15/10 at 08:38 AM [Reply]

“When you see the lack of results, you’ve got to start at the top,” Kirk said.

He said it best. Lets start at the top!! Kirk has shuffled the quarterbacks, the coaches, the players, the plays, etc.... why don't we all realize what the problem is.... the one constant. Kirk.

#3 No One on 10/15/10 at 09:06 AM [Reply]

Time for Coach Kirk to hit the road.

#4 Proud Panther on 10/15/10 at 02:14 PM [Reply]

Well lets see the last 10-20 years has proven to be ultra successful at Jackson County. The same people that bash the coach are the same ones that probably either 1. your kid does not start (or play), or 2. you think you know a lot more than your ignorance shows. I would say with all 3 idiots above that would just about right. God Bless you all and if you cannot support the program then its a simple fix leave, and see if your kid sees the field somehwhere else. You have a choice to stay or go, simply: LEAVE!!!!!

#4.1 dg on 10/16/10 at 12:19 PM [Reply]

Thank YOU Proud Panther! Enough said!

#5 Panther Faithful on 10/15/10 at 11:45 PM [Reply]

Its pretty funny to read these posts about a program that has been run into the ground forever. I have watched Panther football for over 20 years and have seen a lot more positives today than in the past. I sit in the stands and watch and as casual observer and see a football team that is replacing a large senior class and in a phase of rebuilding that goes with the territory. The panthers have too many young kids on the field in key places. The people that do and say the things about the panther program that are negative live in a fantasy world of thinking the panthers should be competing for a region championship. Reality says look whats on the field? They have a few "players" on the squad, but the majority would not even be 2 deep in another school. I could understand getting on a coach if we had a winning tradition, ex.(Buford, Grayson, Jefferson, Commerce, Lowndes, Valdosta, Hart, ECI, you get the point) but lets all wake up here WE Don't. I believe these guys are working their tales off to win. Once again, Reality,I do not know a coach who can step on the field and make plays for their kids. So lets all get our head out of the clouds support the kids, the coaches, and the program and watch the program get built. It takes a foundation and its there now its time to add on. I like what was said earlier, "if you are not happy with the program leave" and see what happens where the grass is greener. The people that post this negative crap are probably the same men in the stands I hear every week that complain because there kid is not good enough to even start at JC (what does that say???) I just find it disgusting to read this stuff about coaches that spend countless hours doing everything they know how to produce. I am sure these men do not spend all this time teaching their kids to lose, miss tackles, fumble, not cover kick-offs, throw interceptions, miss blocks, etc... I have seen practice and its just not the case. Good luck the rest of the way Panthers and I will be there to support you regardless of ignorance, a lack of intelligence, and just pure lack of character by some who choose to trash the program. Remember 1 word as stated earlier REALITY!!!

#5.1 Panther Fan on 10/16/10 at 10:35 AM [Reply]

I personally am a fan and wish that more people would spend less time in the stands complaining about the coaching and realize as well that we don't have the talent to make this a #1 team. I also don't see that "shuffling" the coaches around does any good but rather harm as I see the young players question why and see coaches that spend more hours working with our sons and putting in endless hours and getting shot down by the head coach - that I don't understand. I think the support of the fans (those with and without children on the field) needs to be there and be supportive but the head coach needs to be more supportive and postive as well.

#5.1.1 Anonymous on 10/18/10 at 07:50 PM [Reply]

very very well said.

#6 FootballFanatic on 10/16/10 at 08:29 AM [Reply]

Thanks for the thoughts I could not agree more with post #5, if we had this big winning tradition at JC I could see running the coach out of town. We do not look, at the other schools in the county that have played Elbert and North Oconne

Jefferson 3-4 overall
Jefferson 7 Elbert 51
Jefferson 22 North Oconee 36

East Jackson 3-4 Overall
East Jackoson 0 North Oconee 30
East Jackson 0 Elbert (how ever many they want)

Its all about the same in so I guess Caputo and Coach McFerrin needs to be run out of town as well. Both Jefferson and East have better overall talent than Jackson County and the results remain the same against those teams. So until we get to the Dome year in year out (heck just the play-offs for that matter) a change in coaches makes no difference only makes it worse. I also agree with them that it sounds like some daddies that are disgruntled because their kid can't start at JC. Thats the problem those idiot dads that have daddy ball mentality and think the play they call in the stands always works. I think we need to visit these guys at work and evaluate their work on a daily basis and maybe they need a change of scenery as well. What a bunch of overzealous bafoons (probably spelled that wrong) but I acknowledged that before one of those daddies makes a stupid comment about my post. Those daddies need to get a life and realize as bad as they want to their days are over playing and living through your kid will make you miserable (especially if yours is on the bench) Go Panthers you have my support and are doing a great job continue working hard to prepare and good luck this week vs. the Dragons.

#7 Testi Cul on 10/16/10 at 09:28 AM [Reply]

1, 2, 3....And where have you coached ball at? Besides trying to figure out your left nut from your right.

#8 DragonFan on 10/16/10 at 10:59 AM [Reply]

Well it looks like Coach McFerrin might be in trouble as well then. We are struggling and cannot get anything going against these teams at the top of AA. We are out of the play-off hunt for the first time in a while. You people are morons that want a coach run out for sub par performances, look at the history and records of your school http://ghsfha.org and type look up the 30 year history 82-225-4 a .270 lifetime winning % and you want to get rid of the coach? These guys have improved each year he has been there after a school split that naturally takes 5-10 years to recover from. Unrealistic boys! If you want to come over to Dragon land come on we would love to have you, but if your kid is struggling at JC they will not see the field here either. I think Friday will be a good game and a great atmosphere for football fans. After our butt whipping last night in Elberton it should be close, but I think we pull it out.

#9 not a fan... on 10/16/10 at 02:25 PM [Reply]

Football Fanatic, to me you seem most ignorant.... So basically since Jackson County does not have a rich football tradition we should become complacent and be satisfied with a mediocre team and keep a mediocre coach around... just because?! Wow.... great mentality.

(ps. I am not a parent, coach, or really a fan.... just had to comment)

#10 dg on 10/16/10 at 02:40 PM [Reply]

@ Panther Faithful and Football Fanatic, thank you for saying what needed to be said! That will be all for now, your clinic can resume again as soon as the next article is written!LOL! Proud Panther, you too!

#10.1 Just saying on 10/17/10 at 03:57 AM [Reply]

Well, I am not going to bash anyone beacuse these are young men, and they are trying. I do agree that this is not football country, but anyone who loves the sport wants it to be. I can understand wanting winning programs, but I also understand that this is not Parkview we are talking about. I go to the games because it is fun, and I really enjoy the fact the EJ, JC, and Jefferson all play one another now. I think they all have talent and could be better ( not state champs, just better). To do that it takes total buy in from everyone. You are a fan or you are not. It is that simple. Same for players, parents, and coaches. Best practie is to go to the games, support the players and staff, and go home. If that is not possible just stay home. Good luck to all the schools and the young men that represent them.

#11 realistic in JC on 10/16/10 at 10:59 PM [Reply]

testi cul... really... you should be embarrased! Want to talk about ignorant?! You do not have to be a coach to have sports knowledge or to be realistic. I hope to be realistic in my comments and not just be ridiculous and idiotic.

Coach Kirk... you too! You continue to pull up excuse after excuse for why your team has not performed. The refs, the players, the injuries, the coaches, the young players..... cut it out. Honestly.

I am a parent of a STARTER.... yes, people, even a parent of a starting player can have complaints! Do not call these others "idiots" this only makes you look silly. My son is a starter, and probably one who in earlier statements "would not start at another school". I am completely aware of this and have no false notions. The fact that we base our complaints on "idiots" and "we have not had a great football history" are weak!! very weak!

HOWEVER.... more importantly.... more than my son starting, playing.... I was hoping he would gain more from this season. Yes, I agree with the above statement. We are young, many starters are young (my son included)... I do not expect us to be #1 in the region, I do not expect us to be play off contenders. More than anything I wanted my son to have a positive experience, experience being a part of a "tradition", learning teamwork and great experiences. Last year in Panther nation we had very similar results.... BUT it seemed like the players were PROUD to be a panther, had traditions... there was an excitement around the program. I was so thrilled for my family to be a part of this. This year, from what I hear..... this was all due to an incredible class of seniors last year... nothing to do with coach kirk. This year they are desperately lacking this confidence, pride, excitement...... I feel like this comes from "the top"... just as someone said above. A younger team looks towards their "leader". Is there one this year??? Coach Kirk does not seem to be a "leader". Is he set in his beliefs, is he confident in his team??, is he confident in himself??, his coaching staff?, his offense??, his defense?? I don't feel like I could say yes to any of these. I come to practices, I watch him coach, I actually walk to the side at half time of home games to hear what he has to say. I have not heard any confidence coming from him so why should I be confident IN him??? I have heard nothing but him talking down to his players and his coaching staff. What does this teach our boys?? What team building things has he done for our kids? From what I have seen he has done nothing but divide out team... offense vs. defense? What confidence has he taught our boys? From what I have witnessed, he keeps changing things and confusing our boys/parents. What traditions/pride has he taught our boys? From what I see he is embarrassed himself?!

For those of you who have said "leave"... well, no. I have grown up in Jackson Co. and believe that we can achieve greatness. I am so embarrassed for those who are happy to settle. We can be great. Lets search for greatness. I may not see is in the next 3 years with my son, but I hope things will improve for my younger son. We CAN be better! If that means getting a better coach. By all means, I support it!!!!! I AM REALISTIC! We are building this year. I just think we can build more than just wins... we can build character, traditions, family!!! We are lacking in that this year. This comes from one place. .... the top.

#11.1 Concerned Panther Parent on 10/18/10 at 02:43 PM [Reply]

I could not agree with you more! We don't need to settle, we need to strive to do better and be better. The condescending comments made by the head coach to the players and other coaches doesn't help. Players are there on the field day after day doing the best that they can and are belittled. We have some coaches that work exceptionally hard in helping our young men to grow both on and off the field that want nothing more than to do their best to help the team and encourage the player. They want the team to grow and the program to be built where more people want to come to Jackson County to be a part of the Panthers. Why all the changes in positions now for both players and coaches - confusion waiting to happen.

#12 panther on 10/17/10 at 04:52 AM [Reply]

Proud Panther.... so are you happy to have a kid that starts (or plays) for an awful team?? Maybe you are the ignorant one?

#13 player on 10/17/10 at 03:35 PM [Reply]

Thanks to the people who support us. It's hard to walk down the halls and hear how bad we suck. We work our butts off, and put a lot of time and effort into panther football. During the past 2 years, I had alot of fun during summer and preseason. But when the real season starts things change. We had a great senior class last year but the coaches let them lead us this year they don't. Some of them tried to carry the traditions on from last year but got yelled at. We may not be great but we are better than our record. Thanks if you do support us.

#14 dg on 10/19/10 at 06:40 AM [Reply]

@ realistic in JC, sounds to me like you are blaming the kids too! these are your words..."Last year in Panther nation we had very similar results.... BUT it seemed like the players were PROUD to be a panther, had traditions... there was an excitement around the program. I was so thrilled for my family to be a part of this. This year, from what I hear..... this was all due to an incredible class of seniors last year... nothing to do with coach kirk. This year they are desperately lacking this confidence, pride, excitement..." You feel like this comes from the top? At some point the kids have to do a little something! They have to make the team thier's! You can't call it a tradition if it only happens one year! and in your words "NOTHING TO DO WITH COACH KIRK", there are no Senior Leaders! I only see 2 or 3 Juniors that are leaders! So don't give Kirk any crap about what he has to say at half time! And how do we even know you're telling the truth? And I haven't heard ANYONE make a suggestion as to who should replace Kirk! You? One of the assistant coaches? Let's see if we can get Buford or Gainesville's headcoaches to give us a look, maybe they would consider the job, I'm sure they would give us the leadership we need! Yeah right? Make a suggestion! If you're going to go to the top you've got to go to the Atheletic Director! The coach is limited by what he has to work with! Tell the AD to cough up more money! Then you might get a coach that is better, hell you might even get a great coach!
Has anyone heard the players calling for Kirk's head on a platter, they way all of you have, that want Kirk gone? They don't seem to mind, so it can't be too bad? or even as bad as YOU say. All the talk I've heard from them is that it's the other player's faults, never taking the blame for any of their own actions! Probably the same way they are raised at home, monkey see, monkey do! It's hard for Kirk and his staff to polish a turd! But they try with what resources they have! I will agree with your statement that "we can achieve greatness", it is possible! and I'm in with you on going to the top, but let's get the AD and Pricipal while we are at it! Maybe even the County Superintendant!

#14.1 realistic in JC on 10/19/10 at 03:50 PM [Reply]

I agree with you. I think the AD and the principal are at fault for the lack of team spirit, traditions, etc.... I am not placing the blame solely on coach kirk. I have sent emails to the AD voicing my concerns on this matter before!

I am NOT blaming the kids. I was actually praising the awesome senior class from last year. With younger kids I think the coaches are more heavily relied on for leadership, guidance,.... this year Jackson co. is fairly young and I do not believe the coaches have done a good job in getting them excited and fired up! So I am sorry you misinterpreted my words. I do believe the problems stem from the top. AD included..... I do not even think it is about "coughing up more money" as you stated... just an overall feeling of excitement and building the whole school up around football! Community events, etc....

(did you read the player who posted they got "yelled at" for carrying on the 'traditions' of last year?!?... great leadership... from the top! That blew my mind!)

Replacement? Who knows... not one of the assistants... again, lets not concentrate on how 'bad' we are and not think/hope we can get someone better. What kind of mentality is that.

Sounds to me like you are one of the "turds" you said coach could not polish. You must not be a parent with that statement.... "It's hard for Kirk and his staff to polish a turd!"... I do believe our boys are working their tails off... lets not go there.

#14.2 pantherparent68 on 10/19/10 at 04:03 PM [Reply]

Do I personally think Buford or Gainesville's coaches could give us the leadership we need?!?! ABSOLUTELY. Would they give us a look? Who knows? Don't know til you try. Maybe one of their assistant coaches... who have learned and been groomed by superior head coaches?!?

@concerned panther parent... very good points you made.

#15 dg on 10/19/10 at 10:58 AM [Reply]

oops! I mis-spelled a few words! My bad! I guess I let my blood pressure get in the way of my typing! Forgot to use my spell check! Not that it would matter anyway! I'm sure no one is going to lose sleep over a few mistakes that I've made!LOL! Come on folks! I know there are more of you out there that have a take on this! Post it! Put it into words! Because that's all it is, it's just words! Besides it can be therapeutic! It's good for the soul! HAHA!

#16 Hopefully a Voice of Reason on 10/19/10 at 10:21 PM [Reply]

Does anyone really believe that these guys (boys and coaches) do not work to improve their play? You read some of this venom and sit back and feel sorry for the poor souls who have nothing better to do than to bash their kids, coach, school, admin., super, or anyone else they can to gain something? People tear other ones down to make themselves feel better about their inadequate lives. Its really sad to see all this on here. Agree its a public forum and you and everyone has the right to post their opinions, but this is not flattering to anyone that has posted. I am sure you have parents, fans, kids, or anyone else that wants to punch and run. Why? I have watched this program for a long time and seen coaches come and coaches go and the staff we have is on the right track. Coaches that spend all the time taking kids home, raising money for kids that cannot afford camp, fees, etc...taking kids to church, buying kids lunch who cannot afford it, being there for kids when nobody else is, paying for things out of their own pockets the school cannot afford and this is what you offer up. I want to be the first to say I am sorry for all this that I hope these guys have not read or even know about. If I am not mistaken a good saying is "those in glass houses need not throw stones" and I can only imagine the people who have posted this mess, what a sad life you must live. I have spent a lot of time with a lot of these guys including the hc and they are fine men, that love kids, love the game, coach hard and will not apologize for expecting better, and want nothing more than to see JC succeed. From day one I have seen a difference at JC since 2007 when Kirk took over, the place is not the same as it was. We are fortunate to have a fine staff and men that work as hard as they do. Its just a sad day when I come on here to read the paper and see all this, yes I did not have to read or respond, but enough is enough let the boys play, the coaches coach, the teachers teach, the program is better off today and will be in the future. Remember these guys (boys and coaches) are all amateurs (all high school coaches have to teach class in order to coach across the country), they have to teach class, do extra duties, etc...from 7:30-3:30 M-F. The kids play for the love of the game and the coaches coach to give back. Please allow them all to work and not be that rec. league hover parent. Take a deep breathe, count to 10, and relax, we appreciate your passion, but funnel it to the right locations and allow these men to work. I pray these guys never read this crap it would be a sad testament to our little county that I love.

#17 dg on 10/20/10 at 05:51 AM [Reply]

@Hopefully a Voice of Reason, you're right, and I'm wrong, and thank you for point that out to me, you have been a voice of reason. And to all the others, you too are right and I'm wrong so I change my point of view. You all have proven to me that I don't know what I'm talking about, and that I am wrong.

@Just sayin,realistic in JC,Michael,panther,No one,DragonFan,not a fan,pantherparent68- you are all right and I am wrong. I apologize for anything that I have said that offended you and your families. The "Voice" has made me rethink my stand. I'll leave you with your team,coaches,and community. Please accept my apology and I hope that none of you will harbor any hard feelings about what I've said here.
@Ben Munro, Will you please remove all of my comments? I would greatly appreciate it, and I hope you too will accept my apologies for cluttering up your article with my unwarrented post. Thank you and I'm sorry.

#18 The REAL Snowman's Mama #31 on 10/21/10 at 12:22 PM [Reply]

I've read all your comments and find it really sad at all the rudeness, especially with the players reading these comments. That really hurts the spirit of a player having to read this nastiness. I just wanted to shed my perspective. I spent 12 years, (from JC Rec. Dept Football to Varsity Starter), grooming my son for football and for a shot at a football scholarship. I sacrificed my personal life and poured my whole self into his football and to supporting the football program at JC. This included being a Booster, as well as an educator, I spent countless tank of gas giving kids rides to and from practices if needed, feeding them, having them over to help out their parents who had to work, tutoring them if they needed it, selling spiritwear, making candy bags for the team on the Thursday/Friday's before the game, making and putting up signs on game day, I could g on, but just literally volunteering every spare minute I could to help in any way possible to advance our program and I loved every minute of it.

My son was on the smaller side by player standards, but he played with all heart and built his strength to compensate for his 5'10 160 lb frame. From the time he was 6 years old and stepped onto a Jackson County Field, the only thing I taught him was to "leave it all on the field," meaning give it everything you got, everything, that's all a man can do." He was never allowed to quit and never wanted to. He took being yelled at by coaches and it only made him stronger, more determined. He developed self-discipline and turned himself into an athlete in the offseason as well. He trained 24/7, that's how bad he wanted it. He played with the likes of Bakari Faulkner (Mid Tennessee college graduate), Chris and Chad Daniel (LaGrange College and playing on scholarships), Jacob Dias (Mars Hill College on scholarship) and others who went on to get scholarships to college. My son was not the most talented, nor did he have the best coach. But what he did have was sheer determination and vision to accomplish his dream of being a starter on the high school team and then to go on to college, which he did, in 2007. It was a different time at JC before the school split. There WAS tradition. I've been told that the players don't run down the hill to "Back in Black" anymore. Those boys loved that and even now every time those guys here that song, they swell up with pride. Girls used to make signs and candy bags and pin onto the jerseys of the players to give encoragement for the games. All these things made for tradition and those players loved getting those bags of candy.
It's easy to talk about having tradition,but you have to CREATE tradition! That tradition is what inspires and motivates the players to play with everything they've got!

My son is now a U.S. Navy Seal in training and is on his way to achieve everything in life that he has dreamed about, but it is because of the foundation of the Jackson County Football program, that has given him the tools for greatness. We should not ask nor expect "greatness" out of neither our coaches nor our players. Anyone can rise up and be GREAT, we need to inspire them to be as "great as THEY can be!"

#19 Permanent Panther on 10/21/10 at 01:36 PM [Reply]

There is much to be said about young men who continue to show up, suit up, and play the game, even in the face of adversity. There is much to be said about pride and loyalty when your winning, but to continue that tradition when one loses proves a bit more difficult. The players that have remained at Jackson County despite the odds are to be commended. They show strength of character and determination that many athletes will never realize. They have made a conscious choice to stay and contribute to their community, to the community of rec. coaches, middle school coaches, teachers, etc. that have helped to cultivate their athletic and academic talents. They are steadfast when others choose to leave and play at rival schools for the purpose of garnering more recognition, etc.
And...win or lose they have my support and command my respect. Go Panthers!

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