From 1994 until 2000, Brian Moore bled “GG” red and black.
As an assistant coach at Winder-Barrow High School, Moore worked countless hours to make the Bulldogg program a success.
By the time the 2000 season arrived, Moore had been named the first head football coach in Apalachee High School history. He continues to work within the Chee Nation, now as athletic director.
Having been a part of both schools, Moore has a unique insight into the rivalry.
“There is no question it is a big game due to the crosstown rivalry, but because we have been in the hunt for the playoffs the last several years, our coaches have taken the approach of preparing just like you do for every other game on the schedule,” Moore said earlier this week.
And the No. 1 thing in terms of importance this week for the Wildcats, Moore said, is staying alive in the playoff chase.
“After the tough start we had, to be able to say that we have a shot for postseasonplay as we prepare for week nine is a tribute to the coaches and the players,” Moore said. “Having said that, like any other rivalry, it does not matter what records the teams have, it is going to be a real battle. Early on in this rivalry when AHS was just getting its feet wet, we were not as successful in this game as we would have liked to have been, but our players played hard and with great effort. Now with both teams having players that are difference makers on the field, it is even more intense.”
Many in the community, Moore said, make the Battle of Barrow a week long event.
“There are a wide variety of events which spotlight our high school students which is great for the schools,” Moore said. “There is a lot of school pride at both high schools and that is evident with the week long festivities and the game on Friday night.”
