Coach Jones named ‘Coach of the Year’

The Gainesville Times has named Coach Philip Jones "Coach of the Year" for his outstanding work with the Banks County football team during this first year with the varsity program.

“It is an honor, but primarily as a reflection on my staff, our players, and the administration here at Banks,” Coach Jones said on being named. “I am fortunate to be surrounded by talented people who work hard without worrying about earning the credit. It is a great credit to the total program.”

The Leopards earned seven wins in the regular season, including a 4-1 sub-region record, enough to take home the 7-AA sub-region title, playing for the region title and a berth in the Class AA playoffs for the first time since 2008 and only the second time since 1997.

“To win a sub-region like that, and do it in our first year was exciting,” Jones said. “I think we’ve set up a good foundation for the future.”

And now Coach Jones and the Leopards must turn their focus to next season, a year in which Banks County will be competing in the AAA classification.

“All of our players have begun lifting weights and improving their agility daily in their weight training class,” Jones said. “Most of our players are participating in winter sports which means they are staying in shape and continuing to compete. AAA will be a renewed challenge, but one that we are willing to accept. We are primarily interested in doing all we can to continue to improve and be the best team we can be.”