Entries by Chris Bridges

My favorite television mini-series was the 1983 production of “Chiefs,” starring Charlton Heston.

In it, Heston plays the Southern political boss, Hugh Holmes, of the fictional town of Delano, Georgia. It chronicles several decades in how Heston tries to build the town and give it a good reputation. All the while, however, there is an undercurrent of activity going on involving a serial killer.
In one of the final scenes of the mini-series, Heston’s character views the carnage that has come to light and says, “I’ve worked most my life — 50 years — to give this town a name. Now every time it’s mentioned, it will be for this.”

I thought about that movie as the bizarre saga at Penn State unfolded in recent days. I’ve followed sports my entire life and there has always been tragedy and even chaos, but I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anything like this. [Full Story »] 

Jerrie Husley knows the potential her 2011 competition cheerleading team possesses.

The Winder-Barrow High School coach now wants her squad to use all of that potential in its quest for a state championship. The Cheer Doggs, following a third-place showing at sectionals, will go for the big prize Saturday as they make the trek once again to Columbus.

“I am ready for this team to hit this routine and show the state of Georgia we deserve a state championship,” Hulsey said. “There are 10 seniors on this team and this is their last opportunity. I feel like their experience and leadership will help us bring home title number five.” [Full Story »] 

The Apalachee High School football team scored on all of its possessions Friday night against Loganville, putting 42 points on the scoreboard. It did so without one of its top offensive weapons as sophomore Stanley Williams was suspended from the team earlier in the week.

Coach Shane Davis said Williams was “suspended from the game” but did not elaborate further. Williams was not on sidelines Friday night. Reports have now indicated he is no longer a student at AHS.

The offense actually did not miss a beat without Williams, who made a verbal commitment to the University of Georgia during the summer. Zay Henry rushed for 187 yards on 23 carries. Clint Ashe was 9-of-16 through the air for 151 yards. Eric Tanner added 89 yards on 17 attempts.

In the first half, the Wildcats had two scoring drives of 14 yards. A second half drive took 15 plays. All three of these players return next fall.
[Full Story »] 

Amanda Cope has done it again.

The Winder-Barrow High School cross country standout finished ninth overall at the AAAA state meet Saturday in Carrollton. While Cope was somewhat disappointed by her time, her finish of 19:52 was good enough to crack the Top 10.

“She felt her time was slow, but all of the times were slower,” said WBHS coach Michael Lofton. “Going into state, there were 12 runners who had times of 18 minutes but only two of them did Saturday. It is frustrating to finish the season at the toughest course.” [Full Story »] 

Friday’s game between Apalachee High School and Loganville High School was a fan’s dream — and a defensive coach’s nightmare.

The Wildcats and Red Devils compiled 87 points and both offenses were unstoppable in the second half. AHS did not punt the entire game, scoring on each possession. Yet, the Wildcats still fell by three points as LHS scored the game-winner on an 8-yard run by quarterback Garrett Ford with three seconds left.

“I’ve never been involved in a game where we scored every time we had the football but still lost,” Wildcat head coach Shane Davis said.

The AHS defense held Loganville to seven points in the first half but the Red Devils turned things up several gears in the second half. [Full Story »]