GHSF Daily's Four Questions feature historically poses the same questions to a different Georgia head coach each issue. This season, head coaches are being asked Four Questions tailored to current events. Today's interviewee is Bainbridge head coach Jeff Littleton, whose team defeated Buford 23-20 to advance to the Class AAAAA semifinals. Bainbridge was the first team to beat Buford at home in a playoff game since 2006, a state-record streak of 35 games.
Jeff Littleton, Bainbridge head coach
1. What does beating Buford mean to your team and the program, and what has been the reaction of your school and community to the win and going to the semifinals? "Beating a program like Buford means that all the standards and values that we have followed in establishing our program are working. When we give our best effort every day, trust in each other and hold each other accountable, great things are possible. Everyone is excited about our team and has been positive and supportive throughout the year."
2. What was the game plan, and what were the keys to winning the game? "We prepared for this game the same physically as we have all year. We knew we had to play great defense and create turnovers and protect the football on offense and make explosive plays. Special teams were a huge part in the win. Mentally, we had to drown out the fact that this team had won 35 straight playoff home games and been to the semifinals every year since 2006. We didn't talk about that, but kids read about other teams and they know the success that Buford has had in the past. We just refused to buy into all of that. There was no pressure on us to keep a streak alive. We are just having fun."
3. Although you played well at times during the regular season, there were no signs entering the playoffs that you would beat Jones County, Wayne County and Buford, three teams that had all been in the top five at one time or another. How would you explain your team's performance in the 'second season'? "We actually felt like we improved every day from the first day. We played some very tough teams and were well-tested during the year. We won our first region game against a very tough Veterans team and then Hurricane Michael devastated our town, but we never faltered. Our community came together and helped each other get through some devastating times. We finished the regular season with two straight region wins and played very well. We went into each playoff game expecting to win."
4. What are your team's prospects from here? "Our kids and coaches won't be satisfied with just beating three state-ranked teams. We are just looking to gain respect and get better one day at a time while having fun in the process."
Produced by Georgia High School Football Daily, a free e-mail newsletter. To join the mailing list, click here.
About the Author
The Latest
Featured
