Today's interviewee is Bleckley County coach Von Lassiter, whose team defeated Washington County 21-18 last week. That was Bleckley's first victory over a ranked team in its classification since 2014 and propelled Bleckley into the AJC rankings for the first time since 1992. Lassiter came to Bleckley County, his alma mater, in 2017. Previously, he was head coach for four seasons at Houston County, which he led to its first and only region title in 2015 with Jake Fromm as quarterback.
Von Lassiter, Bleckley County head coach
1. What was the significance of beating Washington County for your program? "It was a huge win. I guess the significance is that it keeps us alive to have a chance to make the playoffs. It gives us confidence to continue to play well finishing up the season. Any time you win against a historically rich program that is as well-coached as they are, it is a true blessing. I didn't know we are ranked, but that's a double-edged sword. It's great that our kids see the fruit of their labor starting all the way back to January. We ask a lot of these kids. It is what I believe we have to do to have a chance to be successful, so I am grateful that their effort has been recognized and gives us pride in this program and town. On the flip side, a lot of times those pats on the back make you ease up and can be a major distraction. I pray that doesn't happen to these kids, they deserve to be successful."
2. How was the game won? "We won by great effort. Our defense came up with big stops when needed, capped off by two two-point conversion stops which changed the game. We scored on two long, quick runs early and then grinded out one for the win. We played well on special teams, as well."
3. You and your staff made an immediate impact at Bleckley as the team had its first winning season in four years in your first season. You had a similar first season at Houston County. What are the most important things that a staff must do to turn things around at a school that's been slumping? "I have been extremely blessed to be the head coach in two systems that put kids first and take athletics seriously. This is a major piece to the puzzle that some don't take into consideration. Administration, from the board office to the building, is at utmost importance. Successful programs that I have been a part of also consider the following:
- Culture. It's everything. Our culture here and at Houston County was always built off of the relationships with the players. Our kids know we love them and always have their back.
- Accountability. They have to be held accountable for what they do and how they perform.
- Communication. Players have to know what we want from them, and they have to let us know things on their end as well.
- Weight program. Players have to lift consistently and be challenged in that room every day.
- Players. You have to have good players to be successful."
4. You left a more high-profile job at Houston County to come back to your home town in 2017. Briefly explain that move again, and has it been as you've expected and hoped it to be? "As a follower of Christ, I don't care a bit about the profile of a job. There is no big-time job or little job for me. It has always been about being where God wants me and doing what I can for the kids in that program. I enjoyed my time at HOCO. We had some great times with those players there. It was truly a best-case scenario for me in regards of a first head coaching job. God gave me this job here for a purpose, and I pray that I walk worthy of that calling daily. How blessed am I to be called to my home town to coach these kids that mean so much to this town It was extremely hard leaving HOCO. I loved it there, but I knew God had a plan here that was huge. I pray we can stay here for a while, but my purpose on earth isn't my profile, making a ton of money, being comfortable or even winning (but I do love winning). My purpose is to follow Christ wherever He leads me. So that's why I am here. It is everything I could ever dream of."
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