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 Dacula head coach Clint Jenkins, whose team has advanced to the semifinals for the first time since 2005 with a 56-21 victory over third-ranked Valdosta in the Class AAAAAA playoffs. This is Jenkins' first season as a head coach.
Clint Jenkins, Dacula head coach
1. What did you do well in the Valdosta game, and what was the difference-maker? "It was a great win for our kids and community. We talked all week about what it would take to win the Valdosta game. We knew that the key for us was to finish every play. I thought our kids played hard and finished, and that was the difference for us."
2. What has been the reaction of the community and school to the win and the 'final four' appearance? Is it the best win you've been a part of? "Dacula is a football community, and they do a great job supporting us. Everyone is really excited about the semifinals. It's really tough to get here. Anytime you can beat a traditional power like Valdosta, it's a great win. I'm very proud of our kids and coaches, and yes it's right up there with some of the biggest wins I have been a part of."
3. What have been the challenges of the transition to being a head coach for the first time, and what are some things you've learned about the head job that you might not have anticipated? "I have been here for a while as the defensive coordinator, but obviously being the head coach forces you to wear a few more hats, but I have enjoyed most of it. It definitely forces you to deal with more things not related to football. It's been fun, though. Winning always helps."
4. Did you feel this year's team might be one that could break through and make a run in the playoffs? What is it about your team that makes it a tough out for anybody you go up against? "I think what makes our kids tough is that they are simply good blue-collar kids who love to play football. They work hard and have bought in to what we are doing as a program, so I am definitely not surprised by their success this year."
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