Five member committees have had an important place in the history of the United States. Serving as President of the Second Continental Congress, John Hancock assigned a committee of five individuals, led by Thomas Jefferson, who eventually penned the Declaration of Independence, explaining to the world how the United States would forever be free of English rule.
The Gators’ Head Coach Franklin Stephens is hoping that his own committee of five can possibly make some history for Ware County by getting the Gators back to the Georgia Dome this season.
Ware County has traditionally had a strong running game, but with the hiring of Stephens as ‘head Gator’ it has even gotten better. As Stephens started summer workouts he instituted the same discipline that resulted in state titles at Tucker and most recently as AA state runner up at Lamar County.
Stephens found out who wanted to play and who was committed to being the absolute best as he culled his new team. In Ware County’s opener, the Gators had a steady stable of six running backs, which Stephens call his “running back committee”. In fact, 11 different Gator running backs touched the ball against Brooks County in week zero.
The key to creating a strong running game is obviously fast and strong players; but even more important, creating a work ethic and desire in those backs to be the best. NFL legend and former Chicago Bear Walter Payton would run up a two-mile hill he had built in the Mississippi delta. Though the Gators do not have Payton type hills, they do have Stephens’ expertise.
Stephens’ experience as an All-American offensive lineman at Georgia Southern has helped the Gator backs to understand the running game from creating the perfect pocket, following blocks, and getting the ball in the correct hand with three-point eagle claw protection. Adding to the equation his time as defensive coordinator at Camden County, he understands all sides of the running game which has been evident in its benefits to Ware County’s offense.
Franklin Stephens’ Committee of Five
By John Wood
