Last April when the GHSA gave its teams the ability to play their spring football games against each other, many heads turned and ears perked with varying levels of interest. With this change comes differing perspectives that not only challenge the decision, but also question why this did not come about much sooner.
A lot will argue that these games will not be competitive. Coaches are not digging into the depths of the playbook just to pull out a victory in a game in May, and rightfully so. However, the purpose of a spring scrimmage is to assess the talent and determination at their disposal in game-time scenarios. Going against competition outside of the same squad creates a new look on how potential opponents can exploit weaknesses in the system. In turn this creates more optimism when something works.
The spring also allows for the chance to phase out seniors from the program without skipping a beat. It is never easy to find athletes who immediately step in and contribute when ther guys who have been relied upon for years leave. One of the biggest advantages coming from this proposal gives coaches an idea of which kids truly love football and will lay it on the line for the team. It may not possess the same level of bragging rights as winning the same game in late October, nor will it ever. Although, knowing that you have players who will bring the effort and heart to compete no matter when and where is a win in itself. No true competitor wants to concede any type of advantage to the opposition, even if it is the middle of the offseason.
An important aspect is the possibility of these games or jamborees being open to the public. Unlike most high school sports, there are no home-away games in a football season. The addition of this game allows a team that may be the visitors in the regular season the chance to gain some profit by playing that same opponent in friendlier confines to finish out the spring. The amount of fundraising and awareness a game between two community rivals can generate right before the summer could be incredible. Attracting different vendors and sponsors can become easier when there is a significant increase in attendance as opposed to past years under the previous legislation. These days, schools will host pep rallies just to hype an average spring game, but the potential of going head-to-head with a real opponent puts more on the line for the community to get behind.
The annual culmination of two weeks of demanding practice has evolved into something that is now a glorified pre-preseason game. While it will take time to tell if this decision by the GHSA proves to be fruitful, no one can deny the promising impact it can have on coaches, players, fans, and the community.
As we get closer and closer to spring ball, one of the confirmed matchups will be an early rendition of the Winnersville Classic. Valdosta, the reigning 6A champs, and cross-town rival Lowndes will meet at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium for a final run through before the summer hits. Both teams are coming off campaigns that exceeded expert expectations, and they will also meet for the first game of the 2017 season at Lowndes.
Additionally, there have also been talks of Tift County, Brooks County, and Coffee County all getting together for a three-team exhibition in May. These jamboree-style competitions may become the norm as they provides valuable experience outside of intrasquad scrimmages for many teams within the regional area .
GHSA Rule Change Brings New Intrigue to Spring Football
Writen by: Lambert Bales
Photography by: Marque Milla Reese
