The Paulding Pulse: Are You Ready for Some Football?

The mercury isn't falling just yet, but it is almost time for Paulding County High Schools to kick off the 2014 football season! Soon you'll be feeling the cool breeze of the Fall, and our boys will be playing their hearts out on the field.

Today, the Paulding County Rotary Club hosted Paulding County's five high schools to kickoff the season at its 3rd Annual Pigskin Preview.

Coaches talked about their student-athletes, including what a success FCA summer camp was. Each school was represented by several athletes, their principal, and members of the coaching staff.

East Paulding High School's drum line provided pre-lunch entertainment

Hiram High School principal Jason Freeman opens the meeting

In his opening remarks, Hiram High School principal Jason Freeman talked about the impact the district's football coaches have on their student-athletes. From leading on the field to being father figures off the field, Freeman noted the community that surrounds each school's football program.

Coaches from each of the county's five schools briefly discussed their programs and goals for the upcoming season. They also introduced several players who joined them at the event:

Hiram High School represented by (from left to right):

Cody Woods (OL), Jeffrey Thompson (OL), Evan McGee (OL)

Paulding County High School represented by (from left to right):
Brandon Ballard (DT), Takorey Boykins (DE), Tre Lewis (QB)

South Paulding High School represented by (from left to right):
Jake Oglesby (QB), Trevon Simmons (SS), Brandon Sutherland (LT)

East Paulding High School represented by (from left to right):
Ethan Williams (QB, LB), Tae Ray (RB, DB), DJ Wakefield (WR, DB)

North Paulding High School represented by (from left to right):

Brad Swan (WR), Kyle Banks (QB), Tanner Sheffield (DT)

In his introductory speech, Hiram High School principal Jason Freeman quoted former University of Georgia defensive coordinator and Georgia Southern University head coach Erk Russell, "The brotherhood of football is the strongest brotherhood known to man as far as I'm concerned." As part of that brotherhood, the players at Hiram High School will honor the memory of Douglas County football player Zyrees Oliver. The 17-year-old Oliver collapsed after football practice on August 5th. He passed away yesterday. Our thoughts are with Oliver's family, teammates and friends during this difficult time.

If you plan to attend football games this season, you'll notice a few changes at two of our fields. Both North Paulding and South Paulding High School's football fields have been replaced with artificial turf. Construction is complete at South Paulding, and North Paulding will be done by the first game. East Paulding, Paulding County, and Hiram High School will all be getting new fields as well. Those are more time intensive projects since a track runs around those fields.