For any coach who has ever uttered the words "it's a new year"... that has never been more true for Benji Boone and the 10u Jackson County coaching staff. The Panthers have seen a remarkable turnaround in 2013 compared to the 2012 campaign.  Coming off an 0-8 record, the Panthers posted a 5-3 regular season record and upset a higher seeded Towns County team in the first round last Saturday to advance to the quarter finals.  Much of the turnaround can be attributed to Head Coach Benji Boone, a Jackson County native, who was as assistant the previous two years.  Coach Boone contends that the credit belongs to the players, coaches, and parents who have bought in to the program from the beginning of the season.  "There is a small difference in the number players this year which has made it more manageable but it has really come together and has been fun".  The focus this year has been emphasizing the team first and in keeping with that philosophy the coaches give out team stickers for team performance, not individual, which makes everyone accountable for their performance but everyone shares in the success.

Although the team started 0-2 with two tough opponents to open the season, they rebounded to win 5 of 6 regular season games.  "The coaching staff continued to believe and encouraged the boys, that was all they needed.  We let them know they were getting our best effort and nothing less than their best effort would be accepted".  Benji is also a GHSA referee on Friday nights and attributes watching numerous game tapes as helping him in coaching.  "I have been watching 10-15 hours per week as a referee so as a coach it has really helped me see the game and look for ways to improve our play.  My staff has picked up on it, we all watch film and I would guess combined we watch about 40 hours per week, there is a lot more preparation than people think to get a team ready".  Coach Boone has stressed defense all year and the team has been pretty tough to score on.  "We decided we would emphasize defense, if they can't score, they can't win.  We want to be physical and run the ball controlling the clock". The strategy has worked so far but the biggest test is coming this Saturday versus Flowery Branch.  "They are a quality team and we have to play at our best to have a chance to win but playing in our Conference against the teams we have has prepared us for the challenge.  Regardless, I am proud of the boys and the strides they have made this year.  It shows persistence and hard work are the keys to success".  Coach Boone is a 1992 graduate of Jackson County High School where he lettered for 3 years and as a defensive linemen and tight end.  His senior year the Panthers were 8-2-1 and advanced to the State playoffs.

submitted by Rick Sanders