Heath Webb, Lumpkin County head coach
Today’s interviewee is Lumpkin County coach Heath Webb, whose team defeated White County 61-55 in four overtimes last week. Lumpkin County, ranked No. 6 in Class 3A, can clinch its first region championship since the football program launched in 1961 with a victory in either of its final two games against teams that are fifth and seventh in the Region 7-3A standings. Lumpkin County is 8-0 this season and 16-3 overall in Webb’s two seasons after going 7-43 the previous five years.
1. Have you ever been in a game like the one with White County, and how would describe it? “I've never been a part of a game like that. I've been a part of back-and-forth games. I've been a part of overtime games. But I've never been in a four-overtime game where the game was on the line numerous times and there were so many big plays made. It's too bad that someone had to lose. Hats off to White County. They played a great game.” [In the third overtime, Lumpkin County stopped White County’s mandatory two-point try at the 1-yard line, forcing the fourth overtime. Cal Faulkner then intercepted a pass as White County opened the final overtime, and Lumpkin County ran 1,000-yard rusher Mason Sullens three straight times for the winning score.]
2. What was the single most important play of the game? “The biggest play was in the fourth quarter when we were down 35-28. Cal Faulkner intercepted a pass on our own 2-yard line. That play allowed us an opportunity to go on the 98-yard drive that would force overtime. Without that play, you don't get the fireworks that were the four overtimes.” [Faulkner also rushed for 139 yards and scored five touchdowns. He’s the team’s quarterback.]
3. Your team is one victory from making history with its first region title. What does that mean to the team and the school and community? “I'm so happy for this community. They've wanted a winning team here so bad. Lumpkin County football is the talk of the town. You can't go anywhere without someone bragging on our team, discussing their favorite player, most memorable play or favorite game of the season. A region title would be the icing on the cake.”
4. Why do you feel that your team has been able to get better so quickly? Administrative support and players buying in are always critical parts. Is it that, or is it more? “This is a deep question with lots of layers. First is administrative support. My admin was willing to allow me to bring in coaches that would fit with my vision. In addition to hiring, my administration has never told me no. A common answer I get is, ‘We will find a way, Coach.’ I asked for raises for my assistants. They found a way. I asked for new helmets for my middle school team. They found a way. I asked for GPS tracking devices on our players so we could monitor player safety. They found a way. I could go on and on. It takes an admin team that is willing to take action and not just wish you luck as you head into the season.
“About those assistants, I wanted to hire small-town guys with high-quality experience. Every coach on my staff has been a head coach, a coordinator or a head varsity coach in another sport. These guys understand what it's like to call plays or be the guy in charge – exactly what a head coach needs in his staff members. A head coach is only as good as his assistants. My staff understands small-town kids and how to get the most out of them. They're also just flat-out great coaches.
“My community and booster club pour into this program. They provide us with everything we ask for.
“Lastly, our players ultimately make it all go. They're the best. Their work ethic is tremendous. We never have to worry about lazy days in the weight room. We don't worry about players being academically ineligible. In fact, we don't worry about players even failing a class. We deal with no discipline issues in our building. My staff and I just coach ball. It's a dream come true. I know there are coaches out there reading this that won't believe me, but it's the truth. This is a wonderful place to work.”
