NewsAthletics
Tigers tie first in region
Jan 11, 2002 8:00 AM
By Stefan Eady - Faculty
Finishing the season as tri-region champions with a 9-2 record, the varsity football team had a formidable season. The season ended with Darlington tied for first place in the region with Calhoun High School. “This year’s team was a very close group of young men that worked very hard every day at practice,” said head coach Jerry Sharp. “They did not care who scored or made the big play as long as they got the job done.”
The team advanced into the state play-offs where they met Manchester High School in the first round. Although the Tigers lost 13-38, they made their mark by making it to the play-offs nine out of the past 11 years.
“During each game, a different member of the team stepped up to make the big play.” said Sharp. “On defense, seniors Ben Summerall, Frank Stegall, and Robert Sturdivant held strong while offensive players seniors Michael Glanton and Andrew Babcock, junior Drew Nichols, and sophomore Chantz McClinic pushed forward.”
Six of the Tigers were selected as members of the Rome News-Tribune All-Area Football Team. Babcock, Glanton, and Nichols were named first team defense. First team offense included Summerall and seniors Matt Ely, and Stephen Whatley.
This season also marked the last year for Sharp as head football coach. In his coaching career, he became the all-time “winningest” coach in School history and also led the team to their first State football championship. Sharp’s over-all record is 229 wins, 101 losses, eight ties, and three State championships. This record places him in the top fifteen of wins in the history of the state for football coaching.
Sharp will remain at Darlington as the Athletic Director and Coach Tommy Atha will be the new head football coach.
The team advanced into the state play-offs where they met Manchester High School in the first round. Although the Tigers lost 13-38, they made their mark by making it to the play-offs nine out of the past 11 years.
“During each game, a different member of the team stepped up to make the big play.” said Sharp. “On defense, seniors Ben Summerall, Frank Stegall, and Robert Sturdivant held strong while offensive players seniors Michael Glanton and Andrew Babcock, junior Drew Nichols, and sophomore Chantz McClinic pushed forward.”
Six of the Tigers were selected as members of the Rome News-Tribune All-Area Football Team. Babcock, Glanton, and Nichols were named first team defense. First team offense included Summerall and seniors Matt Ely, and Stephen Whatley.
This season also marked the last year for Sharp as head football coach. In his coaching career, he became the all-time “winningest” coach in School history and also led the team to their first State football championship. Sharp’s over-all record is 229 wins, 101 losses, eight ties, and three State championships. This record places him in the top fifteen of wins in the history of the state for football coaching.
Sharp will remain at Darlington as the Athletic Director and Coach Tommy Atha will be the new head football coach.
