Former Habersham Central High School coach Jimmy Black and former HCHS football player turned pro, Tavarres King, greet one another during the recent 50th celebration of the school’s football program.
The Raider reunion on September 6, 2019, brought together former coaches, staff members, players, and cheerleaders. They met for a reception at Ninth Grade Academy then paraded with a banner around John Larry Black Field before the game.
Both “Coach Jimmy” and “TK”, as they are known, are revered by students and alumni of the school.
A family of coaches
Coach Jimmy taught and coached for many years at Habersham Central. He coached a variety of sports, including football, but mainly basketball. He later served as principal of Clarkesville Elementary School before retiring.
His brother, Coach Larry Black – for whom John Larry Black Fied at Raider Stadium is named – was the school’s head football coach from 1984-1994. He passed away in 2004.
From Raider to Viking
King finished his senior season at Central in 2007 with a state record 1,632 receiving yards and 17 TDs on 99 receptions. He then went on to play for the Georgia Bulldogs. After college, the Denver Broncos drafted him in the fifth round – 161st overall – in the 2013 NFL Draft.
King has played for the Broncos, Panthers, Jaguars, Buccaneers, Giants, and Vikings. His father, Anthony King, once held all of the rushing records at Habersham Central and later played at Clemson.
Photo by Daniel Purcell/Now Habersham
