Raiders coach Benji Harrison heads up the East squad in the annual FCA East/West Classic Saturday at 1 p.m. at John Larry Black Field, coaching not only Raiders players, but some from rivals Stephens and White, as well as Lumpkin and Rabun Gap.
It’s an interesting dynamic to have rival players join forces, and it should make for an interesting Saturday afternoon inside Raider Stadium. Familiar faces for team East include Raiders Michael Babers, Cole Wilbanks, Aaron Galloway, Austin Frady, Hampton Hotard, Jake Jones, Dylan Holcomb, Trey Hurt and Brandon Mitchell, along with Stephens County star running back AJ Howard and White County standout Ky Crowe. Notable standouts for Team West include Union RB Bo Lynch and Towns County’s Kobe Denton (RB) and Russell Cox (QB/RB).
“It’s always fun to get with players that usually you are coaching against or trying to defend,” states Harrison. “So, to have them on your side for a change is a lot of fun.”
Habersham senior Aaron Galloway, playing in the game Saturday, echoes Harrison’s feelings.
“It’s a different experience playing with people you went against earlier in the season, but a good chance to meet new people,” says Galloway.
The Raiders faced both Stephens and White County this season, both on the road. Habersham fell at Stephens County, but won a thriller over the Warriors.
“It’s special to play on the Raider field one last time under coach Harrison.” -Aaron Galloway
Perhaps making this game more special to Harrison and Raiders players are that it provides one last chance to team up.
“It’s really cool to get to go out there one more time with some our seniors,” says Harrison. “I know it’s special for them to get to play another game in Raider Stadium. It’s just one more great memory that we get to make on our home turf.”
“It’s a great opportunity to play one last time with your teammates,” adds Galloway. “It’s special to play on the Raider field one last time under coach Harrison.”
As for the game itself, fans can expect a typical high school game in terms of format.
“The game will run pretty much like a normal game,” states Harrison. “The biggest difference will be in special teams with only kick off and kick returns being live.”
The FCA East vs West Classic game will kickoff at 1:00 this Saturday. We’ll be hosting the contest as well as live tweeting. #FCAEastWest pic.twitter.com/GNFUrvWvAj
— Habersham Raiders (@hchsraiders) December 13, 2016
With players from multiple programs joining up, and only having limited practice, fans aren’t likely to see anything unusual with the play calling. While the East team is composed of players for Habersham, Lumpkin, White, Stephens and Rabun Gap, the West squad consists of players from Union, Towns, Gilmer, Fannin and Pickens.
“With only three practices, you have to stay pretty simple on both sides of the ball,” explains Harrison. “But these kids have a done a great job in taking everything in and getting ready to play.”
For Harrison and other Habersham coaches, this game also allows them the chance to coach alongside fellow coaches around the area, including former White County head coach (recently re-signed) Bill Ballard. Lumpkin County head coach Shane Williamson was slated to coach, but was ultimately not able to participate.
“I’ve known most all of the other coaches for a while and it’s been a lot fun to being out there with those guys,” says Harrison. “Getting to coach with good friends from other staffs is always a fun thing for us.”
While the game proves to be another great memory for the coaches and players, it also offers one last chance for some of these seniors to impress college scouts, ensuring that fans will see players put forth their best efforts.
“We always practice and play to win, so the main focus is going out and playing hard,” says Galloway.
Take some time out of your Saturday and head over the John Larry Black Field at 1 p.m. for the annual FCA East/West Classic. Cost is $5 at the gate.
