Exchange Club luncheon allows coaches to take a break

ALBANY — After more than three grueling weeks of preseason football practice, Dougherty County’s public high school football coaches took a breather Friday to attend the Exchange Club’s weekly luncheon.

The four Dougherty coaches were club guests and, much to the delight of many Exchange Club members, each coach took time to talk about his team and the upcoming season.

Dougherty coach Corey Joyner was the last to speak. After his Trojans lost 34-32 to Turner County in their season opener Thursday night, Joyner showed his humorous side.

“You’ll notice I’m the only one dressed in shorts and a T-shirt,” he said. “I had to sleep on the couch last night.”

The high school football season officially opened Thursday for a handful of Georgia High School Association Schools, including Albany-area schools Dougherty and Lee County. A large portion started Friday night with the rest of the state set to begin next weekend.

Monroe and Westover won’t open their seasons until Aug. 27 when they meet at Hugh Mills Stadium. Monroe coach Charles Truitt said he’s grateful.

“We jump hot and heavy into our schedule next week,” Truitt said. “I’m kind of glad we don’t open our season (this weekend). We need another week to prepare for Westover.”

Albany High coach Felton Williams was the first to speak, expressing his optimism. He said he and his coaching staff spent most of the summer emphasizing the importance of weightlifting and conditioning.

“They worked especially hard in the weight room,” Williams said. “We emphasized the weight room to get stronger and to limit our chances of getting hurt.”

Westover coach Octavia Jones talked about his team having several new faces after graduating a wealth of talent. However, he was put on the spot by a question from an Exchange Club member, asking for his thoughts about officiating.

“The officiating is good here in this part of the state,” Jones said as the crowd laughed. “The officials do a good job. I don’t have a problem unless they throw flags against my team. But the officiating is pretty good here.”