QUITMAN, Ga. - WTXL — 26 years ago in Maurice Freeman’s first season at the helm of the Brooks County football program, the Trojans captured the class-A state title. An accomplishment still engraved in Freeman’s memory. And come Monday night another chapter of the legacy he’s created could be written.
It would most certainly confirm Freeman’s ability to coach and consistently build a state championship caliber program. But what many will take away from their time either being coached by him or simply getting to witness his success on the sideline is that he’s helped shape the lives of so many young men. As a coach, Freeman has left players both past and present with lessons that will carry with them both on and off the field. An intangible connection that creates opportunity and success for many who may never have had a chance at it otherwise.
“Coach Freeman, he taught me how to become a man. He’s shown me a lot in life. He’s been like a father figure to me," says Trojans senior Joaquinn Dawson
“He’s taught me how to be a man and how to work hard in everything I do," adds senior J'shawn Baker.
“It’s important to build that kind of foundation, that type of winning foundation and also that type of experience because those men get older faster in this great game of football," said Maurice Freeman. "So all of that is important and exciting and we’ve had a great time."
Kickoff for the class A-public state championship game between Brooks County and Irwin County, in Atlanta is set for 7 p.m. Monday night.
