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— www.MainStreetSports.com — August 28, 2008 The Banks County News Chris Bridges, Sports Editor 706-367-2745, direct line 706-367-9355, FAX chris@mainstreetnews.com RUNNING TO A NEW SEASON The Banks County High School varsity football season is set for the 2008 season. After months of offseason preparation, coach Blair Armstrong’s squad will begin play Friday against Washington-Wilkes on the road. Photo by Lyn Sengupta The time is now... Start of new season arrives BY CHRIS BRIDGES lair Armstrong knows about win ning. The second-year Banks County High School football coach guided Johnson High School of Gainesville to the state playoffs in each of his three seasons directing the program from 2002-2004. In 2006, he won the ultimate prize at the high school level when he lead Class AAAAA Peachtree Ridge High School to a share of the state crown. He took on the job of mak ing a winner of the BCHS Leopards prior to the 2007 season. Some high school football observers say this job may be his toughest challenge yet as BCHS does not have a storied winning tradition. Armstrong, however, believes his calling is at a First game: •7:30 p.m., Friday @ Washington- Wilkes smaller school setting so he took on the challenge of mak ing Class AA BCHS a winner. It has begun with small steps. Now set to begin his season at the Homer school, the vet eran coach likes how far the players have progressed. “We had the best offseason program of any team I have coached,” Armstrong said earlier this month. “The play ers have really worked hard and showed they want to be part of something special.” continued on page 4B HEAD LEOPARD Blair Armstrong enters his second season directing the BCHS Leopard program. Photo by Lyn Senupta SENIOR LEADERS THE BCHS coaching staff will have several seniors to look upon for leadership this fall. Some of the seniors on the 2008 roster shown include Nick Sosebee, Chris Porter, Demetric Dempson, Brandon Law, Billy Smith, Justin Beasley, Billy Dunn, Justin Lewallan, Chris Mota, Justen Scott, Zach Dale, Tyler Husley, Justin Bowen and Lyn Hester. Photo by Randy Crump BCHS coaches to benefit from '08 seniors Leadership key for Leopards BY CHRIS BRIDGES All high school football coaches look for leadership from their seniors. Banks County High School head coach Blair Armstrong is no exception. Armstrong believes this year’s group of seniors has what it takes to be leaders, both on and off the field. “They have shown great leadership and work ethic,” the second year Leopard coach said. “We have had a great offseason program and our seniors have been there leading the way.” The 2008 seniors will receive their first test this Friday as BCHS travels to Washington-Wilkes for the season opener. A senior-led backfield will be one of the strengths for the Leopards this fall. Senior running backs Justin Beasley and Demetric Dempson are coming off strong junior seasons. Chris Porter will be in his first season as the starting quarterback but Armstrong believes he has the neces sary skills to be successful. Several linemen also have several years of experience in the trenches which is always vital for any foot ball team. RUSHING LEADER BCHS senior Justin Beasley returns for his senior season after gaining more than 1,600 yards as a junior. Photo by Lyn Sengupta