ATLANTA — The need to win all three phases of a football game is often dismissed as “coach-speak.”
Wednesday evening at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, doing just that helped Calhoun earn its fifth GHSA state championship with a 20-7 win over Jefferson.
A sizzling start offensively had the Yellow Jackets up 14-0 in just more than six minutes of play, a lead the defense — which caused four turnovers — and the Carlos Lopez-led special teams made sure stood up against Class AAA’s top-ranked team.
“I preach that it takes all three phases to win a game like this, and we won each of them today,” beamed Calhoun coach Clay Stephenson moments after lifting the championship trophy to wrap up his sixth season in charge of the program. “This was a complete game.
“Words can’t really describe this feeling, but to see those kids celebrating right there and knowing all the hard work they’ve put in, it’s very special.”