The Atlanta Falcons Coach of the Week program recognizes 12 high school football coaches across the state of Georgia for their hard work and dedication to making a difference in student-athletes’ lives on and off the field over the course of the season. The sixth winner of the 2017 season is William Harrell of Hephzibah High School in Hephzibah.
Harrell, who is in his third year at Hephzibah, was nominated by John Bowen, the athletic director there.
“Coach Harrell has worked tirelessly in the raising of funds to give the program opportunities not always available throughout the local school system,” Bowen said in his nomination.
In 2016, the Rebels went 0-10. But after dropping the first two games of 2017, Harrell and the Rebels have won four in a row with victories over Westside-Augusta (39-7), Butler (21-12), Hancock Central (35-0) and Cross Creek (41-6) in the Region 3-AAAA opener.
“To win four in a row after an 0-10 season is quite an accomplishment,” Bowen said.
Hephzibah, which is currently leading the Region 3-AAAA standings, will face Thomson on Oct. 6.
Harrell has not only touched the lives of his players, he has extended his reach into the community with focus on educating those who impact the younger football players in the area.
“Coach Harrell has been heavily involved in helping educate the local Pop Warner coaches,” Bowen said. “He is certified in USA Football Heads Up Tackling and uses it throughout his entire program, from junior varsity to varsity.”
To ensure his players focus on their educations as much as football, Harrell has instituted a study hall program.
“He takes a very active role in the academic advancement of his players by the implementation of his study hall program,” Bowen said. “He is a tireless role model that acts with class and professionalism at all times.”
Each week, one coach will be selected to be the Atlanta Falcons Coach of the Week based on his commitment to his team, community and player safety. The winning coach will receive a $1,000 equipment grant, a commemorative football and tickets to an Atlanta Falcons home game.
To nominate a coach, go to AtlantaFalcons.com/CoachoftheWeek. Rolling nominations will be accepted until Nov. 1.
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