RB Jamon Morris powers over a Charlton Co. player in the AA State Championship Game. (photo by Joey Wilson)
Welcome to the Home of the Irish!!!!!!
Dublin vs. Charlton
2006 AA STATE CHAMPIONS.
The 43 year drought for the Dublin Irish Is over, as the Irish and the Charlton Co. Indians battled to a 13-13 tie Saturday in Dublin. Since the Georgia High School Association does not have an overtime rule in effect for the State Championship Game, both Dublin and Charlton are declared the 2006 AA State Champions. The Championship is Dublin's first since 1963 and 4th in school history. The Title is also the first for Head Coach Roger Holmes.
Dublin finished the game with 245 yards of total offense and held Charlton Co. to their lowest point total since 2003. RB Brian Wilcher rushed for 128 yards on 18 carries. QB Ben Cochran finished the night 5 of 8 passing for 60 yards. Dublin's only TD came on a 2 yard run by FB Thomas Barnes on their opening 12 play 85 yard drive to start the game. FG kicker Drew Griggs booted FG's of 25 and 33 yards to give the Irish their 13 total points.
With 7:30 remaining in the 4th quarter, Indian's QB Dwight Dasher, who finished the night 10 of 20 passing for 147 yards, found WR DJ Donley in the corner of the endzone for the score. With the chance to take a 1pt lead, Dasher missed the extra point and the game was tied 13-13. Dublin took the kickoff and started a drive. Starting on their own 23 yard line, Dublin drove down to the Indian's 46 before being faced with a huge decision. Coach Roger Holmes was faced with a 4th and 1 with 1:30 left in the game. Holmes decided to pin Charlton deep in their own territory to try and force a turnover, or a punt which could have set up the "free kick" rule in GHSA. Cochran punted the Indian's into a hole, as he booted the ball down to the Charlton 8 yard line. After picking up one first down, the Indians were finally faced with their own 4th down with 6 seconds remaining in the game. Still with the possibility of a "free kick", Dublin decided not to rush the punter, but Dasher punted the ball over the Irish’s return team’s head. When the ball was downed, the Shamrock Bowl scoreboard had no time remaining and the game was over with a tie. The tie is one of 9 times since 1948 that a GHSA Football Championship Game has ended in a tie. The AAAAA Championship Game between Roswell and Peachtree Ridge also ended with a tie, marking the first time since the rule has been in effect that there have been multiple Championship Games ending with a tie in the same year.
---------------------------------------------- TO THE 2006 SENIORS
First, I want to say it has been a pleasure watching you play for the Irish the past 4 seasons. In those 4 seasons you have accomplished many things. You had an on the field record of 40-10-1, and playoff record of 8-2-1. You made 2 trips to the Georgia Dome, and you brought the Irish their first State Championship in 43 years. Some of your games will be talked about for a long time. The win at Fitzgerald, the comeback at Calhoun, and the Clash of Champions vs Charlton are just a few. Vince Lombardi once said: "A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done. " There is no doubt in my mind that all of you are great men. All of you are leaders and you have set the bar high for the men that are following you. Many years from now.... When your sitting around with your children and grandchildren.... I want you to tell them a story. You tell them how your FG kicker fought his way back from his death bed to kick two FG's in the Title Game. Tell them how your QB became a man as a sophomore, and stayed that man during his career. How he made big runs and throws for the team. Tell them about the LB's who also played FB. Tell how they were always plowing over people and giving big hits on the defensive side of the ball. Tell them how your running backs were smaller than most, but would make defenders miss with ease. Let them know that their body was small, but their heart would not allow opposing players to bring them down without a fight. Also, tell how they were able to make receivers fear them in the secondary. Tell them about the offensive and defensive lineman. Tell how they played hard, tired, and both ways because that's what the team needed. Tell them about the WR and the TE who had great hands, and made many big plays. Tell them about the safety, who got hurt at the end of the year, but played in pain the rest of the playoffs for the team. Tell them about the long-snapper who was always on the money. Tell them about the other seniors, who played hard when their name was called upon. Also tell them about the underclassmen, who also made big plays. Tell them how much time the coaching staff put in for you. How they were away from their own family because you needed them to prepare you for every upcoming battle. Then... After you tell them all that.... There is only one thing left to do.... Show them your ring. Your State Championship Ring.... And tell them.... You are a Champion. And gentlemen... No matter where you go or what you do in life.... No one... And I mean no one.... Can take that away from you. Ever.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tune into the Tailgate Party on 92.7 @ 5pm to hear Doug, Jason, and Mike give analysis, predictions, and news on the weeks game and for all of Football. Then enjoy the play by play beginning 30min prior to gametime. After the game tune back into 92.7 for Friday Night Live where fans give their opinion on the action. All Irish games are live via the internet. Please visit WWW.WKKZ927.COM to listen to the game live via the internet. ----------------------------------------
Irish Photos:
Photos by Joey Wilson and Jason Holcomb of the Dublin Courier Herald.
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