[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 178 (Thursday, December 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2376]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING TOP GEORGIA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PROGRAMS

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                             HON. BOB BARR

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 20, 2001

  Mr. BARR of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is no secret football is a 
second religion to the people of the south, especially those that call 
Georgia their home. The sport dominates casual conversation at least 
six months out of the year; it rules households and weekends, 
determines anniversaries and the scheduling of political events, and 
occasionally instigates arguments ranging from ``just what is the 
problem with the University of Georgia or the Georgia Tech offense,'' 
to ``are you listening to me?'' The traditions that are Sanford 
Stadium, Bobby Dodd Field, and the Georgia Dome have come to be a part 
of Georgia culture, yet the hype that surrounds this spectacular sport 
starts much sooner than the day the college boys strap on their pads 
and take to the field.
  High School football in Georgia has been taken to a whole new level 
of competition in recent years with technique, strategy, and talent 
surpassing the highest of expectations. Athletics have become an 
integral element in educational programs for our youth; teaching 
teamwork, responsibility, pride, and discipline.
  I am proud to say that in Georgia's 7th District, at least six high 
school football programs are to be congratulated on their outstanding 
success this year. Paulding County and Troup High Schools made it to 
the final four in the AAAA Division, while Cartersville High School 
represented the district in AA competition. Cedartown and LaGrange made 
the final four in AAA, and will continue on to play each other for the 
state title, along with Bowdon which will play Gwinnett County's Buford 
High School for the A state championship. In addition to Buford, I 
would like to highlight Collins Hill for its accomplishments in the 
AAAAA division, and congratulate the Parkview Panthers on the team's 
fourth trip to the state championship game in seven years.
  The spirit and camaraderie of high school athletics cannot be taught 
in a classroom, but the lessons learned on the field will shadow their 
counterparts for a lifetime. I congratulate each team for their 
perseverance and dedication, and thank the people who supported them 
along the way.

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