Chris Mooneyham

Stratford Academy at Aquinas in the GHSA 1A Private state semifinals

(Updated January 21, 2016) 

Oddly, the state semifinals in GHSA football are usually more dramatic than the state championship matches. There are any number of reasons that can be speculated as to why this is the case. Sounds like a good subject for a future article.

Anyway, Augusta was the site for one of the most exciting final four games in the state this past Friday night; when the War Eagles from Stratford Academy visited the Aquinas Fightin’ Irish in the 1A Private classification.

This ballgame provided one of the best fourth quarter, back-and-forth, affairs in the state this year.

This was their third meeting this year and fourth in the last two seasons. Aquinas had won each of the previous meetings.

Macon’s Stratford Academy entered the contest at 9-3 overall, winners of eight of their last nine. The War Eagles finished 5-0 in Region 7 1A Private, but then lost a cross-over region championship game versus Aquinas, 48-28, on the last weekend of the regular season.

Entering the ballgame, SA had outscored opponents 466-253 overall (38.8 – 21 per game)

Stratford Head Coach Mark Farriba wrapped up his 24th season as a head man in the state of GA. His overall record is 172-109-3 with stops at First Presbyterian, Prince Avenue Christian and twice at Stratford. At Stratford alone, Farriba is 52-33 in seven total seasons. His first stint in Macon was from 2003-06 and he returned in 2013. Farriba is most likely a Hall of Famer; having won state titles in 1985 at First Presbyterian (GISA), 2004 at Stratford (GISA). Four times he has ended a season as state runner-up: 1988-89/ 2012-13

2014 was Stratford’s first in the GHSA. They finished 6-5, losing to the eventual state champs in the first round.

On the home side, the Aquinas Fightin Irish entered the affair at 11-1 overall and winners of 10 straight. They too were undefeated entering the region cross-over game at 4-0 inside Region 7 1A Private. As previously mentioned, they then won region title with a win over Stratford; their third consecutive region title.

When the Irish took the field in Augusta, they had outscored opponents 466 -197 overall (38.8- 16.4 per game). Now if that one total sounds familiar, it’s because both teams have scored exactly the same amount of points in 2015.

The story of Aquinas head coach James Leonard is one that has been talked about a lot in the state’s media. His grandfather, Denny Leonard, was head coach for 21 seasons at the combination of Aquinas and its predecessor school, Boys’ Catholic. Winding down his third year at the helm, the younger Leonard has ushered in a golden era of Aquinas football, sporting a 37-2 record with a state title in 2013.

In 2014, the Irish finished 14-1, losing to Mt Paran, the eventual state champions, in state semifinals.

Many people, because of the recent success, may assume this program has a rich history of winning. That is not actually the case. Aquinas High, before 2013, had never won 10 games in a season. A number that is measured by remembering Aquinas first fielded a team in 1957. In fact, the Irish only had 10 seasons at .500 or above from 1957-2008. Conversely, from 2009 to the present day they have enjoyed seven straight years at .500 or above, with five playoff appearances and of course, the 2013 state title.

A few things to remember while taking in the broadcast:

Stratford Academy rushes the football to the tune of 3,500-yards during the season. Two men had 130+ carries, four had 50+ carries and the team only had 59 completions for the year. In fact, only four players even had a reception. However, their reception leader, Quintez Cephus, is a Wisconsin commit. Remember this when they begin their late comeback.

Aquinas features a great QB/WR combo in Liam Welch and Justin Gibbs; two young men who won state titles as starters during their sophomore years. Speaking of which, D’Angelo Durham is the next running back name you need to know. The sophomore amassed 433-yards and five touchdowns in the two previous meetings in 2015. The Irish offense notched 30+ in nine of twelve.

Finally, make sure, if you only have a short time to watch the game, at least take in the wild second half that featured 43-points. It is worth it.

Here is the link to the ballgame. http://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/ghsa/19940dbce1

 

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Published by Chris Mooneyham

Chris Mooneyham is a twenty-year broadcast veteran employed or freelancing for multiple companies across America. Currently he is a co-host, play-by-play person and guest anchor for Atlanta’s sports leader, The Fan 680AM/ 93.7FM; and its sister stations on The Sports X. In the Fall, Chris serves as the Sideline Reporter for Kennesaw State University football. He also works as studio host, play-by-play announcer and content producer for The Fan’s coverage of Georgia High School football. Come the Wintertime, the focus shifts to the National Lacrosse League 2017 World Champions, the Georgia Swarm (play-by-play). When Spring rolls around, the Atlanta native delivers the play-by-play for the Emory University baseball team, a two-time national finalist. All throughout the year, Mooneyham is a lead play-by-play person for the NFHS Network’s high school sports coverage and over the last decade was honored to call state championships in nearly every sport. A Kennesaw State graduate, Chris holds a Communication degree in Media Studies and a Minor degree in Film Studies. He is also a two-time graduate of broadcasting school (Connecticut School of Broadcasting-1998/ Atlanta Broadcast Institute-2008).

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