Dec. 21, 2009

Warriors officially receive state title trophy

By Kurt Duryea

CENTRE – Some might wonder what thoughts would be going through AHSAA executive director Steve Savarese's mind as he traveled from Montgomery to the northeastern part of Alabama to make formal presentations of the Class 3A and 4A football state championship trophies.
What are they feeding these boys in Cherokee and Calhoun counties? Or, I wonder what would happen if these two teams played again?

Or, maybe not. Savarese is a first-class, genuine guy. He probably figures it's better to leave things the way they are: Two communities, intertwined in business and life, celebrating the success of their respective school's football teams.

At Cherokee County High School, legendary coach Bobby Joe Johnson was on hand and beamed as he offered these words, “I'm so proud of these kids. Way to go players. And to Coach Curry, you outcoached them, buddy.”

Salvarese also gave high praise to Coach Curry before proceeding with the trophy presentation.

“You've got to have great leadership and Tripp Curry is one of the finest football coaches in the state of Alabama,” Savarese said. “The only 15-0 in the state this year, and 29-1 in the last two years. You had unfinished business and you took care of that. Thank you for a great job of leadership.”
Salvarese then got on with the formal presentation of the Class 4A state championship trophy before a packed house at the Warrior Dome.

“On behalf of the Alabama High School Athletic Association it is my privilege to present the trophy that exemplifies the word TEAM and stands for this entire community,” Salvarese said. “I want to commend you for outstanding sportsmanship. Not only for winning the game, but for the way you played the game. It is my privilege at this time to present to the Cherokee County Warrior Football Team the 2009 4A State Football Championship Trophy. Congratulations. ”
Coach Curry took the time to especially thank everyone at the school.

“We had such great student support and that means so much to this football team,” Curry said. “Our faculty works so hard through the week and on Friday nights and I don't thank them enough. And to our football team, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your lives.”

Coty Blanchard had the final say on the field – he scored the winning touchdown Dec. 4 at Bryant-Denny Stadium – so it was only fitting that the closing remarks were his.

“I want to thank everyone for coming out and supporting us,” Blanchard said. “Fifteen weeks is a long season. You never gave up and we never gave up. I just want to thank you for that. ”