THOMASVILLE — Since 1970, six coaches have come and gone at Thomas County Central.
One person has been a fixture on the Yellow Jackets sidelines during that span, however.
Randall Cooper, 75, can be seen on Friday nights — at home and away games — keeping statistics for the Yellow Jackets football team. It’s a job he’s come to love and one head coach Bill Shaver respects him for.
“He just enjoys being around the kids and enjoys having something to do, and we’re more than happy to have him there,” Shaver said. “We just try to keep the traditions of Thomas County intact, and he’s one of those staples. We just want to make sure we keep that group involved and know that we appreciate all they’ve done for Thomas County over the years. We want to still keep them around.”
Cooper recalled, “One of the coaches, whoever was here at the time, asked me if I would do it and I just started doing it. It just got to be, more or less, handed down from one year to the next. I enjoyed doing it. I’ve done it both ways. I’ve done it from the sideline and I’ve also done it in the press box. But I prefer the sidelines.
“I just like to be down there and it’s easier to keep statistics knowing exactly where the ball is.”
Standing on the sidelines also allows Cooper to interact with the football team, although the veteran statistician has to keep both eyes on the field at all times.
“It is fun, but I have to watch out sometimes and make sure I don’t get hit,” Cooper joked.
Cooper is quick to point out that he does not do it alone. He has a pair of spotters, Chris Guyton and Mike Weaver, who assist in noting who runs what play and for how many yards for the Yellow Jackets and their opponents.
“They just tell me what to write down,” Cooper joked. “We have two clipboards, one for our team and one for the other team. I’ll hand Chris Guyton the one that I’m not using so I won’t get confused and write on the wrong board. It makes it much easier.”
During Cooper’s time on the sideline, Central has won five state championships and advanced to six state title games. The first crown will always be Cooper’s most memorable.
“The miracle (semifinal) game at Stephens County in 1992,” Cooper said. “It looked as if we had lost the game in regulation. We had a long pass, then we had to go for two. We made that and went into overtime. Stephens County was winning by penetration, and then we got the ball back with about five seconds to go. Rickey Stacey just threw that long (touchdown) pass. We won 20-14. That was just a miracle game. I guess that’s the one that stands out in my mind.
“Of course, all the state championship games were great, too.”
This year has also been memorable for the Yellow Jackets. After a season-opening loss to Thomasville, Central has won 11 straight heading into Friday’s Class AAAA third-round playoff game against Sandy Creek.
“It’s wonderful. It ranks right up there with the best,” Cooper said. “This is one of the great stories of Thomas County Central football.”
Another great story in the Yellow Jackets’ illustrious football history is currently being written. It’s about a guy, a clipboard and a love for the game. Nobody knows when the final chapter will be written.
“I still enjoy it,” Cooper said. “I look forward to Friday nights.
“Some people say that I’ll probably pass out on the football field one night.”
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