Thomasville comes up short in state title game
Published 2:32 pm Friday, December 10, 2021
ATLANTA — One long state football championship drought came to an end in the mist of Atlanta’s Center Parc Stadium on Friday afternoon.
But for the multitude of Thomasville High fans who made the trek, the wait for another crown goes on, as Fitzgerald overpowered their Bulldogs 21-7 to claim the Class AA state title.
For the Purple Hurricane, it was their first championship since 1948. The Bulldogs were going for their first crown since 1988.
“I’m proud of the kids. I’m proud of the way they captivated this community,” Bulldogs coach Zach Grage said after the loss.
The Bulldogs watched in unison as the Purple Hurricane and their coach, Tucker Pruitt, hoisted the state championship trophy at the 50-yard line.
Fitzgerald finished as runner-up last year in the Class AA championship and Friday was the fifth semifinals appearance in the last 21 years.
“We finally did it,” Pruitt exclaimed.
For the Bulldogs, the state title game was their first such championship opportunity since 1993.
“But I am extremely proud of the young men,” Grage said. “They accomplished every goal, except for the last one. The last four weeks, especially at home, were a lot of fun.”
