100 Years Of Fitzgerald Football

The 2008 football season kicks off the 100th season for the Fitzgerald High School Purple Hurricane football team. The team won't be wearing leather helmets, but the boys will be wearing special commemorative uniforms and "old gold" colored helmets, and lots of plans are being made to honor the team and its history. Not many schools can boast a century of continuous football. Glynn Academy in Brunswick and Waycross High School are two other South Georgia schools that also began their programs in 1909. Waycross has since merged with Ware County High School, leaving FHS and Glynn Academy as the two remaining century-old programs. The Booster Club, Head Football Coach Robby Pruitt, FHS Athletic Director Randy Garrett and members of the community have held a series of meetings to plan activities highlighting the Purple Hurricane’s 100th birthday. Prior to five home games and before the August 15 scrimmage against Coffee High School, players from different eras will be introduced and recognized. All recognition ceremonies will take place 30 minutes before kickoff. At the August 15 scrimmage at 7:30 p.m. in Jaycee Stadium, the school’s 100th football team, along with the coaching staff, will be introduced. The first regular season game will be August 29 in Jaycee Stadium against Irwin County. Members of teams that played in any year in the 60’s and 70’s will be introduced at 7:30 p.m. Any team members who would like to be present and may have questions can contact Louie Harper. The September 5 home game will be against Hawkinsville and will start at 7:30. Former head coaches from any era will be recognized at 7 p.m. Anyone with any information about any head coaches may contact former head coach, Jesse Dyess. This is also Band and Chorus Night. On October 3, region foe Cook County will be in town. Members of any team who played in 1959 or earlier are invited to be present. FHS’s sole football state champion, the 1948 team, will also be recognized. Margaret Hair is the contact person for this group. October 17 brings Early County to town. Game time is 7:30 p.m. Recognition of members of teams from the 80’s and 90’s will be at 7 p.m. Hank Braddy is the contact person for this group. This is Senior Night for players and cheerleaders.  The final recognition will take place on October 24 prior to the Brooks County Game, the final home game of the season. Game time is 7:30 p.m. with recognition of members of all teams which played between 2000 and 2007. This is also Homecoming Night. The public is asked to help spread the word to all former Cane players on these important events in the life of our community. (The Fitzgerald Herald-Leader, 6/23/08) 100 Years Of Fitzgerald Football (Schedule of Events)