Sports Visions - Magazine November Issue

NOVEMBER 2014

SPORTSVISIONS New Championship Edition

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

_____________________________________________________ Q & A With Dale and DJ _____________________________________________________ NCAA Football Playoff Projection _____________________________________________________ The Heisman Watch _____________________________________________________ MLB Hall of Famer, Frank Thomas _____________________________________________________ GHSA Road To The Dome _____________________________________________________ The Atlanta Hawks 2014-2015 Schedule _____________________________________________________ Dominique Wilkins _____________________________________________________ SPORTSVISIONS Chattahoochee Valley Football Award Luncheon

Every

Saturday 9:00am/8:00c

SPORTSVISIONS THE MAGAZINE OF NATIONAL,REGIONAL AND LOCAL SPORTS DALE A. WILLIAMS OWNER/PUBLISHER DALEWILLIAMS@SPORTSVISIONSUSA.COM (706) 681-5192 DJ JONES OWNER/PUBLISHER DJJONES@SPORTSVISIONSUSA.COM (706) 681-1136 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS KASEY WATKINS LEDGER-ENQUIRER.COM MIKE HUGUENIN FORBES’ CHRIS SMITH PROFOOTBALLHALLOFFAME.COM COLLEGEFOOTBALL.COM COLLEGEFOOTBALLPLAYOFF.COM ART/DESIGN/LAYOUT/PRINTING DECATUR ATLANTA PRINTING DECATUR, GEORGIA SPONSORSHIPS SPORTSVISIONS,USA LLC PHOTOGRAPHY JERRY BALLAS LESTER BOOTH LINDA RYDER BEN WATSON

Thomas is inducted into Hall of Fame

1

Frank Thomas caps his 19-year Major League career with his induction into the National Hall of Fame and Museum

By Scott Merkin / MLB.com COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. -- The unofficial total of former teammates mentioned by Frank Thomas, covering the final two minutes of his almost 18-minute Hall of Fame induction speech Sunday before an estimated crowd of 48,000 at the Clark Sports Center, checked in at a robust 138.

Remember, Thomas did promise during Saturday’s interview session that his speech was all about thanks. But why did the “Big Hurt” feel the need to point out so many? The idea that no man is an island emerges as the most precise answer.

“They all became friends,” said a still somewhat overwhelmed Thomas during the news conference after the ceremony. “All those guys had something to do with my career, on the field and off the field.

“Believe it or not, I cut 50 guys. I got here the other day and it was like, ‘Wait a minute, we can’t do this.’ I had to cut 50 guys off, and I felt bad. I wish I could have got everybody in. There are a lot of people who meant a lot to me over the years, and I could not forget my teammates.”

Those mentions, which Thomas termed as a verbal montage, all but concluded an emotional journey that covered everyone from his family to his friends to key members of the White Sox, A’s and Blue Jays organizations, for whom Thomas so expertly practiced his craft for 19 seasons. Going fifth in this memorable Hall of Fame class of six, Thomas sat like “Cool Hand Luke” as Greg Maddux, Bobby Cox, Tom Glavine and Tony La Russa shared their memories and baseball life before his turn.

Then, Thomas took to the podium after his plaque was presented. The first person he looked at was his mother, Charlie Mae, and the big man’s knees began to knock. Now Thomas understands how some of the opposing pitchers felt when trying to sneak a 93-mph fastball by him.

“It hit me right in the heart,” Thomas said. “My mom hasn’t left Columbus [Ga.] in 15 years. I started crying right away. It was a big day, a huge day for me and my family. I felt really blessed.”

SPORTSVISIONS 2

One on One

By Kasey Watkins

One on One with DJ Jones DJ Jones is currently President of Diamond Sports Marketing and Events he is also a Partner with SportsvisionsUSA, LLC. DJ graduated from Carver High School in 1980 as an All-American Quarterback and his jersey #17 was retired. DJ played QB on UGA’s NCAA National Championship football team in 1980 and he played Defensive back on the 1981 & 1982 Bulldogs SEC Championship Teams. DJ was drafted out of high school by Major League Baseball’s Pittsburg Pirates in 1980 and he was drafted by the NFL’s Green Bay Packers in 1984. He went on to play five seasons in the NFL to include playing for the 1987 AFC Champion Denver Broncos. DJ was inducted into the Chattahoochee Valley Sports Hall of Fame in 2004. He lives in Columbus but he travels throughout the Southeast as a motivational speaker.

What is something that would surprise people the most about you?

What’s Sportsvisisons?

Becoming a financially independent philanthropist… I want to do more to help others!

SportsvisionsUSA, LLC is a business collaboration between my good friend and partner Dale Williams and I. We run a sports marketing agency which operates a locally owned and produced weekly sports talk television show Sportsvisions that airs regionally on Bounce TV. We specialize in strategic marketing consulting, sports marketing and we coordinate and manage corporate or non- profit events such as tailgates, golf tournaments, sports camps and clinics.

What’s the best decision you ever made?

To participate in all sports football, baseball and basketball at an early age. Sports kept me out of trouble it shaped my life and taught me the value of team work, sportsmanship, how to work with others and how to get along with all different kinds of people.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Positive people and positive thinkers I love them. I don’t care to be around negative people or negative thinkers.

Who meant the most to you throughout your career?

My parents Walter and Betty Jones have been my rock and my backbone. They are truly my heart and inspiration for me being where I am today.

The fact that I can actually sing pretty well. (R&B ballads are my favorites.)

What is the last thing you splurged on?

When you run or own a small business especially today splurging is not an option.

What sports figure made the biggest impact on your life?

Wallace Davis my retired high school football and track coach. In over 40 years of service in this community Coach Davis personally was responsible for hundreds of young boys and girls receiving athletic scholarships to attend college and becoming productive citizens in their community.

What is your biggest ambition?

What is your favorite meal?

Turkey and Dressing with Collard Greens, Black eyed peas, Macaroni & cheese and sliced tomatoes.

How do you think college football has changed since you played?

The spread passing and running game today makes college football more of a finesse game.

We played a more “ smash mouth” physical brand of football in the 1980’s.

People think they know you… but they really don’t know this about me?

The great jobs I’ve had since pro football; Former Sports Director and Host of DJ & Friends Sports Radio Talk Show Archway Broadcasting (Columbus 2003-04), Former Vice President of Football Operations for the Columbus Wardogs Arena Football Team (Columbus 2001-03), Sports Director/Anchor/Reporter for WRBL News TV-3 (Columbus 1999-2001), Cohost/VP of Sales for the DJ and Mike Vee Radio Show on WDAK (Columbus 1997-99). I also worked as Director of Sports for Olsher Sports Marketing (NY, NY 1993-96), National Promotions Manager for Mizuno USA (San Francisco1991-93) and Regional Account Manager Codman & Shertliff Surgical Instrumentation Company a Division of Johnson & Johnson (Atlanta1989-90)

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Sportsvisions on Bounce TV Presents…

Chattahoochee Valley High School Football Awards Luncheon Thursday, December 18th 2014 On Thursday, December 18th “Sportsvisions on Bounce TV” www.sportsvisionsusa.com will honor and recognize the top Prep football players and head coaches in East Alabama and West Central Georgia with the 7th Annual Valley Area Football Awards Luncheon Ceremony 11:30am at the Hilton Garden Inn Columbus, Georgia.

The Awards Luncheon Ceremony will acknowledge and recognize twenty-five of the areas high school football head coaches along with each of their best offensive and defensive football players. The ceremony will be highlighted by the selection of the Valley Area Academic, Offensive, Defensive, Special Teams, Coach and Middle School Player of the year Awards as well as several community service awards and scholarships.

Previous Years’ Guest Speakers 2008 Former UGA All-American and Chicago Bears All-Time Leading Scorer Kevin Butler 2009 Former Auburn All-SEC and Three Time Super Bowl Champion Steve Wallace 2010 Former Georgia Bulldogs All-SEC and All-Time Winning QB in UGA History David Green 2011 Former Clemson All-ACC and NFL Defensive Lineman Brentson Buckner 2012 University of Georgia Head Coach Mark Richt 2013 Auburn University Head Coach Gus Malzahn

You can now see Sportsvisions at www.sportsvisionsusa.com and click on the show.

For more information contact DJ Jones djjones@sportsvisionsusa.comor 706-681-1136

One on One

Q&A

One on One with Dale A. Williams Dale is the founding partner of SPORTSVISIONS,USA A Company which specializes in Corporate Sports Marketing and Event Planning. Also, he is the owner of Generations, Inc. Special Events and Entertainment.

Dale is the former director of Prestigious Accounts for the Georgia Crown Distributing Company and former Vice-President of Governmental and Minority Affairs for the Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce.

He also served as a staff assistance to U.S. Congressman Newt Gingrich. Dale was a multisports star who graduated from Hardaway High School in Columbus, Georgia. The Citadel rewarded him with a four year scholarship; he was coached and recruited by the legendary Bobby Ross and Frank Beamer.

Dale started as a freshman and then transferred to the Univeristy of Georgia as a walk on to play for Coach Vince Dooley. Dale had a great year having won the Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year. Dale was awarded a football scholarship

by Dooley. He went on to become a three year starter at cornerback for the Dawgs. He played in two Sugar Bowls (1981-1982) which included the 1980 NCAA Football National Championship. Dale was selected by the Denver Gold of the USFL in 1982. Dale has served as a board member for The United Way, Chairman of The United Negro College Fund, and member of The US Chamber of Commerce Leadership Committee.

He has received honors from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for Outstanding Leadership and named “Man of The Year” in 2001 by the Men of Action Civic Group. Dale currently resides in Columbus, Georgia with his wife Tammy and two children, Amber and Dale, Jr.

How was Sportsvisions created?

Sportsvisions was created when DJ Jones was the Sports Anchor at the local CBS affiliate. I ask him if I could secure some sponsorships would he partner with me to develop a thirty minute sports show and the rest is history. We grew up talking about sports when we were kids and that’s what we do know!!!

What’s the best decision you ever made?

The best decisions I have every made was in 1978 when I decided to transfer from The Citadel. I had received a four year scholarship and was a starting Defensive Back. I loved my teammates but I hated the military life style. I decided I would transfer to the University of Georgia as a walk-on player.

I received a full scholarship that spring and became a 3 year starter for Georgia and became a starter on the 1980 National Championship Team.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is when people or organizations do not operate with a “spirit of excellence”. What is a “spirit of excellence”?

A spirit of excellence is when you have a role or responsibility you do it with intensity and passion. Also, it’s not being perfect but you want to get better and better every opportuninty you get. I dislike people that do things “half-axx”!!!

Who meant the most to you throughout your career?

My mother Doris H. Williams meant the most to me. A single parent mother that raised me to be a hardworker, a gentleman and the father I have become. Also, my fifth grade teacher, Mr. Mason Stovall Jr. My grandfather, Jessie Hunter, My Pop Warner Football Coach, Tommy Drew, and my biggest supporter, Don Leebern,Jr.

What is something that would surprise people the most about you?

The fact that I am a “home body”. I love staying at home and watching the TCM Channel. I love classic black & white movies. Also, I love to grill and I want to become a gourment chef.

What is the last thing you splurged on?

I don’t really splurge on myself. I rather splurge on my family!!!

What sports figure made the biggest impact on your life?

The Sports Figures that made the biggest impact on my life was Erk Russell and Vince

continued on page 16

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HIGH SCHOOL PLAYERS TO WATCH State, Troy and UAB. Was second-team All-State in 2013.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF PLAYOFF SEMIFINAL

PLAYOFF SEMIFINAL

SUGAR BOWL 01.01.15

ROSE BOWN 01.01.15

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP NORTH TEXAS 2015

Amonte Caban

School: Smiths Station John Broussard Position: LB School: Central Chris Rehak Class: Sr. Position: CB School: Pacelli Ht., Wt. 6-2, 210 pounds Class: Jr. Position: OL/DL Notable: Rated 4-star prospect Ht., Wt. 6-0, 164 pounds THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHYClass: Sr. at 247sports.com. Offers from Notable Rated 4-star prospect Ht., Wt. 6-1, 325 pounds Clemson, Kentucky, Mississippi at 247sports.com. Offers from Notable He led Pacelli in tackles State, Oklahoma, South CaroLSU, Auburn, Cincinnati, Clemwith 87 in 2013 and has been The College Football PlayoffandNational lina, Tennessee Louisville, Championship son, Florida State, Georgia, Kennamed All-Bi-City and All-State among others. Recorded 140 LOZENZO SMOTHERS, MARION COUNTY Trophy is the ultimate goal of college football teams tucky, Louisville, Nebraska and each of the past two seasons. tackles, three sacks and 11 South Carolina, among others for loss 2013be presented on-field across the Unitedtackles States.

Itinwill

to the winner of the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 12, 2015.

An ascending virtual football, the trophy’s handcrafted gold brackets surround a hardened steel core. The trophy was created to be raised in celebration of the LOZENZO highest level of team achievement in college football.

ESSANG BASSEY

Columbus High School Position: WR-CB Class: Jr. Notable: Rival.com 4 Star Prospect. College Interest: Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt

SMOTHERS

Marion County

Designed by Pentagram, the trophy was commissioned Tae Crowder School: Harris County for the new playoff era. The design features a focused Position: RB/WR Class: Sr. football at the center of the base that rises to form Ht., Wt. 6-3, 220 pounds an actual-size ball.

Standing at aoffers total height of three Notable Has received here: from base Kentucky, Cincinnati, feet, the trophy and are two integral Read butmore separate http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2014/08/16/3251733/2014-dandy-dozen.html#storylink=cpy LOZENZO SMOTHERS, MARION COUNTY Georgia Southern, Georgia com/2014/08/16/3251733/2014-dandy-dozen. pieces, so the trophy may be lifted up independently when it is awarded at the championship game.

ESSANG BASSEY, COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL

16

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continued from page 3

One on One with Dale A. Williams Dooley. They both gave me the opportunity to be the best I could be as a player and a person.

What is your biggest ambition?

My biggest ambition is to become a Prosperous Man, a good husband, greatfather and a great friend!!!

What is your favorite meal?

My favorite meal is A Grilled Bone In Ribeye, Stuff Mashed Potatoes and Steamed Green Beans

How do you think college football has changed since you played?

The spread passing and running game today makes college football more of a finesse game. We played a more “ smash mouth” physical brand of football in the 1980’s. As a Defensive Back I would have loved to play during this era!!!

Dale & DJ receive the Urban League Community Service Award

People think they know you… but they really don’t know this about me?

I don’t think people know about my Political Background. Since, I stop playing football. I majored in Political Science at the University of Georgia. I was a intern and Staff Assistant for Congressman Doug Barnard, Wyche Fowler and Newt Gingrich. I was a Legislative Assistant for the largest county in the State of Georgia Dekalb County. I was the Vice President of Government Affairs and Minority Affairs for the Columbus,Georgia Chamber of Commerce.

ESPN Experts' Poll Oct. 21, 2014 Name

Position

School

Year

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

Total

Dak Prescott

QB

Miss. State

Jr.

7

3

0

0

0

47

Marcus Mariota

QB

Oregon

Jr.

3

6

1

0

0

42

Melvin Gordon

RB

Wisconsin

Jr.

0

1

5

3

0

25

Amari Cooper

WR

Alabama

Jr.

0

0

0

4

1

9

Jameis Winston

QB

Florida State

So.

0

0

2

1

1

9

Everett Golson

QB

Notre Dame

Sr.

0

0

1

1

3

8

Kevin White

WR

West Virginia

Sr.

0

0

1

0

2

5

Ameer Abdullah

RB

Nebraska

Sr.

0

0

0

1

1

3

Buck Allen

RB

USC

Jr.

0

0

0

0

1

1

Todd Gurley

RB

Georgia

Jr.

0

0

0

0

1

1

ESPN experts: Andrea Adelson, Edward Aschoff, Brian Bennett, Rece Davis, Travis Haney, Chris Low, Ivan Maisel, Ted Miller, Mark Schlabach and Jake Trotter AFLAC HEISMAN LOGO BLACK BACKGROUND

to have his uniform number (#21) retired, joining Bob Pettit and Lou Hudson. He was nam to seven All-NBA teams and won a Gold Medal as a member of the United States World Championship team in 1994. Wilkins starred collegiately at the University of Georgia wher he ended his career as the all-time scoring leader with averages of 21.6 points and 7.5 rebounds. A three-time All-SEC performer and Most Valuable Player of the 1981 Southeastern Conference Tournament, he was selected third overall in the 1982 NBA Dra

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Philips Arena Celebrates 15th Anniversary By Announcing Plans To Build Dominique Wilkins Statue Hawks name Wilkins as Special Advisor to the CEO

ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Hawks and Philips Arena today announced plans to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Philips Arena and will construct a larger-than-life-size statue of Hawks’ legend Dominique Wilkins. The statue, which is to be unveiled at a special ceremony at Philips Arena on March 5, 2015, will be a symbol of the Hawks’ legend’s success as a player both on and off the court. Details of the statue and the ceremony will be released at a later date.

Additionally, the Hawks have named Wilkins as Special Advisor to CEO Steve Koonin and signed the legend to a new longterm partnership. He will also continue in his role as Vice President of Basketball.

“Being honored by the great City of Atlanta and my beloved Hawks team is incredibly humbling, I have to thank all the fans, the community and the Hawks organization, in particular the Gearon family, Rutherford Seydel and Tommy Dortch, who have been close friends and important figures since the day I was drafted,” said Wilkins. “I look forward to continuing my partnership with the team and the City for many years ahead.”

“There is no player more deserving of such an honor than Dominique for his continued commitment to the Hawks and the City of Atlanta. Beyond his amazing play on the court during his Hall-of-Fame career, he has been an ambassador for this franchise and the city for three decades,” Koonin said. “For all he has accomplished and continues to do for the Hawks franchise and the City of Atlanta, we are proud to bestow this permanent recognition of his legacy.”

Wilkins is the Hawks’ all-time leading scorer, ranking second in team history in steals, fourth in rebounds, sixth in blocked shots and seventh in assists. The 12thleading scorer in league history is also a nine-time NBA All-Star and two-time Slam Dunk champion (1985, 1990).

Nicknamed ‘The Human Highlight Film’, Wilkins is one of three players in franchise history to have his uniform number (#21) retired, joining Bob Pettit and Lou Hudson. He was named to seven All-NBA teams and won a Gold Medal as a member of the United States World Championship team in 1994. Wilkins starred collegiately at the University of Georgia where he ended his career as the all-time scoring leader with averages of 21.6 points and 7.5 rebounds. A three-time All-SEC performer and Most Valuable Player of the 1981 Southeastern Conference Tournament, he was selected third overall in the 1982 NBA Draft.

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ALL-STAR WEEKEND — NEW YORK

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All games available in HD. All games listed as Eastern Time (ET) and subject to change.

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12

New Stadium Overview The Need for a New Stadium The Georgia World Congress Center Authority and Atlanta Falcons worked toward an agreement for a new retractable roof stadium to be built on the Georgia World Congress Center campus. Scheduled to open for the 2017 NFL season, the new stadium will serve as the home of the Atlanta Falcons in addition to other sports, convention and entertainment events currently held at the Georgia Dome and other new marquee events that could be hosted in the future.

The new stadium groundbreaking ceremony took place on May 19, 2014.

Since their first season in 1966, the Atlanta Falcons have called Downtown Atlanta home. After spending their first 26 seasons at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, the Falcons moved to the Georgia Dome in 1992. The Falcons’ lease at the Georgia Dome expires in 2020 or when the bonds that financed the Dome’s construction are paid off. This is estimated to occur in 2017. By this time, the Dome will be 25 years old, which is about the average age of retirement of other NFL domed stadiums.

The Authority and Falcons have created a long-term solution for the region, state and Falcons by agreeing to a new stadium on the Georgia World Congress Center campus. The new facility will allow the Falcons to provide a league-competitive game day experience for fans and ensure the city and state are able to retain major events currently held at the Georgia Dome as well as attract new marquee events to the region.

The Authority considered the possibility of a major renovation of the Georgia Dome as part of the evaluation process. A study they commissioned estimated that renovation costs to bring the Dome to current NFL standards and to continue to meet the needs of the Georgia World Congress Center would be nearly $900 million. Therefore, it was determined that a new building would be constructed on Authority property.

• Long Range Opportunity Study (PDF) • Economic Impact Study (PDF)

Importance of a New Stadium to the Falcons A new stadium will ensure a league-competitive game day experience for Falcons fans, and it will help the team remain competitive on the field for a long period of time. In addition, a new stadium puts in place a long-term stadium solution following the end of the team’s lease at the Georgia Dome. It also allows the Authority and the Falcons to continue a successful partnership in the years to come.

Benefits of a New Stadium to Atlanta and the State of Georgia The state of Georgia will own an asset at about 20-30% of its cost.

The public funding portion of the stadium construction will come from an existing hotel-motel tax that is largely paid by visitors, not local residents. Georgia residents will not contribute to the new stadium construction unless they stay in a hotel/motel in the city of Atlanta or certain other parts of Fulton County.

There are economic development benefits as well. Over the three-year construction period, the project is estimated to add more than 1,400 full-time equivalent new jobs to Atlanta and more than 4,500 new jobs to the state’s economy. The project will generate more than $150 million and $400 million in total economic impact to the city and state, respectively, including more than $72 million and $160 million in personal income, respectively. During the construction phase alone, the new stadium will generate a state economic impact that exceeds the amount contributed for construction from the hotel-motel tax.

A new stadium provides other economic impact opportunities from the potential to host new events and a better chance of ensuring other events currently held in the Dome remain in Atlanta.

New marquee events could include a Super Bowl, World Cup and the NCAA BCS Football Playoff, which would have a combined potential to generate more than $300 million in economic impact for Atlanta and more than $450 million for the state.

A new stadium enhances the ability to retain events currently held at the Dome including the SEC Championship Game, Chick-fil-A Bowl, Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game and Bank of America Football Classic, which generate a combined annual economic impact of more than $100 million for the city and state.

ATLANTA FALCONS

NFL POWER RANKINGS

GHSA/Tommy Guillebeau Football State Championship presented by Georgia Farm Bureau

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THE NFL POWER RANKING

THE NFL POWER RANKING 1 1.1.- DENVER BRONCOS THE NFL POWER RANKING

December 12-13, 2014 2.

Georgia Dome

One Georgia Dome Drive Atlanta, GA 30313

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2 - NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 2.

Schedule

Fri., Dec. 13 TBA A-Private TBA AAA TBA AAAAA

Sat., Dec. 14 TBA A-Public TBA AA TBA AAAA TBA AAAAAA

Live Stats For live game statistics will be available at www.WGTCAthletics.com/ghsa.

Statistics courtesy of West Georgia Technical College, a part of the Technical College System of Georgia.

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3 - BALTIMORE RAVENS

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4 - ARIZONA CARDINALS 5.

Tickets $18 Presale at Schools; $20 per day for Ticketmaster and Georgia Dome.

Only infant in arms do not need a ticket.

Lodging Omni Hotel at CNN Center Reservations TV Live on GPB-TV

5 - DALLAS COWBOYS 6. 6.

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Video Live on NFHSNetwork.com/GHSA & GPB.org/sports.

Order DVDs on NFHSNetwork.com/GHSA. Radio Live on GNN Network & 680 The Fan

6 - PHILIDELPHIA EAGLES 7.

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Merchandise State championship merchandise will be available on site by Team IP

7 - GREEN BAY PACKERS 8.

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4908 Buena Vista Road Suite B Columbus, GA 31906 706-507-7300 Mon-Sat 11AM-9PM Dine In or Carry Out

1836 Midtown Drive, Columbus, GA 31906 706-507-0024