CLEVELAND -- White County quarterback Cole Segraves' other job is a cheerleader.
Well, maybe not in the traditional sense, as he doesn't use pom-poms. But when the sophomore isn't on the field running the Warriors offense, he can be seen yelling encouragement to his defensive teammates.
"I just know that we need to be a team and be there for each other, and I know how important it is for everyone to do their job," Segraves said Wednesday as White County prepares to hit the road against Grady in the second round of the Class AAA playoffs.
Segraves has certainly been doing his fair share in 2010. The signal caller has passed more than 1,200 yards and run for nearly 800 to lead White County (9-2) farther than any other Warrior team has gone in the state playoffs. He helped lead a second half comeback to beat LaGrange 28-20 last week in the first round for the first-ever state tournament win in school history.
"Cole just has that drive to succeed that is hard to teach," White County coach Tommy Flowers said. "We knew he was going to be a special player and were expecting big things from him despite the fact he was just a sophomore. He is mentally tough, works hard, and is just a tough, tough competitor."
Flowers said one thing he enjoys watching Segraves do on game days is also one of the things that scares him the most.
"Every time he runs the ball he finds someone to run over," he said. "It's fun to watch and, frankly, I just try not to think about him getting hurt. But there have been some big collisions this year."
Segraves said it's all just part of what makes him successful on the field.
"To me, that's the fun part," he said. "I know you can get hurt on any play, but right now I'm just telling myself I'm not going to get hurt. All I'm thinking about is just getting that first down or getting into the end zone or just making a big play to help us win."
That attitude helped Segraves lead the Warriors to two second half touchdowns last week as they rallied to beat the Grangers.
"I never thought we were going to lose," Segraves said. "Our defense has a way of making a big play and getting us going again, and that's why I'm always cheering them on. I'm their biggest fan. What I try to do is make sure we keep the ball and keep them fresh and off the field. Once they made the play (blocking an extra point in last week's win), I knew we were going to come back."
Segraves said the Warriors will need the ultimate team performance when taking on the Grey Knights (10-1), who have allowed just 89 points all season. Grady also has an explosive offense that is averaging 44 points a game.
"They are fast and athletic and will definitely be the best team we've faced so far this year," Flowers said.
Segraves said he knows White County is the underdog but is not ready to end the ride just yet.
"We will need to bring our 'A' game, that's for sure," he said "But we can beat them. If we take care of the ball and don't give up the big play, we definitely can win. I'm ready to go."
And his secret strategy for knocking of the Grey Knights?
"Cheering on the defense to get us the ball so that we can do our thing," Segraves said. "We are a close team, and if we play like a team things will work out for us."
WHITE COUNTY at GRADY
-- WHAT: Second round Class AAA football playoff
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
-- WHERE: Grady Stadium, Atlanta
-- RADIO: 105.1 FM
-- WHITE COUNTY (9-2, No. 2 seed Region 8-AAA): Defeated LaGrange 28-20 in the first round.
-- GRADY (10-1, No. 1 seed Region 5-AAA): Defeated Gilmer 48-0 in the first round. The Grey Knights are ranked No. 7 in Class AAA by the AP and coaches.
-- WINNER PLAYS: Thomson at Peach County winner in quarterfinals
Friday
January 31st, 2025
7:53AM
