BCHS linemen capture second at competition

This was not your normal football competition.

The winner was not the team who scored the most touchdowns. The goal was not to compile tons of rushing yardage or to throw for five touchdowns.


In this competition, players competed in events such as 40-yard dash, the farmer’s walk, bench press, tire toss and the tug of war. It was the third annual offensive-defensive lineman challenge hosted by Gilmer High School. When the day’s events were over, Banks County High School had emerged with a second-place showing behind only Class AAAA Ringgold.

The Leopard players brought home five trophies in addition to their second place overall finish. It was the second year BCHS had competed.

The varsity players who traveled to Gilmer included Thomas Baker, Justin Bowen, Clint Caudell, Zack Dale, Cody Gowder, Lyn Hester, Tyler Hulsey, Justin Lewallan, Isaac Mayfield, Tramaine Mayfield, Justen Scott and Jeff Smith.

BCHS also was represented by a junior varsity team comprised of Eli Autry, Darrell Childress, Blake Cotton, Joseph Denton, Bo Garrison, Nathan Krumnow, Blake Cotton, Dakoda McDuffie, Mitchell Reeves, Josh Staats and Barry Whitfield. Whitfield captured two bull pull challenges. Accompanying the players to the event were varsity football players Chuck Hudson, Jeff Ravencraft, Paul Hoch, Tony Bowen and Jason Armstrong.

“The results from the tremedous hard work these players have done since this time last year was evident,” said BCHS head coach Blair Armstrong. “We drew numerous compliments from coaches and fans.”

A total of 18 teams competed in the competition which consisted of five-man sled pushes, two-man sled and one-man sled. Speed was measured in the pro shuttle and the 40-yard dash.

The 40-yard farmer’s walk with a 75-pound dumbell in each hand and the tire flip competition, with large tractor tires, added to the strength comeptition in addition to the 185-pound bench for reps.

The one-on-one bull pull competition and the tug-of-war rounded out the events.

“We are happy for the accomplishments of all of our linemen who competed,” Armstrong said.