Football coaches rarely want to see their seasons end. This might be because unless you are lucky enough to end your season with a win in the championship game, your season ends with a loss.

“You either win it all or you end up disappointed,” said Coach mike Earwood of his Starr’s Mill Panthers. Earwood was pleased with a successful year that brought Starr’s Mill a region 4-AAAAA championship and a trip to the AAAAA state quarterfinals, but he was disappointed for his players who played their hearts out in a 28-19 loss to Brookwood last Friday.

“They put forth a great effort,” he said, adding “It’s a shame that anyone had to lose that game.”

Starr’s Mill opened the season with a 13-8 loss to McEachern in the Georgia Dome but the Panthers bounced back with a six game winning streak that produced wins over region foes East Coweta, Union Grove and Lovejoy, as well as non-region teams such as Spalding and Tri-Cities. The streak came to an end on Oct. 7 as Starr’s Mill fell to Mundy’s Mill by two points on a very rainy night, but the Panthers would once again go on a winning streak that would carry them to the state quarterfinals. The Panthers handed Newnan and Fayette County losses to close out the regular season and capture a region crown. Those wins were followed by victories in the state playoffs over Brunswick and Colquitt County, setting up the game against Brookwood.

This was the final year for Starr’s Mill in AAAAA. They will move down to AAAA next fall and will be in the same region with Fayette County, McIntosh and Whitewater, which is something that the students and Earwood are very excited about.

“Not only will we play against schools more our size but playing other teams in the county will bring a lot of excitement to the games,” said Earwood. “It’s a great thing for football in the county.”

Starr’s Mill will have some reloading and rebuilding to do next year as eight starters on offense and eight starters on defense will be graduating in the spring. Among some of the bigger departures will be halfback Antonio Brown, receiver Sir Brian Roberts and the entire offensive line, as well as defensive ends Bradley Conner and Jeff Partlow.

Earwood gave credit to his entire team for a great season and cited the defensive play of Conner and Partlow, as well as Daniel Beaman, who was an emotional leader, and Chad Gloer, who was a ferocious hitter. On offense, Earwood credited the entire offensive line with having a tremendous season, gelling early and really blocking well as the season progressed.

“They were one of the top offensive lines that we’ve ever had here,” said Earwood.

Their work made it possible for Brown, Greg Davis and Brandon Witta to have terrific seasons running the ball, while also protecting quarterback Robby Davis, who also had a good year.

Starr’s Mill refused to quit this year and they were in it until the very end. Their efforts this season made the school and the community proud.

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