Spreading Our Wings

The Atlanta Falcons are pleased to announce the winners of the 2009 High School Coach of the Week, Captain in the Community, Youth Team of the Week and Cheer Squad of the Week for the Week of November 16.

High School Coach of the Week:

Jonathan Sanks of Towers High School in Decatur, GA is in his second year as head football coach at the school. His team finished 7-3 this season and making the playoffs after finishing 1-9 last season in his first year. The team is making a playoff appearance for the first time since 2004 and had their first winning season this year since then. He is a graduate of Southern University where he received both his bachelor’s and master’s degree.

Each week of the season, the winner will receive a plaque signed by Head Coach Mike Smith and a $1,000 grant from the NFL’s Youth Football Fund to his school’s athletic department.

Captain in the Community:

The Atlanta Falcons Captain in the Community Winner is Dylan Leonard an OT at Ola High School in McDonough, GA.

When asked, “What makes a good leader and why is giving back to the community so important?”, Dylan replied:

“A good leader is someone who always does the right thing and always goes 100%. It is important to give back to the community because it’s important to help out those less fortunate than ourselves.”

The Captain in the Community program recognizes outstanding high school football student-athletes around the State of Georgia that demonstrate strong leadership skills both on and off the field. Winners are selected by USA Football, the Official Youth Football Development Partner of the NFL. Additionally, each winner’s high school will receive a grant in the amount of $1,000 to support community initiatives courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

Youth Team of the Week:

The Youth Team of the Week is the Locust Grove Pony Falcons 9U team located in Locust Grove, GA.

This program recognizes outstanding youth football teams around the State of Georgia through mid-November. Each winning team’s organization will receive a grant in the amount of $500 courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

Cheer Squad of the Week:

The Cheer Squad of the Week is the New Rock Redskins 12U squad located in Newton, GA.

This program recognizes outstanding youth cheer squads around the State of Georgia through mid-November. Each winning squad’s organization will receive a grant in the amount of $500 courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

For more information on these programs, please click here.

kyla Youth Football Captain in the Community, Cheer Squad of the Week, Coach of the Week, Youth Team of the Week

The Atlanta Falcons are pleased to announce the winners of the 2009 High School Coach of the Week, Captain in the Community, Youth Team of the Week and Cheer Squad of the Week for the Week of November 9.

High School Coach of the Week:

Adam Winegarden of Dalton High School in Dalton, GA is in his second year as head football coach at the school. His team is off to a 7 – 2 start.  Their win against Rome a few weeks back clinched 50 consecutive winning seasons for the school and the team is on its way to the playoffs again this year.

Each week of the season, the winner will receive a plaque signed by Head Coach Mike Smith and a $1,000 grant from the NFL’s Youth Football Fund to his school’s athletic department.

Captain in the Community:

The Atlanta Falcons Captain in the Community Winner is Caleb Watkins a DB/RB at Martin Luther King High School in Lithonia, GA.

“When asked, “What makes a good leader and why is giving back to the community so important?”, Caleb replied:

“A good leader is one that people can trust, follow, and depend on and is able to handle the expectations placed on him. He is reliable and can be held accountable for his actions. Giving back to the community is important because the community is what brought us up and raised us to be the young men that we are, so giving back is the right thing to do. It will be God’s will to do so.”

The Captain in the Community program recognizes outstanding high school football student-athletes around the State of Georgia that demonstrate strong leadership skills both on and off the field. Winners are selected by USA Football, the Official Youth Football Development Partner of the NFL. Additionally, each winner’s high school will receive a grant in the amount of $1,000 to support community initiatives courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

Youth Team of the Week:

The Youth Team of the Week is the Glenwood Hills Panthers 10U Gold Team located in Decatur, GA.

This program recognizes outstanding youth football teams around the State of Georgia through mid-November. Each winning team’s organization will receive a grant in the amount of $500 courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

Cheer Squad of the Week:

The Cheer Squad of the Week is the 7-8 Panhandle Gamecocks Black located in Lovejoy, GA.

This program recognizes outstanding youth cheer squads around the State of Georgia through mid-November. Each winning squad’s organization will receive a grant in the amount of $500 courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

For more information on these programs, please click here.

kyla Youth Football Captain in the Community, Cheer Squad of the Week, Coach of the Week, Youth Team of the Week

The Atlanta Falcons are pleased to announce the winners of the 2009 High School Coach of the Week, Captain in the Community, Youth Team of the Week and Cheer Squad of the Week for the Week of November 2.

High School Coach of the Week:

John Small of South Gwinnett High School in Snellville, GA is in his fifth year as head coach at South Gwinnett High School.  His team currently has a 7 – 1 record and will be making the playoffs this season.  Prior to joining South Gwinnett High School, Coach Small served as the defensive coordinator at Oconee High School for four seasons.

Each week of the season, the winner will receive a plaque signed by Head Coach Mike Smith and a $1,000 grant from the NFL’s Youth Football Fund to his school’s athletic department.

Captain in the Community:

The Atlanta Falcons Captain in the Community Winner is Scott Chewning a quarterback at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, GA.

When asked, “What makes a good leader and why is giving back to the community so important?”, Scott replied:

“A good leader is someone who leads first by actions then through speech and words of correction and encouragement. Giving back is important because your community is where you live and where your children will grow up, therefore for the benefit of yourself and others one should give back to the community.”

The Captain in the Community program recognizes outstanding high school football student-athletes around the State of Georgia that demonstrate strong leadership skills both on and off the field. Winners are selected by USA Football, the Official Youth Football Development Partner of the NFL. Additionally, each winner’s high school will receive a grant in the amount of $1,000 to support community initiatives courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

Youth Team of the Week:

The Youth Team of the Week is the Woodville Wolverines 12U located in Savannah, GA.

This program recognizes outstanding youth football teams around the State of Georgia through mid-November. Each winning team’s organization will receive a grant in the amount of $500 courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

Cheer Squad of the Week:

The Cheer Squad of the Week is the Forest Park Vikings 10U located in Forest Park, GA

This program recognizes outstanding youth cheer squads around the State of Georgia through mid-November. Each winning squad’s organization will receive a grant in the amount of $500 courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

For more information on these programs, please click here.

kyla Youth Football Captain in the Community, Cheer Squad of the Week, Coach of the Week, Youth Team of the Week

The Atlanta Falcons are pleased to announce the winners of the 2009 High School Coach of the Week, Captain in the Community, Youth Team of the Week and Cheer Squad of the Week for the Week of October 26.

High School Coach of the Week:

Jamie Aull of Mount Zion High School in Jonesboro, GA is in his second year at Mount Zion High School.  Coach Jamie Aull begins his first full season as the head football coach of the Mount Zion Bulldogs.  He replaces former Bulldog head coach Jarrett Laws, who served as the leader of Mount Zion Bulldogs from 2007 until 2008 before leaving MZHS to start the athletics program at Charles Drew High School in Riverdale.  Coach Aull previously served as the Offensive Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach for the Bulldogs during Coach Laws’ tenure.  Under Coach Aull’s tutelage, the Bulldogs offense continued their tradition of scoring points with a strong rushing attack, producing several college prospects.  Coach Aull places a high emphasis on character excellence in the classroom and community, as well as on the gridiron.    

Each week of the season, the winner will receive a plaque signed by Head Coach Mike Smith and a $1,000 grant from the NFL’s Youth Football Fund to his school’s athletic department.

Captain in the Community:

The Atlanta Falcons Captain in the Community Winner is Desdan Hester a linebacker at McNair High School in Atlanta, GA.

When asked, “What makes a good leader and why is giving back to the community so important?”, Desdan replied:

“A good leader always sets a good example for his peers and shows self-discipline in all that he does. A leader also motivates and encourages his peers to achieve their goals and dreams. Encouraging others is a trait that all leaders have or should obtain to make a difference in their community.”

The Captain in the Community program recognizes outstanding high school football student-athletes around the State of Georgia that demonstrate strong leadership skills both on and off the field. Winners are selected by USA Football, the Official Youth Football Development Partner of the NFL. Additionally, each winner’s high school will receive a grant in the amount of $1,000 to support community initiatives courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

Youth Team of the Week:

The Youth Team of the Week is the Mount Carmel Rams 7U located in Douglasville, GA.

This program recognizes outstanding youth football teams around the State of Georgia through mid-November. Each winning team’s organization will receive a grant in the amount of $500 courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

Cheer Squad of the Week:

The Cheer Squad of the Week is the 6^th grade cheerleaders of Mountain Park Panthers, part of the Parkview Athletic Association located in Lilburn, GA.

This program recognizes outstanding youth cheer squads around the State of Georgia through mid-November. Each winning squad’s organization will receive a grant in the amount of $500 courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

For more information on these programs, please click here.

kyla Youth Football Captain in the Community, Cheer Squad of the Week, Coach of the Week, Youth Team of the Week

The Atlanta Falcons are pleased to announce the winners of the 2009 High School Coach of the Week, Captain in the Community, Youth Team of the Week and Cheer Squad of the Week for the Week of October 19.

High School Coach of the Week:

Jeffrey Battles of Hardaway High School in Columbus, GA is in his second year at Hardaway High School.  He took over the Golden Hawks program in 2008 as the Hawks were making the jump from AAA to AAAA.  To date the Hawks are 11 – 6 under Coach Battles (5-5 in 2008 and 6-1 in 2009 to date).  Battles came to Hardaway from Pacelli High School (A) in Columbus.  He was at Pacelli for 9 years, serving as Head Coach for two years (06-07), Defensive Coordinator (05), and Offensive Coordinator (02-04).  As head coach at Pacelli, Battles compiled a 17-7 record, making it to the Quarterfinals in 2006. 

Each week of the season, the winner will receive a plaque signed by Head Coach Mike Smith and a $1,000 grant from the NFL’s Youth Football Fund to his school’s athletic department.

Captain in the Community:

The Atlanta Falcons Captain in the Community Winner is Dalton Clark an OT at South Paulding High School in Douglasville, GA.

When asked, “What makes a good leader and why is giving back to the community important?”, Dalton replied:

“A good leader is someone whose walk is louder than their talk. Their walk shows everyone around them that there is a “right way” to do things. A leader uses all of his God given talent and ability to succeed and teaches others, through example, how to succeed and learn life’s lessons with dignity, humility, and integrity. Giving back to the community is a great way to show that we are thankful for God’s gifts to us and helps spread the community spirit, hopefully inspring others to do the same, proving that the efforts of many can accomplish more than the sacrifice of just a few.”

The Captain in the Community program recognizes outstanding high school football student-athletes around the State of Georgia that demonstrate strong leadership skills both on and off the field. Winners are selected by USA Football, the Official Youth Football Development Partner of the NFL. Additionally, each winner’s high school will receive a grant in the amount of $1,000 to support community initiatives courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

Youth Team of the Week:

The Youth Team of the Week is the Little Panthers 10 & U team located in Chattahoochee County, GA.

This program recognizes outstanding youth football teams around the State of Georgia through mid-November. Each winning team’s organization will receive a grant in the amount of $500 courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

Cheer Squad of the Week:

The Cheer Squad of the Week is the 8^th grade cheerleaders of South Gwinnett Athletic Association located in Snellville, GA

This program recognizes outstanding youth cheer squads around the State of Georgia through mid-November. Each winning squad’s organization will receive a grant in the amount of $500 courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

For more information on these programs, please click here.

kyla Youth Football Captain in the Community, Cheer Squad of the Week, Coach of the Week, Youth Team of the Week

The Atlanta Falcons are pleased to announce the winners of the 2009 High School Coach of the Week, Captain in the Community, Youth Team of the Week and Cheer Squad of the Week for the Week of October 12.

High School Coach of the Week:

Jamie Baldwin of Johnson High School located in Savannah, GA has been selected as this week’s High School Coach of the Week. In his first season as Johnson High School’s coach, the team is off to an impressive start of the season with a 4 – 2 record.  He is the school’s third coach in four years. In the previous four years before this season, the school was 6-35, including 1-9 in 2006, and back to back 0-10 seasons in ‘07 and ‘08.

Each week of the season, the winner will receive a plaque signed by Head Coach Mike Smith and a $1,000 grant from the NFL’s Youth Football Fund to his school’s athletic department.

Captain in the Community:

The Atlanta Falcons Captain in the Community Winner is Nick Orangio a QB/WR at Mill Creek High School in Hoschton, GA.

When asked, “What makes a good leader and why is giving back to the community important?”, Nick replied:

“A good leader is known as a leader without having to tell others he or she is one, and immediately grabs the attention of others, unforcefully, when he or she speaks. Giving back to the community is important because there are always people less fortunate and it is the duty of those who can help to do so.”

The Captain in the Community program recognizes outstanding high school football student-athletes around the State of Georgia that demonstrate strong leadership skills both on and off the field. Winners are selected by USA Football, the Official Youth Football Development Partner of the NFL. Additionally, each winner’s high school will receive a grant in the amount of $1,000 to support community initiatives courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

Youth Team of the Week:

The Youth Team of the Week is the Sandtown Vikings 8 & U team located in Atlanta, GA.

This program recognizes outstanding youth football teams around the State of Georgia through mid-November. Each winning team’s organization will receive a grant in the amount of $500 courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

Cheer Squad of the Week:

The Cheer Squad of the Week is the Gresham Park Rattlers age 12-13 squad located in Atlanta, GA.

This program recognizes outstanding youth cheer squads around the State of Georgia through mid-November. Each winning squad’s organization will receive a grant in the amount of $500 courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

 For more information on these programs, please click here.

kyla Youth Football Captain in Community, Cheer Squad of the Week, Coach of the Week, Youth Team of the Week

The Atlanta Falcons are pleased to announce the winners of the 2009 High School Coach of the Week, Captain in the Community, Youth Team of the Week and Cheer Squad of the Week for the Week of October 5.

High School Coach of the Week:

Ronnie Millen of Grady High School located in Atlanta, GA has been selected as this week’s High School Coach of the Week. Millen has been the head coach at Grady High School since 2001 and the team has made five playoff appearances during his tenure.  He has been a teacher and coach in Atlanta Public Schools since 1986.

Each week of the season, the winner will receive a plaque signed by Head Coach Mike Smith and a $1,000 grant from the NFL’s Youth Football Fund to his school’s athletic department.

Captain in the Community:

The Atlanta Falcons Captain in the Community Winner is D. David Davis an OL/LB from Greater Atlanta Christian School in Norcross, GA.

When asked, “What makes a good leader and why is giving back to the community important?”, David replied:

“A leader holds the respect of his peers, and his peers are willing to follow him. He must be goal oriented and set a process for reaching those goals. He has a constructive spirit of discontent at all times, and a willingness to take responsibility for others. A good leader brings everyone to a high level, and looks to make the team or organization better as a whole.” He went on to say, “Community is like a team; every component must function and grow in order to be successful. As a leader in the community it is important to become a servant to others to help encourage growth and success.”

The Captain in the Community program recognizes outstanding high school football student-athletes around the State of Georgia that demonstrate strong leadership skills both on and off the field. Winners are selected by USA Football, the Official Youth Football Development Partner of the NFL. Additionally, each winner’s high school will receive a grant in the amount of $1,000 to support community initiatives courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

Youth Team of the Week:

The Youth Team of the Week is the Duluth Wildcats 2^nd Grade team located in Duluth, GA.

This program recognizes outstanding youth football teams around the State of Georgia through mid-November. Each winning team’s organization will receive a grant in the amount of $500 courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

Cheer Squad of the Week:

The Cheer Squad of the Week is the Rock Chapel Cheerleaders 8 & U team located in Lithonia, GA.

This program recognizes outstanding youth cheer squads around the State of Georgia through mid-November. Each winning squad’s organization will receive a grant in the amount of $500 courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

For more information on these programs, please click here.

kyla Youth Football Captain in the Community, Cheer Squad of the Week, Coach of the Week, Youth Team of the Week

The Atlanta Falcons are pleased to announce the winners of the 2009 High School Coach of the Week, Captain in the Community, Youth Team of the Week and Cheer Squad of the Week for the Week of September 28.

High School Coach of the Week:

Phillip Ironside of Hillgrove High School located in Powder Springs, GA has been selected as this week’s High School Coach of the Week.  This school which is only in its 4^th year of existence is off to a great start to the season.  Last season his team finished 8 – 4 and is currently ranked high by the GHSA.

Each week of the season, the winner will receive a plaque signed by Head Coach Mike Smith and a $1,000 grant from the NFL’s Youth Football Fund to his school’s athletic department.

Captain in the Community:

The Atlanta Falcons Captain in the Community Winner is Christian Conley Wide-receiver/Safety for North Paulding High School.

When asked, “What makes a good leader and why is giving back to the community important?”, Christian replied:

“To be a good leader I believe you have to learn to be a good follower. Though for some this may be a hard lesson to learn. My parents put me in some positions where I had to follow and learn to serve. I think if you can serve people and follow a leader then you can learn what it takes to be a good leader. Because a leader is ultimately a servant and is the one who is willing to take the heat for those he serves and make the tough choices that must be made. Giving back to the community is important because I believe the greatest of them all is the servant of them all. We must serve and help those in need around us because if we have the ability then it’s the right thing to do. You reap what you sow and if that is self-centeredness then you will get it back. But if it’s generosity and kindness it comes back and helps everyone.”

The Captain in the Community program recognizes outstanding high school football student-athletes around the State of Georgia that demonstrate strong leadership skills both on and off the field. Winners are selected by USA Football, the Official Youth Football Development Partner of the NFL. Additionally, each winner’s high school will receive a grant in the amount of $1,000 to support community initiatives courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

Youth Team of the Week:

The Youth Team of the Week is the East Metro Titans team located in Conyers, GA.

This program recognizes outstanding youth football teams around the State of Georgia through mid-November. Each winning team’s organization will receive a grant in the amount of $500 courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

Cheer Squad of the Week:

The Cheer Squad of the Week is the Mount Carmel Rams 7 & U located in Douglasville, GA.

This program recognizes outstanding youth cheer squads around the State of Georgia through mid-November. Each winning squad’s organization will receive a grant in the amount of $500 courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

For more information on these programs, please click here.

kyla Youth Football Captain in the Community, Cheer Squad of the Week, Coach of the Week, Youth Team of the Week

The Atlanta Falcons are pleased to announce the winners of the 2009 High School Coach of the Week, Captain in the Community, Youth Team of the Week and Cheer Squad of the Week for the Week of September 21.

High School Coach of the Week:

Leroy Ryals of Clarke Central High School has been selected as this week’s High School Coach of the Week. He is in his 4^th season as head coach and his team has opened the season in impressive fashion. The team’s record has improved in each of his three years as head coach; 6 – 5 in 2006, 7 – 3 – 1 in 2007, 9 – 2 in 2008 and a 3 – 0 start this season. Clarke Central has one best football records in Georgia high school football history.

Each week of the season, the winner will receive a plaque signed by Head Coach Mike Smith and a $1,000 grant from the NFL’s Youth Football Fund to his school’s athletic department.

Captain in the Community:

The Atlanta Falcons Captain in the Community Winner is Henry Anderson, Defensive End for Woodward Academy.

When asked, “What makes a good leader and why is giving back to the community important?”,  Henry replied:

“A leader is someone who recognized his role in the world and does everything he or she can in the community to make society a better place to live.”

The Captain in the Community program recognizes outstanding high school football student-athletes around the State of Georgia that demonstrate strong leadership skills both on and off the field. Winners are selected by USA Football, the Official Youth Football Development Partner of the NFL. Additionally, each winner’s high school will receive a grant in the amount of $1,000 to support community initiatives courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

Youth Team of the Week:

The Youth Team of the Week is 5-6-year-old Fighting Irish Football Team, Middle Georgia Football and Cheer Association.

This program recognizes outstanding youth football teams around the State of Georgia through mid-November. Each winning team’s organization will receive a grant in the amount of $500 courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

Cheer Squad of the Week:

The Cheer Squad of the Week is 12-year-old cheer squad, Brookwood Football Association North.

This program recognizes outstanding youth cheer squads around the State of Georgia through mid-November. Each winning squad’s organization will receive a grant in the amount of $500 courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

For more information on these programs, please click here.

kyla Youth Football Captain in the Community, Cheer Squad of the Week, Coach of the Week, Youth Team of the Week

The Atlanta Falcons are pleased to announce the winners of the 2009 High School Coach of the Week, Captain in the Community, Youth Team of the Week and Cheer Squad of the Week for the Week of September 14.

High School Coach of the Week:

Mike Carson of Avondale High School has been selected as this week’s High School Coach of the Week.  He is in his second year and the team is 2-0 after going 1-9 last season. The program has gone 8-42 over the last five seasons (3-7 in ‘07, 2-8 in ‘06, 2-8 in ‘05 and 0-10 in ‘04). Carson was formerly a member of the staff at DeKalb powerhouse Martin Luther King Jr. High School, which has made the playoffs for seven straight seasons. In his last season as an assistant there, the Lions were 12-1 and went to the Class AAAAA quarterfinals.

Each week of the season, the winner will receive a plaque signed by Head Coach Mike Smith and a $1,000 grant from the NFL’s Youth Football Fund to his school’s athletic department. The Coach will be featured on the Falcons game-day radio show on 92.9 Davefm.

Captain in the Community:

The Atlanta Falcons Captain in the Community Winner is Connor Shaw, Quarterback for Flowery Branch High School.

When asked, “What makes a good leader and why is giving back to the community important?”, Connor replied:

“Character, having a vision and seeing it through, loyalty and trustworthiness defines a true leader, being able to handle adversities and still finding a way to win on and off the field. Digging deep when times are hard, bringing your team together no matter the challenges. It is so important to give back to the community because you should never forget when you come from. Sports give the community a chance to rally together and relieve the pressure of every day life. It is the fans that give the athlete a chance to show his character and become something bigger.”

The Captain in the Community program recognizes outstanding high school football student-athletes around the State of Georgia that demonstrate strong leadership skills both on and off the field.  Winners are selected by USA Football, the Official Youth Football Development Partner of the NFL.  Additionally, each winner’s high school will receive a grant in the amount of $1000 to support community initiatives courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

Youth Team of the Week:

The Youth Team of the Week is the Jackson Youth Association Falcons 14 & U team located in East Point, GA.

This program recognizes outstanding youth football teams around the State of Georgia through mid-November.  Each winning team’s organization will receive a grant in the amount of $500 courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

Cheer Squad of the Week:

The Cheer Squad of the Week is the Martin Luther King Freedom Riders Cheerleaders who are a part of the City of Atlanta Department of Parks & Recreation.

This program recognizes outstanding youth cheer squads around the State of Georgia through mid-November.  Each winning squad’s organization will receive a grant in the amount of $500 courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fun

For more information on these programs, please click here.

kyla Youth Football Captain in the Community, Cheer Squad of the Week, Coach of the Week, Youth Team of the Week