Four Questions with Cambridge coach Craig Bennett

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GHSF Daily asked Georgia head coaches to answer these four questions. We'll report from a different head coach each day.

Craig Bennett, Cambridge

1. What is the most memorable game you've been a part of as a player or coach?"As a coach, and since we are a fairly new program, we have had several memorable games. Our first win in our first season vs. North Springs - we won 45-13 - definitely sticks out. Our second year, we upset Pope High School 41-32. Our third year, we beat Rome High 38-21. Our fourth year we beat a ranked Kell team 21-7. And this year, and one of the most exciting wins, we kicked a last-second field goal to beat Johns Creek 22-19. Each one of those we have talked about being program wins, each being a big step in building Cambridge football."

2. Which high school coach would you want your son to play for, and why?"I had a chance to play for some great men. Phil Knight and Danny Cronic at Forsyth Central were so important to me as a player. As far as who I am as a coach, Jerry Sharp at Darlington had the most influence on me. He was a great man to the players, the coaches and everyone he met. I have never seen kids play harder for a coach. I only got to spend two years with him before he retired, but he stands out as one that I would want my kid playing for."

3. What is your pet peeve as a coach or favorite saying/motto?"Our motto, since our first season, has been 'All In, All The Time,' or AIATT. It was said in a team meeting and one of the coaches said we have to use that. It has really become the motto of our athletic program here at Cambridge. I think it embodies the way to do things, not just football. If you are going to spend time doing something, you might as well go All In to get it done right, whether it is school, your chores, athletics, etc."

4. Which GHSA policy or high school football rule would you most like to see changed?"I know most coaches are discussing the transfer issues we are having, especially in metro Atlanta. One rule that has had a big effect on us is the pass interference inside the 20-yard line. We have had it happen to us three times just this season and did not get a first down out of the penalty. I know you can't get the full 15 yards, but seems like it is definitely in the interest of the defense to commit pass interference in the red zone if you are only giving up less than 7 yards and no automatic first down. If 15 yards would have given you a first down, then get half the distance and a first down. If the 15 yards wouldn't have given you a first down, get half the distance and remain the previous down."

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