25th Annual “Battle of Paulding”

South Paulding High School Spartans football team and Head Coach Maurice Allen was presented the revolving “Battle” trophy on Friday night. South Paulding led the entire game but in true rivalry fashion, Paulding County High put up a battle all night on the field. The Spartans won the “Battle” with the final score being 21-0. This is the 2 nd year for the “Battle” game with the Spartans out of a two-year stint. Congratulations to the Spartan Nation for being first class from the coin toss to the end of the game trophy presentation.
The Gresham family would like to personally thank SPHS Principal Ed Thomas, SPHS Assistant Principal & Athletic Director Shannon Toler for their support and hospitality at the game on Friday night. SPHS Head Coach Maurice Allen for honoring what Coach Phillips stood for before, during, and after the game. A “HUGE” thank you to PCSD Chief School Leadership Officer Jason Freeman (former Quarterback for Phillips) for giving a heartfelt presentation at the 50-yard line about Coach Ken Phillips and how the Battle of Dallas/Paulding was established at the end of the game. Friday night football and fall were finally in the air from the start to the finish of this game. Coach Phillips's legacy is one that continues to live on in Paulding County because he often stated many times to his family and players “It takes a lifetime to build a reputation but only seconds to destroy it.” My family appreciates each of you.
Coach Phillip's daughter Kenelle gave out the MVP trophies to each team recipient and spoke briefly about what this game meant to her family. My Daddy told his players after every game that he loved them. At the conclusion, of the presentations I led everyone in the Lord’s prayer because this is how my Daddy ended every game regardless of what the scoreboard showed. Coach Phillips was a man of faith who loved the Lord and his players until he took his last breath on earth.

Front Row Left to Right: PCSD Chief School Leadership Officer Jason Freeman, SPHS Assistant Principal & Athletic Director Shannon Toler, SPHS Head Coach Maurice Allen (holding the revolving Battle of Paulding trophy), SPHS MVP #6 Albert McCoy, Kenelle Phillips Gresham, PCHS MVP #11 Daniel O’Neal, PCHS Assistant Coach Jamorris Wyatt, PCHS Assistant Principal & Athletic Director Kevin Thomas, PCSD Executive Director of Secondary Schools Greg Musgrove, and longtime family friend Susan Leggett.
Back Row Left to Right: SPHS Principal Ed Thomas

Article Credit: Kenelle Gresham