Former AC coach earns victory at new school

The Augusta Christian School baseball team didn't win the Georgia Independent Schools Association Class AAA championship this season, but I imagine that most Lions' fans are pleased with the outcome in Class AA.

Former AC standout and assistant coach Chris Stafford led his North Cobb Christian squad to the GISA Class AA baseball crown earlier this month.

The Eagles beat Memorial Day School 10-7 in the decisive game, behind the heroics of Casou Wood. Not only was Wood the Game 3 starter, he also added a pair of 2-run homers.

Stafford did his part by making a gutsy call late in the title-clinching game - he decided to go with Joseph Honour to relieve Wood for the final 3 2/3 innings.

The move was made despite the fact that Honour had broken his thumb in February and was supposed to be out for the season.

Stafford's decision proved to be the difference, and led to his first state title as a head coach.

Stafford, who teaches physical education and health at the Kennesaw school, also was named Region 4-AA and GISA Coach of the Year last week.

These accomplishments are more astounding when you consider that North Cobb Christian only started playing competitive baseball in 2001. The Eagles finished the 2002 campaign with a 26-5 record.

As a player for Augusta Christian, Stafford was an all-region and all-state performer. He also had stints at Shorter College and Andrew College before moving to Athens and earning an education degree from University of Georgia.

Prior to landing the job at North Cobb, Stafford worked for two seasons as an assistant baseball coach at Augusta Christian. During that time, the Lions won the 1999 GISA Class AAA championship.

Stafford is off to a great start as head coach, and from what I know about the little league, summer programs and talent pool in Cobb County, he should have some great teams for years to come.