Athlete Spotlight
In the eight games that the Augusta Christian Lions have played this season, starting quarterback Lee Banks has tallied near-record numbers.
Augusta Christian's Lee Banks is in the Athlete Spotlight.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
The senior passed for 888 yards and 13 touchdowns. In the Lions' triple-offense attack, Banks also carried the ball 68 times for 744 yards and 10 more touchdowns.
It's not enough.
"I want to leave a legacy," Banks said. "I'll look at old football programs and see the records and teams. That's what I want."
Of course, with passing and rushing statistics near the top in the entire Augusta area, it's safe to say Banks' name will be remembered for years to come at Augusta Christian.
But Banks says individual name recognition is not what he's looking for in a legacy.
"It's definitely a team legacy," he said. "If all of us come together and come to play, we're hard to beat."
Banks' desire to leave a team legacy is more than just a dream. He, and the rest of the Lions seniors, grew up watching former Lions create legacies of their own.
Banks recalled names such as Brett Newton, Brandon Colberg, Joel Whingter and Nathan Duffie. They're all names of those who have left their mark at Augusta Christian.
"The first person that comes to mind is Nathan Duffie," Banks said. "He brought the team to that state championship."
In 1998, the Lions, led by senior quarterback Duffie, reached the state championship for the first time in school history. The team hasn't been back to the state finals since.
"All those yards and stats are good, but it won't compare to a state championship," Banks said.
Augusta Christian Head Coach Bruce Lane said this team has already taken steps toward reaching legacy status. This year's seniors are the first squad in school history to never have a losing season, Lane said.
"That's a legacy," Lane said, "but that's not enough for them. They're more concerned about dedicating this season to God than to themselves."