White County High School
Encyclopedia
White County High School is a public high school
located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains
, USA, and serves the youth of Cleveland
and Helen
in grades 10-12. It is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
(SACS).
. Both the old Nacoochee Gym and school still stand. The school is now a museum with many pictures, trophies and other memorabilia of the Nacoochee School in its displays. Both the gym and school are located just off Georgia Highway 17 near the Sautee Nacoochee Post Office.
Students were segregated until 1964 in the White County School system. Prior to the 1964 integration, black children went to one of three schools: Rock Springs, Oak Springs or Bean Creek. After completing grade school, black students were bussed to nearby Habersham County
to attend High School. Desegregation was accomplished in White County
Schools harmoniously and without much fanfare. In 2010 the old high school (which served as the middle school) was demolished to build a new Middle School.
White County launched its football program in 1956 when the school was still known as Cleveland High School. The team finished 3-3-1 in its inaugural season.
Head Coaches of the Warrior Football program since its inception:
The most successful of all Warrior Head Coaches was Coach Jerry Dorsey who holds a .609 winning percentage. Coach Dorsey was the first coach to lead the program into the playoffs back in 1980.
The early to mid 1980s are considered the “golden age” of Warrior Football. Between 1980 and 1987 the program boasted a 51-33-1 record with four trips to the playoffs. The 1983 squad and the 2010 squad are the only teams to have won a playoff game and the 2010 team is the only team to have won a home playoff game. Both the 1983 squad and the 2010 squad earned Region Runner-Up accolades. The 1980 and 2010 squads are the only squads to earn Sub-Region Championships.
The program has produced thirteen all-state players throughout the years:
In the 1970s and 1980s the school gained a reputation for turning out some of the best Tailbacks in the state often with the last name Dorsey or Moss. During that time three men distinguished themselves from all others - Jesse Dorsey (1970s), Gary “Curly” Moss (1980s) and Glen “The Hoss” Dorsey (1980s). Jesse Dorsey still holds the career rushing record at White County. Jesse Dorsey went on to play college ball at Georgia and Tennessee Tech, Gary “Curly” Moss played for Georgia coaching legend Vince Dooley and Glen “The Hoss” Dorsey played at Western Carolina. Donnie Joe Campbell, Jr. is still the all-time passing leader for the Warriors and played for Appalachian State in college. He is now a plastic surgeon in Gainesville, Georgia and is a top sponsor for the Warrior program.
Since the initial 1956 season the Warriors have played sixty-five different opponents; with their biggest rival being the Lumpkin County Indians. As of 2011 White County and Lumpkin County have played a total of forty-four times with the Warriors holding a commanding 32-11-1 record in the series. In recent years the Warriors have developed a heated rivalry with the North Hall Trojans. As of 2011 that series is tied at 20-20-0. Since 2007 the Warriors have had three consecutive winning seasons and have enjoyed the playoffs twice. The 2007 campaign saw the Warriors take the Carver Panthers into overtime before losing 20-13. The 2007 Campaign was the first time since 2001 the Warriors had went to the playoffs. The 2010 campaign will go down as the most successful campaign in Warrior Football history. The Squad boasted a 9-3 record, a home playoff win, a Sub Region Championship and a player (Ashley Lowery) committing to a Division I school (Kentucky). Lowery joins Jesse Dorsey (UGA, Tennessee Tech) and Gary "Curly" Moss (UGA) as the only Warrior Football Players to sign with a FBS program.
Playoff Record as of 2010: 2-9
Records by Year:
When the Baseball team qualified for the playoffs in 2008, it was the first time since 1990 a Warrior Baseball Team made it into the post season. They were the Number 4 seed coming out of Region 7-AAA
All-State Players:
Gainesville Times All-Area Player:
Gainesville Times All-Area Team:
In addition to being named to the Gainesville Times All-Area Teams both Luke Crumley and David Sosebee inked Letters of Intent with the University of Georgia's Baseball Team. Sosebee was also drafted in the 48th round of the 2011 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox.
On Saturday March 14, 1981 at Georgia Tech’s Alexander Memorial Coliseum, the Lady Warriors led by Guards Frankie and Annette Dorsey, Forward Anne Smith and Center Sonya Thomas, downed the East Hall Lady Vikings 46 – 39 to claim the school’s first State Championship. The game was a see saw battle until the fourth quarter. Coach Loudermilk decided to triple team East Hall’s All-State player, Brenda Hill, and essentially shut her down for the majority of the contest. When Hill left the game for a break, Coach Loudermilk employed a tight zone defense. With their leading scorer effectively neutralized, East Hall had trouble scoring and became more demoralized as the game went on. After the game Coach William “Wicky” Loudermilk was asked how he felt by a Gainesville Times reporter, to which he replied “Fine, fine.”
During the late 1970s and early 1980s the Lady Warrior’s biggest rival were the East Hall Lady Vikings. In recent years the Lady Warriors have had a heated rivalry with the North Hall Lady Trojans.
In 2011 Coach Beth Kimsey became Head Coach of the Lady Warriors.
High school
High school is a term used in parts of the English speaking world to describe institutions which provide all or part of secondary education. The term is often incorporated into the name of such institutions....
located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains
Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains are a physiographic province of the larger Appalachian Mountains range. This province consists of northern and southern physiographic regions, which divide near the Roanoke River gap. The mountain range is located in the eastern United States, starting at its southern-most...
, USA, and serves the youth of Cleveland
Cleveland, Georgia
Cleveland is a city in White County, Georgia, United States. The population was 1,907 at the 2000 census. The city is the county seat of White County....
and Helen
Helen, Georgia
Helen is a city located on the Chattahoochee River in White County in the north of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2000 census, the city's population was 420.-History:...
in grades 10-12. It is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is one of the six regional accreditation organizations recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation...
(SACS).
School colors
Traditional colors are Navy Blue and White. In the early 1990s Gold trim was added to uniforms to honor the old Nacoochee High School, which merged into White County High School in the late 1950s. The old Nacoochee school was located northeast of Helen, GeorgiaHelen, Georgia
Helen is a city located on the Chattahoochee River in White County in the north of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2000 census, the city's population was 420.-History:...
. Both the old Nacoochee Gym and school still stand. The school is now a museum with many pictures, trophies and other memorabilia of the Nacoochee School in its displays. Both the gym and school are located just off Georgia Highway 17 near the Sautee Nacoochee Post Office.
About White County High School
The school opened its doors in 1959 but it has since moved and is located approximately 5 miles north of the original campus on Highway 129. In the middle of the 1950s all of the local community schools, which numbered twenty-three, were consolidated into four districts. Most of the community schools only went to the eighth grade; afterwards, the students matriculated to either Cleveland High School or Nacoochee High School. Cleveland High School and Nacoochee High School consolidated into White County High School in 1959.Students were segregated until 1964 in the White County School system. Prior to the 1964 integration, black children went to one of three schools: Rock Springs, Oak Springs or Bean Creek. After completing grade school, black students were bussed to nearby Habersham County
Habersham County, Georgia
Habersham County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. It was created on December 15, 1818, and named for Colonel Joseph Habersham. As of 2000, the population was 35,902. The 2007 Census Estimate shows a population of 42,272. Clarkesville is the county seat.Chartered in 1823, the...
to attend High School. Desegregation was accomplished in White County
White County, Georgia
White County is a county located in the northeast corner of the U.S. state of Georgia. It was created on December 22, 1857, from part of Habersham County. The county was named for Newton County Representative David T. White, who helped a Habersham representative successfully attain passage of an...
Schools harmoniously and without much fanfare. In 2010 the old high school (which served as the middle school) was demolished to build a new Middle School.
Significant Events That Affected The White County School System
- 1872 - The Board of Education approves the first textbooks for use in local schools.
- 1912 - The "Corn Club" was formed. It was the forerunner of the present FFA Club and the first school club in White County.
- 1920 - Sports programs are established when Basketball is introduced at Cleveland and Nacoochee High Schools.
- 1938 - Gymnasiums were authorized and completed at Cleveland and Nacoochee High Schools. -->
Athletics
- Football
- Boys basketball
- Girls basketball
- Cheerleading
- Baseball
- Softball
- Marching Band
- Cross country
- Track and field
- Boys soccer
- Girls soccer
- Boys golf
- Girls golf
- Wrestling
- Tennis
Football
- Overall Record: (252-290-9)
White County launched its football program in 1956 when the school was still known as Cleveland High School. The team finished 3-3-1 in its inaugural season.
Head Coaches of the Warrior Football program since its inception:
- Ed Singleton – 1956 to 1959
- William “Wicky” Loudermilk – 1960 to 1964 and 1966 to 1970
- Henry Shaddix – 1965
- Bill White – 1971 to 1977
- Jerry Dorsey – 1978 to 1983
- Mitchell Barrett – 1984 to 1988
- Brent Brookshire – 1989 to 1993 and 2000 to 2002
- Danny Wiseman- 1994
- Lee Shaw – 1995 to 1999
- Mark Wilson – 2003 to 2005
- Gregg Seagraves – 2006 to 2010
- Tommy Flowers (Interim) - 2010
- Bill Ballard - 2011
The most successful of all Warrior Head Coaches was Coach Jerry Dorsey who holds a .609 winning percentage. Coach Dorsey was the first coach to lead the program into the playoffs back in 1980.
The early to mid 1980s are considered the “golden age” of Warrior Football. Between 1980 and 1987 the program boasted a 51-33-1 record with four trips to the playoffs. The 1983 squad and the 2010 squad are the only teams to have won a playoff game and the 2010 team is the only team to have won a home playoff game. Both the 1983 squad and the 2010 squad earned Region Runner-Up accolades. The 1980 and 2010 squads are the only squads to earn Sub-Region Championships.
The program has produced thirteen all-state players throughout the years:
- Bradley Dorsey – 1959
- Bill White – 1962 (Bill White was later a Head Coach of the Warriors)
- Chris Black – 1967
- Bruce Tolbert – 1971
- Jesse Dorsey – 1971 and 1972 (also the AJC’s “Running Back of the Year” in 1972)
- Gary “Curly” Moss – 1981
- Glen “The Hoss” Dorsey 1982 and 1983
- Donnie Joe Campbell, Jr. – 1988
- Chase Crumley – 1999
- Tasi Suaava – 2008
- Lafoga Tokio – 2009
- Mark Berdenwarper - 2009
- Ashley Lowery - 2010 (Also made the AJC's "Fab 50" recruits list and was named an Associated Press All-State player as an Athlete in 2010)
In the 1970s and 1980s the school gained a reputation for turning out some of the best Tailbacks in the state often with the last name Dorsey or Moss. During that time three men distinguished themselves from all others - Jesse Dorsey (1970s), Gary “Curly” Moss (1980s) and Glen “The Hoss” Dorsey (1980s). Jesse Dorsey still holds the career rushing record at White County. Jesse Dorsey went on to play college ball at Georgia and Tennessee Tech, Gary “Curly” Moss played for Georgia coaching legend Vince Dooley and Glen “The Hoss” Dorsey played at Western Carolina. Donnie Joe Campbell, Jr. is still the all-time passing leader for the Warriors and played for Appalachian State in college. He is now a plastic surgeon in Gainesville, Georgia and is a top sponsor for the Warrior program.
- Gary “Curly” Moss had a very successful collegiate career at the University of Georgia where he was the hero of the 1984 Cotton Bowl and the defensive MVP of the 1986 Hall of Fame Bowl. The following is an excerpt from the Cotton Bowl Archives: ”When the clock struck the 4:35 mark in the fourth period, the Texas defense again had forced a frustrated Bulldog offense into a punting situation at the Georgia 34-yard line. Only twice in the second half had the Dawgs managed to move the football into Texas territory. In came Chip Andrews to punt the ball away for the eighth time. With the clock becoming a factor, and Georgia growing more and more desperate as each second passed, Texas became fearful of a possible fake. The Longhorns selected not to bring in their regular punt return unit, and Craig Curry replaced Jitter Fields as the return man. Andrews got the kick away, a 43-yarder and Curry moved into position to make the catch. But, Curry dropped the ball and the Bulldogs’ Gary Moss was on the spot to make the recovery at the Texas 23. In a matter of seconds, the Longhorns’ fortunes had taken a severe turn for the worse. Three plays after the fumbled punt, Texas’ hopes for the No. 1 spot went down the drain. Georgia quarterback John Lastinger, working the option around the right side, broke free at the line of scrimmage, turned up field and carried 17 yards for the touchdown. Butler added the extra point with 3:22 left and the underdog Dawgs had a 10-9 victory. The Longhorns had suffered their first defeat when they could least afford it. Seven hours later, top ranked Nebraska met the same fate. Miami pulled off a 31-30 upset over the Huskers, and used the victory to climb into first place.”[11].Gary “Curly” Moss went on to play with the Atlanta Falcons in 1987.
Since the initial 1956 season the Warriors have played sixty-five different opponents; with their biggest rival being the Lumpkin County Indians. As of 2011 White County and Lumpkin County have played a total of forty-four times with the Warriors holding a commanding 32-11-1 record in the series. In recent years the Warriors have developed a heated rivalry with the North Hall Trojans. As of 2011 that series is tied at 20-20-0. Since 2007 the Warriors have had three consecutive winning seasons and have enjoyed the playoffs twice. The 2007 campaign saw the Warriors take the Carver Panthers into overtime before losing 20-13. The 2007 Campaign was the first time since 2001 the Warriors had went to the playoffs. The 2010 campaign will go down as the most successful campaign in Warrior Football history. The Squad boasted a 9-3 record, a home playoff win, a Sub Region Championship and a player (Ashley Lowery) committing to a Division I school (Kentucky). Lowery joins Jesse Dorsey (UGA, Tennessee Tech) and Gary "Curly" Moss (UGA) as the only Warrior Football Players to sign with a FBS program.
Notable football seasons
- 2010: (9-3) Class AAA State Playoffs - Sub Region Champions; Region Runner Up
- 2009: (7-3)
- 2007: (7-4) Class AAA State Playoffs
- 2001: (6-5) Class AA State Playoffs
- 1987: (6-4) Class AA State Playoffs
- 1983: (8-4) Class AA State Playoffs - Region Runner Up
- 1981: (8-3) Class AA State Playoffs
- 1980: (9-2) Class AA State Playoffs - Sub Region Champions
- 1979: (9-1)
Warrior football playoff results
- 11/14/1980 White County 13 Oconee County 35 (1st trip to playoffs in school history - Coach Jerry Dorsey)
- 11/13/1981 White County 27 East Hall 28 (Coach Jerry Dorsey)
- 11/11/1983 White County 21 Oconee County 14 (1st playoff win in school history - Coach Jerry Dorsey)
- 11/18/1983 White County 0 Duluth 48 (Coach Jerry Dorsey)
- 11/20/1987 White County 6 Jefferson 32 (Coach Mitchell Barrett)
- 11/23/2001 White County 12 Putnam County 36 (Coach Brent Brookshire)
- 11/16/2007 White County 13 Carver (Atlanta) 20 (Overtime - Coach Gregg Seagraves)
- 11/12/2010 White County 28 LaGrange 20 (1st home playoff win in school history - Coach Tommy Flowers)
- 11/19/2010 White County 20 Grady 39 (Coach Tommy Flowers)
Playoff Record as of 2010: 2-9
- Quick Fact: The Warriors very first playoff game took place on 11/14/1980. White County was actually the home team in the contest versus Oconee County; however, White County's Stadium did not meet GHSA regulations as it related to seating capacity for playoff games. As a result, the game was played at nearby Habersham Central whose stadium met the minimum seating capacity required for playoff games. The 2010 squad is the only squad to host a home playoff game; however, the 1980 squad was actually the home team in the school's first playoff appearance.
Baseball
White County Baseball has saw a resurgence since 2007 under the guidance of Coach John Brown. Since 2007 the Warriors have a 85-46 record and have enjoyed the GHSA Playoffs three times.Records by Year:
- 2007 - 16-10
- 2008 - 15-13 (Playoffs)
- 2009 - 15-11
- 2010 - 19-8 (Playoffs)
- 2011 - 20-4 (Playoffs)
When the Baseball team qualified for the playoffs in 2008, it was the first time since 1990 a Warrior Baseball Team made it into the post season. They were the Number 4 seed coming out of Region 7-AAA
All-State Players:
- Jesse Brown - 2008
- Kevin Frederick - 2009
- David Sosebee - 2011
- Luke Crumley - 2011
Gainesville Times All-Area Player:
- 2011 David Sosebee
Gainesville Times All-Area Team:
- 2011 David Sosebee
- 2011 Luke Crumley
In addition to being named to the Gainesville Times All-Area Teams both Luke Crumley and David Sosebee inked Letters of Intent with the University of Georgia's Baseball Team. Sosebee was also drafted in the 48th round of the 2011 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox.
Women's Basketball
The White County Women’s Basketball program was the only program to bring a State Championship to the school prior to the 2010 Softball team. Notable Final State Rankings for the Lady Warriors:- 1961 – 4th Class “B”
- 1962 – 3rd Class “B”
- 1981 – 1st Class AA (State Champions)
- 1982 – 3rd Class AA
- 1983 – 4th Class AA
- 1984 – 3rd Class AA
On Saturday March 14, 1981 at Georgia Tech’s Alexander Memorial Coliseum, the Lady Warriors led by Guards Frankie and Annette Dorsey, Forward Anne Smith and Center Sonya Thomas, downed the East Hall Lady Vikings 46 – 39 to claim the school’s first State Championship. The game was a see saw battle until the fourth quarter. Coach Loudermilk decided to triple team East Hall’s All-State player, Brenda Hill, and essentially shut her down for the majority of the contest. When Hill left the game for a break, Coach Loudermilk employed a tight zone defense. With their leading scorer effectively neutralized, East Hall had trouble scoring and became more demoralized as the game went on. After the game Coach William “Wicky” Loudermilk was asked how he felt by a Gainesville Times reporter, to which he replied “Fine, fine.”
During the late 1970s and early 1980s the Lady Warrior’s biggest rival were the East Hall Lady Vikings. In recent years the Lady Warriors have had a heated rivalry with the North Hall Lady Trojans.
Lady Warriors Softball
The White County Lady Warriors Softball Team is the latest team to bring a State Championship to White County. Prior to 2010, it had been 29 years since a White County sports team had clinched a State Title (Women's Basketball 1981). In 2007 Coach John Brown took over the program and since that time the Lady Warrior Softball Team has compiled a 90-27-1 record and playoff appearances each year. On October 30, 2010, the Warriors defeated Allatoona High School 12-11 for the State Title. The Lady Warriors were undefeated throughout the tournament, hitting a staggering 23 home runs, outscoring opponents 83-21 and set a new record for home runs in a single game during the Class AAA state playoffs with 6 against Thomson High School. The Lady Warrior Softball Team has a pre-game tradition of applying a temporary tattoo to their forearms for good luck.In 2011 Coach Beth Kimsey became Head Coach of the Lady Warriors.