From his days of playing to his days of coaching, George Brewer’s name has been well-known and wellrespected around these parts.
   The second-year assistant head coach and defensive coordinator for the Troup Tigers is passing on the lessons he learned in high school, college, and professional football to the players of today.
   “Looking at football, I’ve been very successful as a defensive coordinator and people ask me what makes me a ‘defensive guru’ and I say there is no such thing,” said Brewer. “It’s just getting kids believing in themselves and their program and getting them to play to their potential. My philosophy is making sure kids feel good about themselves and understand what is going on.”
   Brewer began a stellar football career playing for head coach Charles Flowers at West Point High School before the school consolidation sent him to Troup to play for head coach Steve James.
   Before accepting a scholarship from the University of Georgia as a defensive tackle, Brewer’s success was extended all over the Troup athletic department as he racked up state championships in the shot put, track and field, and wrestling.
   Following his years at UGA, he finished his collegiate career at Savannah State before embarking on an eight-year career in the National Football League. He spent six years with the Dallas Cowboys and then two years with his homestate Atlanta Falcons.
   After an injury forced him to retire from the NFL, he opened a fitness center on the outskirts of Atlanta, but his heart remained in football. He had some discussions with a few Banneker High School players and that convinced him to speak with Trojan head coach James Fletcher.
   “I asked him if I could come out and help him out and he said yes and we built a relationship from that point on,” said Brewer, who went on to spend eight years at Banneker, including seven years as the defensive coordinator.
   “We hadn’t been to the playoffs in 13 years and we made it the first year I was there and they haven’t missed the playoffs since then,” Brewer said.
   The Tigers welcome Class AAAA Banneker for a preseason scrimmage Friday night at 7 p.m. at Callaway Stadium.
   Brewer spent two years at Tri-Cities High School before Troup head coach Bubba Jeter called him with an offer to return home. He said it took him two weeks or so to finally make the decision to come back to Troup County.
   “When you commit to kids, you kind of get attached and I had committed to those kids at Tri-Cities High School at the time, so it was real tough to pick up and say it’s time for me to leave,” Brewer said. “I can remember getting them all in the gym and I broke down. You know, I had given them my word that I would work with them.
   “But, you have to do what’s best for your family sometimes. A coach friend at Creekside High School told me you’re going to have good kids no matter where you go. It was a good chance for me and it was great to come back home. I’ve enjoyed being here thus far and looking forward to the kids growing up a little more.”
   As a result, he’s been the vocal disciplinarian for the Tigers since his return, both on and off the field.
   “I know 90 percent of kids are looking for discipline...they want it, they beg for it,” said Brewer. “I’ve never met a kid that says ‘Hey coach, I want to do bad’. When you give a kid, who has been turned away so many times, a chance and he knows you’re genuine, he’ll lay it on the line for you. And you have to be there for them, not only in football, but when they are playing basketball, running track, or sick at home.”
   Brewer spends his time putting together game plans together and making sure his players stay on task. He is also a recruiting liaison between the school and any colleges that show interest in his players, helping them prepare for the next level in academics and athletics.
   That, in a nutshell, is what he enjoys about his job.
   “I’ve committed to a lifelong journey of being a football coach and I’m going to stick to it, but my main motivation is seeing these young men succeed,” said Brewer. “When you turn on the TV, and they are talking about a kid you coached, that is great. It’s not about the money; it’s about giving kids a shot.”
   Brewer expects his squad to be exciting to watch with a physical brand of defense throughout another tough and competitive Region 2-AAA schedule. He wants his kids to love being on the field and enjoy playing, giving fans their money’s worth along the way.
   “As usual, my expectations are high and I don’t believe in excuses,” Brewer said. “We have to get it done and I expect to go out there and fair well against everybody we play. I don’t feel there is a team that can beat us and that’s just the way I feel, and I want my boys to feel that way.
   “I’m very meticulous about everything, from stepping the right way to hand placement to being in the right place. So, accountability is the word I should use...that means more than anything.”
   It’s certainly that accountability that has meant the most to George Brewer, leading him to where he is today.