GAMES
RANKINGS
King's Ridge Magazine: Culture Change
Crowder has been a part of two state titles – one as the defensive coordinator at Camden County (2003) and the other as the head coach of Chattahoochee High School, which went 15-0 in 2010.
He's been the Atlanta Journal Constitution Coach of the Year, the Atlanta Touchdown Coach of the Year, and the GACA Coach of the Year.
Most recently, he's been the head man at Creekview and then Denmark.
VYPE caught up with Crowder this offseason to see what the ol' ball coach has in store for an encore after the Tigers reached the postseason in 2020.
VYPE: Explain the turnaround and what attracted you to King's Ridge?
CROWDER: "Look, this is my livelihood. Leading up to last season, I wouldn't say it was a rec team, but King's Ridge was just playing football. This is what me and my coaches have done for a living for decades and we are serious about it. We are going to put the best team on the field. I've been in this area for 20 years and I've always thought King's Ridge was a hidden gem. When the job came open, I knew this was the next place for me. I plan on finishing here."
VYPE: What's one of your cornerstones in building football programs?
CROWDER: "No. 1, you have to represent your school. You have to love and be proud of your school. You are not going to step on this field unless you have KR gear on. You better be representing Purple and White. That's who we are, and we are going to represent King's Ridge in everything we do."
VYPE: So, what's the future of King's Ridge football look like?
CROWDER: "I think we made great strides in the way we practiced last year. Yeah, we won some games. Yeah, we made the playoffs, but we are not going to be happy just getting there. Now, it's time to focus on winning Regional Championships and multiple playoff games. Ultimately, playing for state championships. That's what I plan to do."
King's Ridge Magazine: B.M.O.C.
He's that guy that commands the locker room and, well, he should.
The junior linebacker, who played soccer, lacrosse, baseball, and wrestling growing up, was the 2020 6A-Private Region Defensive Player of the Year and an All-State honorable mention as his resume continues to build.
He has pulled offers from Army and Air Force and he continues to pop onto the recruiting radar.
But what was it about football that got him hooked?
"It's the locker room culture," he said. "You get to know your teammates but it's more than that. I look at them like my brothers. When we step on the field, these are the people I'm going to war with. When we step off the field, we are going to get something to eat and have a good night. We are all working for each other and it's a bond that you can't explain."
The Tigers turned a corner this season under the direction of first-year head coach Terry Crowder and Joseph feels the culture shift. "During practice, coach is making us go 100-percent all the time. He wants to win, so that makes me want to win."
As he prepares for his senior season, Joseph has had a chance to reflect on his time at King's Ridge.
"What I like about the school is that like 90-percent of the students play multiple sports," he said. "I can really relate to everyone here and we are all striving for something athletically. We all have a lot in common."
They all share the grind of the academics as well.
"Our teachers are always willing to work with you before or after school or at lunch. They are always up for it and that makes for a great experience."
As the Big Man on Campus, most might think they know everything about the dual-sport stud, but Joseph does have a secret.
"It's kind of weird but I play the piano," he laughed. "People would probably be surprised by that."
Shhhh… Don't tell anyone.