Championship Years
Championship Years 1956-57
The Fair Street High School Football Tigers won back-to-back state championships in 1956 and 1957.
Under the magnificent coaching and leadership of Mr. E.L. Cabbell and Assistant Coach Willie S. Dinkins, the Tigers completed one 12-1 season and finished another season undefeated (12-0).
During the 1956 campaign, the Tigers rolled to a string of victories which included the first five games where no opponent even scored on them.
On September 1, the Tigers began their 1956 season with a shutout win over Summer Hill High of Cartersville 8-0.
On September 7, 1956 Lemon Street High of Marietta, fell 9-0.
On September 29, Booker High School of Barnesville was the victim of a 35-0 Tigers victory. Eugene Carrithers and Clifford Stephens scored touchdowns on the ground; Quarterback Cecil Young passed for three touchdowns, 2 to Arthur Moss covering 40 and 35 yards, respectively, and a 25-yard strike to Eddie Strickland. Defensively, the Tigers were led by Willie Ed Stephens, Clarence Niles, Leonard Deadwyler, John Keith, and Cluster Smith. Eugene Carrithers rushed for more than 100 yards on the night.
October 4th was a very significant night for the Tigers. They were carrying a 4 game-winning streak into a game against an opponent they had never defeated, Cedar Hill High School of Cedartown. Cedartown was the Defending State Champions from 1955. Unfazed by the challenge, and on Cedar Hills Home field, the Tigers got their first-ever win over Cedartown by a score of 6-0. Cecil Young passed 40 yards to Arthur Moss for the lone score in the game’s first 2 minutes. Although neither team could mount much offense the rest of the way, Eugene Carrithers was the bright spot on offense for either team, churning out tough yards. Defensively the Tigers were lead by Clarence Niles, Thomas Carter, John Keith, David Camp, and Cluster Smith. This game took on another significant revenge factor. In 1955 the Tigers advanced to their first North Georgia Championship game only to lose to Cedartown. Something special was brewing in Tigerland!! Through five games, the Tigers were not only undefeated; no one had crossed their goal line.
On October 12, the Tigers met Bruce Street High of Lithonia at City Park. Another impressive victory was led by the High-scoring Tigers offense, the Stingy, and sometimes Nasty Defense. The Tigers defeated Lithonia by scoring 41-0 on two touchdowns each by Eugene Carrithers and Eddie Strickland (receptions from Cecil Young) and a touchdown by Clifford Stephens. David Camp was good, kicking 5 of 6 extra points. Defensively, the Tigers were led by Fletcher Johnson, Cluster Smith, Thomas Carter, Clarence Niles, John Keith, and Arthur Moss. This marked the sixth consecutive game that the Tigers held their opponent scoreless.
On October 19, the Tigers met H.B. Henderson High of Jackson at City Park. The Tigers defeated Jackson 46-18, surrendering the first scores to an opponent to this point of the season. In this win, Clifford Stephens scored four touchdowns on runs of 70, 15, 6, and 40 yards. Eugene Carrithers scored two touchdowns on a run of 35 yards and a 95-yard kickoff return. A 30-yard touchdown run by Carrithers was nullified by a penalty. Cecil Young passed 30 yards to Arthur Moss for another touchdown. David Camp was good on 5 of 7 extra-point kicks.
On October 27th, the Tigers celebrated Homecoming by defeating Elberton 27-13 for their 8th consecutive victory. This game marked the first time of the season that the Tigers trailed in a game as Elberton got off to an early 6-0 lead. Two touchdowns by Clifford Stephens and Eugene Carrithers carried the Tigers to victory. Carrithers first touchdown marked his first touchdown reception of the season. David Camp was good on 3 of 4 extra point attempts. Thomas Carter, David Camp and Clarence Niles lead the defensive charge for the Tigers. In addition to winning Homecoming and keeping the win streak alive, this game qualified the Tigers for the Regional Championship Game.
On November 2nd, 1956, the Tigers lost their only game of the season, a 6-0 defeat to Greensboro. Greensboro was undefeated and un-scored like the Tigers through their first six games. Outstanding defense by both teams highlighted the game. The Tiger’s defensive standouts were Clarence Niles and Cluster Smith.
On November 16th, 1956, the Tigers hosted the Rams of Thomson, Ga., for the Region II Championship. Before the Rams could register its first tackle of a Tigers Player, the score was 20-0. The scoring started with Eugene Carrithers returning the opening kickoff 90 yards for a score. On the Tiger’s next series, Clifford Stephens ran 76 yards for a score. On Thomson’s next series, David Camp broke through to block a Rams punt. Camp picked up the loose ball and ran in for a touchdown. With outstanding offense provided by the running of Carrithers, Stephens, Charles Christian, Eddie Strickland, Ellis Cantrell, Cecil Young and Arthur Moss, the Tigers held a 39-0 halftime lead and went on to defeat Thomson by a score of 53-0 for the Region II Title.
Having won the Region II Championship, the Tigers had to await the outcome of the Region I championship to be played between Rockmart and Cartersville. During this off week, Coach Cabbell agreed to play in a Lions Club benefit game against Decatur. This game would benefit the Lions Club Lighthouse for the Blind Fund. This was another Tigers victory (53-0 by newspaper accounts). Fortunately, the only injury in the Decatur game was a cut lip on quarterback Cecil Young.
Fair Street Tigers Win North Georgia Championship
On December 7, 1956, the Tigers met Cartersville for the North Georgia Championship. The game was played in Cartersville and marked the second time this year the teams met. The Tigers defeated Cartersville earlier in the season by a score of 8-0. In the championship game, the Tigers prevailed by a score of 15-7. All scoring was done in the first half. The Tigers tallied first as David Camp nailed a punt out of bounds at the Cartersville 1-yard line. The defense held and forced Cartersville to punt. As the Cartersville Punter started his punt motion, he accidentally stepped on the end line for a safety and a 2-0 Tigers lead. Ellis Cantrell broke loose for a 55-yard run to the Cartersville 5-yard line. From there, Ellis carried into the end zone for an 8-0 lead going into the second period. Cecil Young found Arthur Moss in the Cartersville end zone and hit him with a strike for a touchdown. David Camp added the extra point, and the Tigers had a 15-0 lead. Cartersville scored just before halftime and trailed 15-7. The second half was a defensive battle, with both squads playing outstanding defense.
Tigers Take Their First State High School Football Championship
On December 14th, the Tigers met The Longhorns of Claxton, Ga., for the State Championship at City Park. Led by the running of Eugene Carrithers, Clifford Stephens, and Ellis Cantrell and the passing combination of Cecil Young and Arthur Moss, the Tigers jumped off to a 20-0 halftime lead and never looked back on their way to a 27-0 victory. Eugene Carrithers set up the first score by running 22 yards to the Longhorns 3 yard line. Ellis Cantrell ran the final 3 yards for the touchdown.
After David camp recovered a Claxton fumble deep in their territory, Quarterback Cecil Young ran two straight sneaks for another score and a 14-0 lead.
On the ensuing kickoff, a Claxton Player fumbled the kickoff twice. He then kicked the ball into the end zone and let it lay. Two alert Tigers, Thomas Carter and David Camp, recovered the free ball in the end zone for another score and a 20-0 halftime lead. Eugene Carrithers ended the scoring by returning a punt 78 yards for a touchdown. Another Tigers score, a 33-yard touchdown run by Clifford Stephens, was nullified by a penalty.
This game marked the Tiger’s first State High School Championship (Class B) and gave them an overall 12-1 record.
The 1957 Season
In 1957 Fair Street moved up to Class A. The Tigers were anxious to begin play, but disappointedly had their first game postponed because of a scheduling conflict in the Marietta School System.
Returning 10 of 11 starters from the 1956 championship year, the Tigers were ready.
The Tigers started a roll-on on September 14, 1957, and The Tigers began the defense of their state Championship by defeating Lemon Street High School of Marietta by a score of 26-0. Tigers roll on September 19; The Tigers defeated East Depot High School of LaGrange by a score of 14-0. Building steam
On September 27, The Tigers defeat F.B. Henderson High of Jackson in a 6-0 slugfest. This game marks the fourth straight shutout for the Tigers. Tigers remain undefeated and un-scored on.
Tigers surrender the first score of the season.
On Saturday, October 5, The Tigers defeated Henry County Training School of McDonough by a score of 24-14, marking the first team to cross the Tigers goal line this season.
Starting a new shutout string
On Thursday, October 10, The Tigers met Carver High School of Carrollton. The Tigers successfully defeated Carrollton by a score of 38-0, starting a new scoreless string for its opponents.
Building upon the streak
On Friday, October 18 the Tigers traveled to Elberton to meet Blackwell Memorial. This marked another successful trip as the Tigers came away with a 50-0 win.
Sweet Revenge
On Friday, October 25, The Tigers were ready for a little payback. Greensboro registered the only blemish on the Tigers record in the 1956 season with a 6-0 win. In this contest, Eugene Carrithers returned the opening kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown. The Tigers proceeded to outplay the Greensboro team and win 20-6.
The streak continues
Thursday, October 31, The Tigers hosted Bruce Street High of Lithonia and trounced them by the score of 46-0. Still going Thursday, November 7, The Tigers traveled to Decatur to play Arch-Rival Trinity High. We all know what to expect when we visit Decatur. Does anyone wonder why we always lost the fight in Decatur but were never allowed to return the favor when they visited us? The Tigers won the game 12-0, but I think the band had a cold ride back to Gainesville, courtesy of the Decatur Fans. This game marked the end of the regular season (9-0) and launched The Tigers into the Regional Final.
Tigers win Region II Championship.
On Thursday, November 21, The Tigers defeated Main High of Rome by a 15-0 at City Park. This marked The Tiger’s 8th shutout in 10 games this season, the 3rd straight shutout since the 20-6 win over Greensboro. This also marked the 14th consecutive win since the loss to Greensboro on November 2, 1956.
Tigers win North Georgia Championship.
On Saturday, December 7, The Tigers traveled to Fort Valley to play Hunt High for the North Georgia Championship. In a hard-fought contest, The Tigers emerged successful, a 7-6 defeat of Hunt High School to win its second consecutive North Georgia Championship. (The lone touchdown by the Tigers was scored on a run by Marshall Carter. Ellis Cantrell scored the deciding extra point on a dive off right guard).
Two in a row
On Friday night, December 20, The Tigers of Fair Street High met Douglas High School of Thomasville for the State Championship. The two teams played to a 7-7 tie through three and a half quarters. The Tigers opened the scoring on a 19-yard pass from Quarterback Cecil Young to Arthur Moss. The play was set up by a 20-yard punt return by Ellis Cantrell. Ellis also carried over for the point after and a 7-0 lead.
Thomasville got on the scoreboard on a series of keepers by Quarterback Charlie Ward and a two-yard plunge by Halfback Roosevelt Reed for the touchdown. Ward carried on a keeper for the point after to knot the score at 7-7 at the half.
With 3:40 left to play, Eugene Carrithers broke through the line on a cross-buck for 6 yards and the final score (13-7). The Tigers had their second consecutive State Championship.
In its first year of competition in Class A, the Tigers took the State Crown. A foot note on the 1957 championship game, the quarterback for Thomasville was Charlie Ward, father of the standout quarterback for the Florida State Seminoles and 1993 Heisman Trophy Winner.
Accomplishments:
In first 4 games of 1956 Tigers outscored opponents 66-0 In 2 straight years (56 & 57), the Tigers shutout the first 4 opponents After losing 6-0 to Greensboro on November 2, 1956, the Tigers went on to play 23 straight games without a loss dating to November 13, 1958 25-1 record over a 2-season period Back-to-back State Championships 1956 only 3 of 9 regular season opponents scored on them 1957 only 2 of 9 regular season opponents scored on them Thus, the 1956 and 1957 Georgia State Championship Teams remain the only public high school in the city of Gainesville to win a State Championship. They are the only public high school in Hall County to win back-to-back State Championships. Ask members of Championship Teams to stand at the podium!!To the members of the teams from 1956 and 1957, on behalf of this Fair Street-Butler High School Reunion, we salute you!! My thanks to the following contributors of this presentation:
1. Emory H. Turner
2. Jerry Castleberry
3. Coach & Mrs. E.L. 1.
4. Cabbell
5. Ellis Cantrell
6. Gene Carrithers
7. Larry Turner
8. Jonathan Zopf
(Gainesville Times)
The Fair Street High School Football Tigers won back-to-back state championships in 1956 and 1957.
Under the magnificent coaching and leadership of Mr. E.L. Cabbell and Assistant Coach Willie S. Dinkins, the Tigers completed one 12-1 season and finished another season undefeated (12-0).
During the 1956 campaign, the Tigers rolled to a string of victories which included the first five games where no opponent even scored on them.
On September 1, the Tigers began their 1956 season with a shutout win over Summer Hill High of Cartersville 8-0.
On September 7, 1956 Lemon Street High of Marietta, fell 9-0.
On September 29, Booker High School of Barnesville was the victim of a 35-0 Tigers victory. Eugene Carrithers and Clifford Stephens scored touchdowns on the ground; Quarterback Cecil Young passed for three touchdowns, 2 to Arthur Moss covering 40 and 35 yards, respectively, and a 25-yard strike to Eddie Strickland. Defensively, the Tigers were led by Willie Ed Stephens, Clarence Niles, Leonard Deadwyler, John Keith, and Cluster Smith. Eugene Carrithers rushed for more than 100 yards on the night.
October 4th was a very significant night for the Tigers. They were carrying a 4 game-winning streak into a game against an opponent they had never defeated, Cedar Hill High School of Cedartown. Cedartown was the Defending State Champions from 1955. Unfazed by the challenge, and on Cedar Hills Home field, the Tigers got their first-ever win over Cedartown by a score of 6-0. Cecil Young passed 40 yards to Arthur Moss for the lone score in the game’s first 2 minutes. Although neither team could mount much offense the rest of the way, Eugene Carrithers was the bright spot on offense for either team, churning out tough yards. Defensively the Tigers were lead by Clarence Niles, Thomas Carter, John Keith, David Camp, and Cluster Smith. This game took on another significant revenge factor. In 1955 the Tigers advanced to their first North Georgia Championship game only to lose to Cedartown. Something special was brewing in Tigerland!! Through five games, the Tigers were not only undefeated; no one had crossed their goal line.
On October 12, the Tigers met Bruce Street High of Lithonia at City Park. Another impressive victory was led by the High-scoring Tigers offense, the Stingy, and sometimes Nasty Defense. The Tigers defeated Lithonia by scoring 41-0 on two touchdowns each by Eugene Carrithers and Eddie Strickland (receptions from Cecil Young) and a touchdown by Clifford Stephens. David Camp was good, kicking 5 of 6 extra points. Defensively, the Tigers were led by Fletcher Johnson, Cluster Smith, Thomas Carter, Clarence Niles, John Keith, and Arthur Moss. This marked the sixth consecutive game that the Tigers held their opponent scoreless.
On October 19, the Tigers met H.B. Henderson High of Jackson at City Park. The Tigers defeated Jackson 46-18, surrendering the first scores to an opponent to this point of the season. In this win, Clifford Stephens scored four touchdowns on runs of 70, 15, 6, and 40 yards. Eugene Carrithers scored two touchdowns on a run of 35 yards and a 95-yard kickoff return. A 30-yard touchdown run by Carrithers was nullified by a penalty. Cecil Young passed 30 yards to Arthur Moss for another touchdown. David Camp was good on 5 of 7 extra-point kicks.
On October 27th, the Tigers celebrated Homecoming by defeating Elberton 27-13 for their 8th consecutive victory. This game marked the first time of the season that the Tigers trailed in a game as Elberton got off to an early 6-0 lead. Two touchdowns by Clifford Stephens and Eugene Carrithers carried the Tigers to victory. Carrithers first touchdown marked his first touchdown reception of the season. David Camp was good on 3 of 4 extra point attempts. Thomas Carter, David Camp and Clarence Niles lead the defensive charge for the Tigers. In addition to winning Homecoming and keeping the win streak alive, this game qualified the Tigers for the Regional Championship Game.
On November 2nd, 1956, the Tigers lost their only game of the season, a 6-0 defeat to Greensboro. Greensboro was undefeated and un-scored like the Tigers through their first six games. Outstanding defense by both teams highlighted the game. The Tiger’s defensive standouts were Clarence Niles and Cluster Smith.
On November 16th, 1956, the Tigers hosted the Rams of Thomson, Ga., for the Region II Championship. Before the Rams could register its first tackle of a Tigers Player, the score was 20-0. The scoring started with Eugene Carrithers returning the opening kickoff 90 yards for a score. On the Tiger’s next series, Clifford Stephens ran 76 yards for a score. On Thomson’s next series, David Camp broke through to block a Rams punt. Camp picked up the loose ball and ran in for a touchdown. With outstanding offense provided by the running of Carrithers, Stephens, Charles Christian, Eddie Strickland, Ellis Cantrell, Cecil Young and Arthur Moss, the Tigers held a 39-0 halftime lead and went on to defeat Thomson by a score of 53-0 for the Region II Title.
Having won the Region II Championship, the Tigers had to await the outcome of the Region I championship to be played between Rockmart and Cartersville. During this off week, Coach Cabbell agreed to play in a Lions Club benefit game against Decatur. This game would benefit the Lions Club Lighthouse for the Blind Fund. This was another Tigers victory (53-0 by newspaper accounts). Fortunately, the only injury in the Decatur game was a cut lip on quarterback Cecil Young.
Fair Street Tigers Win North Georgia Championship
On December 7, 1956, the Tigers met Cartersville for the North Georgia Championship. The game was played in Cartersville and marked the second time this year the teams met. The Tigers defeated Cartersville earlier in the season by a score of 8-0. In the championship game, the Tigers prevailed by a score of 15-7. All scoring was done in the first half. The Tigers tallied first as David Camp nailed a punt out of bounds at the Cartersville 1-yard line. The defense held and forced Cartersville to punt. As the Cartersville Punter started his punt motion, he accidentally stepped on the end line for a safety and a 2-0 Tigers lead. Ellis Cantrell broke loose for a 55-yard run to the Cartersville 5-yard line. From there, Ellis carried into the end zone for an 8-0 lead going into the second period. Cecil Young found Arthur Moss in the Cartersville end zone and hit him with a strike for a touchdown. David Camp added the extra point, and the Tigers had a 15-0 lead. Cartersville scored just before halftime and trailed 15-7. The second half was a defensive battle, with both squads playing outstanding defense.
Tigers Take Their First State High School Football Championship
On December 14th, the Tigers met The Longhorns of Claxton, Ga., for the State Championship at City Park. Led by the running of Eugene Carrithers, Clifford Stephens, and Ellis Cantrell and the passing combination of Cecil Young and Arthur Moss, the Tigers jumped off to a 20-0 halftime lead and never looked back on their way to a 27-0 victory. Eugene Carrithers set up the first score by running 22 yards to the Longhorns 3 yard line. Ellis Cantrell ran the final 3 yards for the touchdown.
After David camp recovered a Claxton fumble deep in their territory, Quarterback Cecil Young ran two straight sneaks for another score and a 14-0 lead.
On the ensuing kickoff, a Claxton Player fumbled the kickoff twice. He then kicked the ball into the end zone and let it lay. Two alert Tigers, Thomas Carter and David Camp, recovered the free ball in the end zone for another score and a 20-0 halftime lead. Eugene Carrithers ended the scoring by returning a punt 78 yards for a touchdown. Another Tigers score, a 33-yard touchdown run by Clifford Stephens, was nullified by a penalty.
This game marked the Tiger’s first State High School Championship (Class B) and gave them an overall 12-1 record.
The 1957 Season
In 1957 Fair Street moved up to Class A. The Tigers were anxious to begin play, but disappointedly had their first game postponed because of a scheduling conflict in the Marietta School System.
Returning 10 of 11 starters from the 1956 championship year, the Tigers were ready.
The Tigers started a roll-on on September 14, 1957, and The Tigers began the defense of their state Championship by defeating Lemon Street High School of Marietta by a score of 26-0. Tigers roll on September 19; The Tigers defeated East Depot High School of LaGrange by a score of 14-0. Building steam
On September 27, The Tigers defeat F.B. Henderson High of Jackson in a 6-0 slugfest. This game marks the fourth straight shutout for the Tigers. Tigers remain undefeated and un-scored on.
Tigers surrender the first score of the season.
On Saturday, October 5, The Tigers defeated Henry County Training School of McDonough by a score of 24-14, marking the first team to cross the Tigers goal line this season.
Starting a new shutout string
On Thursday, October 10, The Tigers met Carver High School of Carrollton. The Tigers successfully defeated Carrollton by a score of 38-0, starting a new scoreless string for its opponents.
Building upon the streak
On Friday, October 18 the Tigers traveled to Elberton to meet Blackwell Memorial. This marked another successful trip as the Tigers came away with a 50-0 win.
Sweet Revenge
On Friday, October 25, The Tigers were ready for a little payback. Greensboro registered the only blemish on the Tigers record in the 1956 season with a 6-0 win. In this contest, Eugene Carrithers returned the opening kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown. The Tigers proceeded to outplay the Greensboro team and win 20-6.
The streak continues
Thursday, October 31, The Tigers hosted Bruce Street High of Lithonia and trounced them by the score of 46-0. Still going Thursday, November 7, The Tigers traveled to Decatur to play Arch-Rival Trinity High. We all know what to expect when we visit Decatur. Does anyone wonder why we always lost the fight in Decatur but were never allowed to return the favor when they visited us? The Tigers won the game 12-0, but I think the band had a cold ride back to Gainesville, courtesy of the Decatur Fans. This game marked the end of the regular season (9-0) and launched The Tigers into the Regional Final.
Tigers win Region II Championship.
On Thursday, November 21, The Tigers defeated Main High of Rome by a 15-0 at City Park. This marked The Tiger’s 8th shutout in 10 games this season, the 3rd straight shutout since the 20-6 win over Greensboro. This also marked the 14th consecutive win since the loss to Greensboro on November 2, 1956.
Tigers win North Georgia Championship.
On Saturday, December 7, The Tigers traveled to Fort Valley to play Hunt High for the North Georgia Championship. In a hard-fought contest, The Tigers emerged successful, a 7-6 defeat of Hunt High School to win its second consecutive North Georgia Championship. (The lone touchdown by the Tigers was scored on a run by Marshall Carter. Ellis Cantrell scored the deciding extra point on a dive off right guard).
Two in a row
On Friday night, December 20, The Tigers of Fair Street High met Douglas High School of Thomasville for the State Championship. The two teams played to a 7-7 tie through three and a half quarters. The Tigers opened the scoring on a 19-yard pass from Quarterback Cecil Young to Arthur Moss. The play was set up by a 20-yard punt return by Ellis Cantrell. Ellis also carried over for the point after and a 7-0 lead.
Thomasville got on the scoreboard on a series of keepers by Quarterback Charlie Ward and a two-yard plunge by Halfback Roosevelt Reed for the touchdown. Ward carried on a keeper for the point after to knot the score at 7-7 at the half.
With 3:40 left to play, Eugene Carrithers broke through the line on a cross-buck for 6 yards and the final score (13-7). The Tigers had their second consecutive State Championship.
In its first year of competition in Class A, the Tigers took the State Crown. A foot note on the 1957 championship game, the quarterback for Thomasville was Charlie Ward, father of the standout quarterback for the Florida State Seminoles and 1993 Heisman Trophy Winner.
Accomplishments:
In first 4 games of 1956 Tigers outscored opponents 66-0 In 2 straight years (56 & 57), the Tigers shutout the first 4 opponents After losing 6-0 to Greensboro on November 2, 1956, the Tigers went on to play 23 straight games without a loss dating to November 13, 1958 25-1 record over a 2-season period Back-to-back State Championships 1956 only 3 of 9 regular season opponents scored on them 1957 only 2 of 9 regular season opponents scored on them Thus, the 1956 and 1957 Georgia State Championship Teams remain the only public high school in the city of Gainesville to win a State Championship. They are the only public high school in Hall County to win back-to-back State Championships. Ask members of Championship Teams to stand at the podium!!To the members of the teams from 1956 and 1957, on behalf of this Fair Street-Butler High School Reunion, we salute you!! My thanks to the following contributors of this presentation:
1. Emory H. Turner
2. Jerry Castleberry
3. Coach & Mrs. E.L. 1.
4. Cabbell
5. Ellis Cantrell
6. Gene Carrithers
7. Larry Turner
8. Jonathan Zopf
(Gainesville Times)