An Empty Feeling
Monroe Academy Closes It’s Doors
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HE economic crunch finally took it’s toll on Monroe Academy this year as the small private school in Forsyth was forced to close it’s doors. After 43 years of operation, the board reached their ultimate decision on July 20th. “We could not in good faith begin the school year without the assurance that we could complete it,” school leaders said in a statement sent to parents and teachers. Monroe Academy became a SEAIS heavyweight in the early ‘70’s. Year-in and year out the school held it’s own against the other schools in the association. Monroe opened in 1966 and began playing competitive football in 1972. In 1973 and 1974, the Mustangs won the state football championship in the SEAIS’ top division. Edgar Hatcher was the coach at Monroe during those glory years. “I was real disappointed to hear about it (closing) and real sorry for the teachers and the students,” said Hatcher. “It was a great school and I enjoyed all of my years there. I think it’s a great loss to the middle Georgia community.” Hatcher’s 1974 team posted a 10-1 record, best in school history on their way to the title (more on page 12). Even though the team never won another state championship they were competitive until the end. Last year’s team posted a 7-4 record for Head Coach Dennard Scoggins.
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GLORY DAYS Edgar Hatcher, Jeff Harper (rear) celebrate the 1974 SEAIS championship.
MUSTANGS THROUGH THE YEARS 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990
7-3-0 7-3-1 10-1-0 6-4-0 4-6-0 2-9-0 6-5-0 4-5-1 1-9-0 2-8-0 8-2-0 6-4-0 2-8-0 3-6-0 1-9-0 0-10-0 5-5-1 6-6-0 5-7-0
Brad Bibb’s Prep Football Preview 2009
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
3-9-0 5-5-0 4-6-0 2-9-0 1-10-0 1-9-0 7-3-1 6-4-0 2-7-0 1-10-0 1-10-0 5-6-0 3-8-0 8-3-1 4-8-0 3-6-0 3-7-0 7-4-0