20th Annual “Battle of Paulding” In Memory of Coach Ken Phillips was played on Friday, August 23 rd with PCHS hosting NPHS

North Paulding High School Wolfpack and Head Coach Jim Bob Bryant were presented the revolving “Battle” trophy on August 23 rd with a true rivalry battle. This game did not disappoint with PCHS leading 17-14 going into halftime. The Wolfpack team came on strong in the second half with big plays to allow them to pull ahead and secure the “w”! North Paulding ended winning the “Battle” with the final score being 56-24. This is the 1 st year for the “Battle” game with the Wolfpack out of a two-year stint. Congratulations to the Pack!!
The Phillips family would like to thank PCHS Principal Craig Wilcox and PCHS Athletic Director Dustin Skelton for the hospitality and accommodations for the game on Friday night from start to finish. A “HUGE” thank you to PCSD Director of School Administration and Athletics Jason Freeman (former Quarterback for Phillips) for giving a heartfelt presentation about Coach Ken Phillips and the memories he instilled in all his players after the game. Thank you seems so small for how much you all meant to my Dad and how much you mean to us. We are grateful for each of you and love how you represent your roots.

Back Row L to R: Kenelle Phillips Gresham, NPHS Athletic Director Ryan Dyer, EPHS Athletic Director and former player of Coach Phillips, Brad Thomason, PCSD Director of School Administration & Athletics and former player of Coach Phillips, Jason Freeman, NPHS Principal Gabe Carmona, NPHS Head Coach Jim Bob Bryant (holding the revolving “Battle” trophy). Middle Row L to R: Annelle Phillips, Toby Martin, Faith Thomason, Kent Gresham, Skyler Lee, NPHS MVP #5 Licquanta “Q” Carter, PCHS MVP #3 Christian Rowe, PCHS Head Coach Van Spence, PCHS Principal Craig Wilcox, and PCHS Athletic Director Dustin Skelton. Front Row: Kenzie Jay Gresham

A brief history of how the “Battle” came about in Paulding County. The “Battle of Dallas” was established in 1999 between East Paulding High School and Paulding County High School to honor Coach Ken Phillips. Coach Phillips passed from this life on August 7, 2005 (his grandson, Kent, was born 3 years later August 7, 2008). When the “Battle of Dallas” tradition began, the District had only two high schools. The Battle of Dallas was played from 1999 – 2007 with Paulding County High School versus East Paulding High School. Since the District has grown to five high schools, the name changed to the “Battle of Paulding”. In 2008, The “Battle of Paulding” was established to carry on the legacy of Coach “Big Daddy” Ken Phillips and his beliefs about the game of life. At the end of the “Battle”, both teams gather at the 50-yard line for a presentation from Coach Phillips wife Annelle, and daughter Kenelle. Coach Phillips grandchildren, Kent, and Kenzie Jay Gresham present the MVP trophies and the revolving “Battle” trophy to the head coach and principal. “Big Daddy,” as his players lovingly referred to him, was the head coach for a record 90 games at PCHS and led the program to its first winning season in 1980. His tenure at Paulding was nine seasons (1977-80; 1985-89), a mark no one in the history of the program at PCHS has surpassed. In August of 2005, the field house at Paulding County High School was named in honor of Coach Phillips. He taught life lessons and touched thousands of lives in a way that made everyone around him a better person. At the end of every football game, win or lose, he always told his boys to go home and tell your mom and dad you love them. Paulding County teams continue to honor “Big Daddy’s” memory by carrying on life-long traditions he established a decade ago. Coach Phillips has left a legacy in Paulding County that will live on in his players for years to come.