The Laurens County Touchdown Club met on Thursday, October 2, 2025, as part of its every-other-Thursday gatherings. The day’s guest speaker was SEC official Ted Pitts, who shared his perspective. Among those also addressing the club was Clinton High School head football coach Corey Fountain, who brought along four of his players: defensive lineman Kynius Williams (#44), running back Angelo Cromer (#4), wide receiver PJ McGowan (#14), and defensive lineman Az Simmons (#8).
Williams was recognized as the Player of the Week for his efforts in Clinton’s September 19 game against Daniel. Despite the Red Devils’ 41–33 loss, he was a standout with 9.5 tackles and one tackle for loss. He was presented with a game ball and an Athlete’s Bible. In presenting the award, Buddy Bridges reminded the young men of the importance of the moment, saying, “Over your lifetime that paper may fade, that ball may fade, but that blue Bible you received will never ever fade.”
Fountain shared his trademark humor and insight, joking that while riding to the meeting the group listened to “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys,” and he thought the song could be rewritten as “Mamas don’t let your babies grow up to be football coaches.” Despite the challenges, he said coaching is a calling he loves, giving him the chance to mentor young men on and off the field.
He laughed as he told of Cromer accidentally bringing the wrong jersey, grabbing his white instead of his red, and noted how those small moments are part of what makes coaching rewarding. Fountain praised McGowan as a reliable receiver who has made key catches this season, Simmons as a senior leader who does the “dirty work” in the trenches, Cromer for his unselfish blocking and recent touchdown, and Williams as a team leader who works hard daily and “keeps the coach straight.”
Fountain closed by emphasizing that while Friday night wins are important, the true mission is developing his players into great young men. The Laurens County Touchdown Club will continue to recognize coaches, players, and speakers from across the county every other Thursday throughout the season.
