Nov. 27, 2003
Georgia Tech hosts fifth-ranked Georgia in Saturday’s traditional season-ending rivalry game at 1 p.m., and 22 Yellow Jacket seniors in their final home game will be honored during pregame ceremonies.
The game will be regionally televised on ABC (WSB Channel 2), going to a majority of the country. In Atlanta, WSB will air a live, half-hour pregame special beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Tech held its final practice Thursday morning at 11 a.m. before breaking for the afternoon to celebrate Thanksgiving. The Jackets will have their normal Friday walk-through tomorrow afternoon.
The 2003 senior class has led Tech to 30 victories over the last four seasons. More importantly, the group has the Yellow Jackets eligible for a school-record seventh consecutive bowl game.
“This group of seniors has done a great job of leading this football team,” said Tech head coach Chan Gailey.
Tech’s senior captains are tight end John Paul Foschi, center Hugh Reilly, and linebacker Daryl Smith.
Eight starters will be playing their final game at Bobby Dodd Stadium. On defense, Tech graduates its three starting linebackers in Smith, Keyaron Fox and Ather Brown, as well as cornerback Jonathan Cox. Offensively, the Jackets will lose only three starters, but they are all-conference performers in center Hugh Reilly, tight end John Paul Foschi and wide receiver Jonathan Smith. Starting placekicker Dan Burnett is also a senior.
Seniors on defense also include safety and special teams player Jack Rogers and linebacker Jonathan Rowe.
Also graduating on offense are quarterbacks A.J. Suggs and Brian Camp, running back Jermaine Hatch, offensive linemen Will Hardy, Garren Findlay and Joseph Rearden and fullback Gavin Bourgeois. Punter/holder Hal Higgins is completing his sixth year of eligibility, and placekicker Christian Schroeder.
Three seniors who were unable to play their final season will also be recognized in all-America defensive end Greg Gathers, as well as offensive linemen Jeremy Phillips and Clay Hartley.
“I don’t think it’s going to sink in until after the game,” said Daryl Smith of playing his final game at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
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