ATHENS – If you want to know why Athens coach Allen Creasy decided he wanted to coach high school football, look no further than his youth. One reason is Creasy is competitive natured and loves the game of football, but the other reason is that’s the environment he grew up in and his role model was his high school football coach at Colbert County.

Creasy was fortunate enough to have played under legendary coach Don Creasy – who just happens to be Allen’s father.

“Every young boy wants to be like his father when he’s growing up,” Allen said. “I was very fortunate to have a father like mine. He’s taught me a lot about the game and he’s always there when I need him.”

In Allen’s seven years at the helm, the Golden Eagles have come very close to advancing to the Class 5A state championship game. This year, Athens is ranked No. 2 in Class 5A going into the fourth week of the season. Creasy appears poised to make another playoff run, something his father knows a little bit about.

In Don’s tenure at Colbert County, he led the Indians to two state titles and four state championship game appearances. He still offers advice to both his son and Colbert County head coach Steve Mask.

“Getting to a championship game is tough,” Don said. “When you get deep in the playoffs, there’s a lot of talented football teams. It takes a little luck to get there.”

One year before Allen took over at Athens, Don retired from Colbert County. Even though he no longer coaches, he still finds a way to stay involved.

“I’ve only missed about three Athens games since Allen’s been here,” he said. “I’m always sitting up in the stands with my grandkids yelling at referees and everything else.

“I still offer advice to Allen and coach (Steve) Mask at Colbert County when I can. Usually, I go to Athens games on Fridays and go to the field house at Colbert County and watch game film over the weekend.”

Allen appreciates having a father with the type of experience that he can go to when he has a question.

“It’s great that we have that type of relationship,” he said. “If there’s something I don’t understand or am confused about, I can always go to him.”

Don is quick to point out that high school football has changed a lot from when he was a coach.

“The philosophies of the game are a lot different now,” he said. “Everything’s different, but I’m still going to throw my 2 cents in.”

Allen agrees that his dad always has some advice to offer, but usually a little more when Athens is winning.