Usually not too many alumni are remembered, but there’s a reason to remember Battlefield HS varsity football head coach Mark Cox. As a sophomore, Cox played quarterback for the AHS varsity football team. He was the much needed quarterback that led AHS to their state championship in 1978.

AHS was undefeated that year and ended the year ranked number one in the state.

Last Friday, Cox went face to face with his former school and colleagues. After many years away from AHS, Cox still has fond memories of his old school.

“What I remember the most is the friendships that will last forever and the great teammates and coaches that I had the pleasure of playing with,” Cox said.

AHS has one of the strongest football traditions in the county. AHS has six state titles to its name, the first of which came in 1965., 11 years after AHS first opened its doors. The tradition continues to this day.

For years, rival schools have attempted to create that same tradition and emulate the success that AHS has. It has to do with the players dedication and willingness to win. Coach Scott has that same tradition with the current varsity football team.

“What I remember about Annandale the most is the tradition the football program had and still has.  Everything I have done as a player and as a coach, was and is, a direct result of what I learned from playing and coaching at Annandale.  My goal in coaching was to build the same strong tradition at Battlefield,” Cox said.

Coach Cox was excited to play his old school, where he learned all of the things that made him the coach he is today.

“It was really nice getting to see a lot of old friends and be able to catch up with them,” Cox said. “Playing your old school in the playoffs is like a win win situation.  Of course there was an extra incentive to beat Annandale. When you play or coach against friends, you always want to win.”

However, Cox knew that he could not let the excitement get to him, and tried to get ready for this game as if there was nothing special about it.

“We prepared for this game like we prepare for any other. We wanted to play the way that we had done throughout our regular season. We wanted to play the same football that allowed us to go 9-1,” Cox said.

Unfortunately, AHS fought hard but could not endure what the Battlefield Bobcats had to offer. AHS lost 49-20.

Although that loss ended their season, AHS football had an amazing turnaround this year and that is something both the players and staff are proud of.

“Annandale had a great year, my hat is off to Mike and all the coaches for what they’ve done with the team. To go from 2-8 to 6-4 is no small feat. It’s a really big accomplishment,” Cox said.