This Rabbit’s Been There Done That

Written By Gordon Pynes

A common expression in today’s culture is “Been there done that”.  Certainly Atlanta native George Jackson fits the saying perfectly.  The former star Atlanta Rabbit running back was a superb athlete in the 1950’s.  He played all the sports throughout high school and was a standout in every one but it was on the gridiron where he did the most damage for the Rabbits.  Breaking a previous junior high scoring record set by his older brother, George quickly made his presence felt on the varsity.  As a sophomore he was a linebacker on the District champs team.  Then he romped to scoring records as a stellar running back.  Despite injuries during his last two seasons he still scored 120 points as a junior and added 93 as a senior producing 36 touchdowns for the Maroon & White.  Both years brought All District honors and as a senior, Jackson was selected to the All State second team.

One of his most vivid and exciting Rabbit memories was of the Atlanta – Linden game in Linden his junior year in 1954.  The Tigers had a super season and seemed destined for an easy win.  Behind 6-0 with time expiring the Rabbits drove to the 2 yard-line with two seconds on the clock.  Jackson plunged over for the tying touchdown as time ran out.  Then the Rabbs decided to run for the extra point by faking to George and giving the ball to Booty Jordan who bowled over several tacklers for the 7-6 win.  The Maroon school annual that year called the game one of the most memorable in Atlanta football history.  Rabbit Football assistant coach B.B. Lawson had a strong influence on inspiring Jackson.  He served as a solid role model beyond the high school years.

George earned a scholarship from Coach Bear Bryant at Texas A&M.  At that time freshmen had their own team playing only five games.  Jackson concluded the season with a good rushing game and entered spring training.  Behind future Heisman trophy winner John David Crow and facing brutal practice treatment from the Bear, George and a roommate decided to transfer to Texarkana College.  Coached by Atlanta native Duncan Thompson, George quickly earned a running back spot and helped lead the team to a National Junior College championship.  From there, it was on to Sam Houston State in Huntsville which then was in the Lone Star Conference.  

The Bearcats backfield was a perfect fit for the former Rabbit star.  He was a team captain, selected to the All Conference team and chosen MVP of the 1959 Christmas Bowl game in Houston vs. Northwestern State.  As a 170 pound halfback, Jackson led the conference in rushing in both 1958 and 1959.  He also found time to make the Dean’s list for academics and was selected to Who’s Who Among America’s Colleges and Universities.

Leaving a great college career behind him, he followed his dream into high school coaching.  For almost 25 years he coached at virtually every level.  He put in another eleven years as a school administrator.  His coaching stops took him all around Texas and included stints at Bellville, Pearsall, Arp, Harleton, Lufkin, New Diana, Paul Pewitt, Lake Travis, and even here in Atlanta.  His coaching success was very impressive with two trips to the Semi Finals, three Quarterfinals spots and four District titles.

Several coaching assignments stand out for George among his many jobs.  In 1972, he led New Diana into the playoffs and was selected East Texas Coach of the Year.  Probably his toughest job came with the opening of a new school, Lake Travis outside of Austin.  Carved out of the Dripping Springs school district, Jackson had the first Lake Travis team playing without any facilities as all 10 games were played away.  Laying a solid foundation in several years Lake Travis has gone on to win some six State crowns.  Late in his coaching years, George headed to Fort Worth to take on another coaching challenge.  He took the reins at the Masonic Home and suddenly had to bone up on six-man football.  Since that experience he has coached independent teams of six men in the Woodlands area.

George Jackson is remembered by his Rabbit mates as an all out player who gave everything to help the team win.  His passion for sports on and off the field and his leadership were recognized as he was named team Captain for each squad.  As a loyal Rabbit from his youngest days as a team manager to rabid fan today, George Jackson is a super role model for all present and future Rabbit players.  The honor of him being selected for the Atlanta Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2019 is a most deserved one. 

The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place prior to the kickoff of the Atlanta-Liberty Eylau football game on September 20th.  Tax exempt donations to support the Atlanta Athletics HOF can be mailed to P.O. Box 637 in Atlanta.  A Black Granite plaque honoring George Jackson will be placed on the Rabbit Stadium entry way wall prior to the induction event.