Herb St. John Stadium

There is one thing that ties every small town together: football. Something about the sounds of the band and cheering fans, the bright lights of the stadium and the smell of gameday food brings people together. Perry is no exception to this.

The home of Perry High School football is Herb St. John Stadium, commonly referred to as the “Panther Pit.” It seats more than 4,000 people and caters to not only football but also track and field, soccer and other sports.

Built sometime during the 1900’s, the stadium received its name from one of the most notable

football superstars and Perry’s most valuable football coach: Herbert Legrande St. John. He was a 200-pound guard from the University of Georgia football team in the 1940’s. His blocking opened holes for the likes of Charley Trippi and Rabbit Smith, and his sure tackling kept enemy ball carriers from reaching Georgia’s endzone. His talents helped lead an 11-0 Georgia to a National Championship in 1946.

As successful as Herb St. John was in college football, he was successful as a football coach as

well. In the early years, Perry High School’s basketball teams were more notable than their football teams — that is until Herb St. John took over as head football coach. In the 14 years (1954-1968) of being football coach at Perry, St. John posted a 95-50 record and was named “Region Coach of the Year” six times.

Today, the stadium retains that legacy. In 2020 and 2021, Perry brought home two regional

championships with other achievements as well.

Each game on the turf attributes to a legacy continued, a rivalry resolved and friendships made.

Herb St. John Stadium is more than just lights and grass, but rather, a home to players and fans alike.

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