AJC > Sports > Highschools > Blog > Archives > 2006 > November > 01 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTake Ten: Best active coaches
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here’s the scenario. AJC High is opening and we need a head football coach. We have a strong student body, supportive parents and will compete in Class AAAAA. We want to win a title this year because we don’t have patience for a long building process. We think we know the coaches who could do it. This week’s Take Ten: Our Top Ten active coaches.
10. Darren Myles, Carver - Who’s Darren Myles, you ask? Besides the guy who bumped Rick Tomberlin, Ed Pilcher and many other deserving coaches out of the top ten, Myles is a guy we see as the next great coach in Atlanta. He gets respect from his players, having played college ball at Purdue. And he’s a miracle worker. Carver had exactly one winning season since 1978 when Myles was hired two years ago. Now the Panthers are 6-1 and headed to the playoffs. “The biggest key is the kids understand that he has their best interests at heart,” said Carver athletics director David Dada. “You pair that with the fact that he’s sent several players to SEC and D-1 schools. Those players come back to see him on a regular basis. Our kids see he can get them where they want to go.”
9. Cecil Flowe, Parkview - Names like Larry Campbell and Robert Davis carry weight throughout the state, but no hire would make as big an impact in Atlanta as Cecil Flowe. We’d have instant credibility, a coach with four championship rings, plus we’d be weakening Parkview in the process. Flowe has proven that given some talent, he can go a long way. “He’s not a big shot, he’s just a ball coach, a very down to earth guy,” said McEachern coach Jimmy Dorsey. “I got to coach Jeff Francoeur in the Georgia/Florida all-star game and was impressed with how much respect he had for Coach Flowe. That kid thought the world of him.”
8. Robert Davis, Westside-Macon - Originally Davis wasn’t in our top ten. See, we wanted a Metro Atlanta coach in this spot - maybe a Mike Earwood, Mark Crews or Sid Maxwell. But boy, those Robert Davis credentials are too hard to pass up. Some consider his 1976 Warner Robins team the best-ever. He’s got three state titles, a national title, and has built a program from scratch at Westside into a perennial state contender.
7. Buck Godfrey, Southwest DeKalb - During an interview this summer, Godfrey explained the kind of football player his program produces: “You get well-coached players with good manners, ‘Yes sir, no sir.’ They’ll be on time.” We like the sound of that. A top-notch, respectable program - but will we win? How does a career record of 222-69-1 sound? Godfrey’s got a ring, courtesy of the 1995 Southwest DeKalb team led by Quincy Carter. But perhaps his best job coaching came in 2005 when he led the Panthers to the quarterfinals, just three years after M.L. King opened. King’s opening depleted his program of players. “When they put that King school down there, I thought it was personal,” Godfrey said. “We took a bunch of kids… and they put some fun back in the game, and we’re in the quarterfinals. When you get a group together with a common purpose, you can achieve anything.”
6. Rich McWhorter, Charlton County - There might not be a Georgia high school football coach on a hotter streak than McWhorter right now. After losing the state title game to Buford in 2003, he’s led the Indians to two consecutive state titles and is undefeated this season. The part we like best is that he built this program from the ground up. Before McWhorter took over at Charlton County in 1990, the team hadn’t had a winning record since 1979. The Indians have never had a losing season under McWhorter.
5. Steve Pardue, LaGrange - We’d at least reach the state quarterfinals if we hired Pardue, because he’s led LeGrange there five consecutive seasons. He has a pair of state championships as head coach of the Grangers and has a .813 career winning percentage. “He and his staff do an excellent job,” said Peach County coach Rance Gillespie, who beat LaGrange last year in the Georgia Dome on the way to a state title. “It’s obvious those kids believe in the program. They’re proud to strap on those silver helmets, they come out and get after you. They’ve got some good players, but they’ve done a good job developing those players.”
4. Alan Chadwick, Marist - Our top-rated Metro Atlanta coach may not be who you think. But if you don’t believe us that Chadwick is an elite coach, here are the words of a rival, St. Pius coach Paul Standard: “Alan Chadwick is probably, to me, one of the brightest football coaches who I ever had the opportunity to compete against,” Standard said. “I think he does a great job of preparing his teams for the big games. Every year they’re in several big games and they’re always prepared. I’ve never seen or known of a Marist team to be out-coached. Even the games they get beat in, I’ve never seen them out-coached.”
3. Randy McPherson, Lowndes - We’d like to build around defense here at AJC High, so McPherson has to be in the top three. “He’s a great defensive coach,” said Tift County coach Jay Walls, who faces Lowndes this week in a battle to stay on top of Region 1-AAAAA. “They know exactly what they’re going to run offensively and defensively and they don’t mess around with any other junk.”
2. Larry Campbell, Lincoln County - You could argue Campbell should be at the top of the list and the guy at No. 1 would probably agree. Campbell is the all-time leading Georgia high school football coach for career wins (396 since 1972 - thanks ghsfha.org) and has ten state titles. Rob Morton, one of our high school sports reporters, points out that last season might have been Campbell’s best coaching performance. He lost half a dozen players to injuries, yet still led the Red Devils to a state title. Campbell’s still got it.
1. Jeff Herron, Camden County - Our first phone call is down to Camden County to see if Coach Herron feels like leaving the beach to come to Atlanta. Herron has proven he can win anywhere. He won a state title at Camden County, something even the great Luther Welsh wasn’t able to accomplish. He has two 15-win seasons on his resume and state titles at Camden and Oconee County. The secret? McEachern coach Jimmy Dorsey, who probably should be on this list, explains. “It was pretty easy to see right off the bat that [Herron] had the personality and persona to communicate with kids,” Dorsey said. “That’s the thing that Jeff brings to the table, that makes him what he is… He’s kind of the pied piper. Those kids just hang on every word that he says. “
Go on. Take Ten. Who’d we miss? Who would you remove from our list? Let us know your top ten.
Permalink | Comments (128) | Post your comment | Categories: Take Ten
Comments
By Raider
November 1, 2006 10:23 AM | Link to this
What about Ed Dudley of Walton?
By diesel doctor
November 1, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this
how about Jay Walls at Tift County. He took over a mediocre program and is 14-5 in two seasons.
At Suwannee High in Live Oak Florida, he took over an 0-10 team and in his first year, took them to the playoffs. He made the playoffs every year but one down in Florida with one state runner up finish.
The kids and parents, along with boosters, believe in his program.
I am SOLD on Jay Walls!
By lithonia parent
November 1, 2006 10:53 AM | Link to this
What about coach Rodney Hackney!
By Craig Custance
November 1, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this
Ed Dudley’s a good one — he was on the cusp of making the list. He’s won at two schools (Walton and Buford) and took his 2004 team to the Dome.
By dwalk
November 1, 2006 11:29 AM | Link to this
I think Baldwin’s coach Hicks should be atleast an honorable mention because in five years he has turned baldwin into a state power, and being from Baldwin and played football, I know for a fact he has made a difference in the program. I never played for him but it’s evident he is doing something that the previous coaches couldn’t and that’s use the talent his players have.
By trafficman
November 1, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this
Pardue, good coach, but everyone wins at LG, CRONIC, GUTHRIE…The middle school programs and Rec league coaches teach them how to win.
By cjh-lakesinclair,ga
November 1, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this
What About Conrad Nix@Northside/Warner Robins? as usual ajc looks 90% of the time at atlanta and metro schools. There is alot more talanted teams and coaches than just up north! metro schools are much larger and have more atheletes to choose from making it alot easier to coach and feild a competitive team,alas with alot more depthat every position. also as a northside grad i cnt beleive you have Robert Davis @#8 I despise him But look at his ststs. he should be in the top three. but we know the ajc looks only at the north in coverage and rankings!
By troy
November 1, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this
Rance Gillespie - look his winning percentatge. Steve Pardue - record speaks for itself Robert Davis - winning in Macon - nuff said
By 15s_Dad
November 1, 2006 11:57 AM | Link to this
There is no better coach than Paul Standard at St. Pius X. He will make your son a better player and a better person, and will win a lot of games in the process.
By Yo
November 1, 2006 12:00 PM | Link to this
Have to defend the AJC on this one. I believe 7 of the 10 coaches are from outside the Metro Atlanta area.
By Russell Pass
November 1, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this
What about Hal Lamb at Calhoun? Last year, Calhoun lost the state championship game to Charlton Co. by only one point. Coach Lamb has turned Calhoun into a winning program.
By BIG O
November 1, 2006 12:10 PM | Link to this
Coach Devo(STEVE DEVOURSNEY)at GRIFFIN HIGH SCHOOL BEARS should also at least be another honorable mention.He’s a proven winner the last 5-6 years and not to mention those deep trips to the playoffs the last 3 years and the trip to the DOME last year.WE’RE 9-0 this year and getting better as we embark on the upcoming playoffs.March on DEVO and CO. we’re behind you.
By Wolverine
November 1, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this
Hands down Rodney Floyd.
By Haywood Jablomi
November 1, 2006 12:29 PM | Link to this
Disturbing to see a the coach of the Marist War Beagles listed as a top coach so shortly after his disburbing run in with an official after a game he lost (fine example of sportsmanship by the coach) and was subsequently suspended for. It just seems to me that the AJC can only go so long without a Marist mention before they just HAVE to throw something their way…
By Tony Farrell
November 1, 2006 01:10 PM | Link to this
Hal Lamb should have made the list! 7 straight region championships. 2nd in state last year. Hasn’t lost a region game in 5 years. Winning % has got to be one of top ten in state. Of course I don’t like others to know what a great coach we have. We sure want to keep him.
By flat cat
November 1, 2006 01:19 PM | Link to this
Dont forget Frank Barden @ Cartersville 2 state titles many semi and Finals trips.
By KSShake
November 1, 2006 01:19 PM | Link to this
Haywood Jablomi, why are you such a Marist a(and Coach Chadwick) HATER. What Coach Standard said about him and his teams is true, they’ve been THE MOST consistent winner in the metro area and even back to the days Dan Perez and younger bro Rob Perez to now they’ve ALWAYS been a well oiled, well run machine on offense and NEVER been outcoached. They never back down from ANY opponent. I remember the game against Bolles, those classics against Clarkston (with Walter Tate), Lakeside, and Thomas County Central (with Joe Burns) back in the day. They’ve always done it by having a great system and coaching staff, never the greatest athletes. They could compete at a lower classification but Coach Chadwick enjoys competing against the better teams in Dekalb and Atlanta. And though their a private school in the lap of luxury, they’re ALWAYS classy and respectful. He prefers playing Washington, Mays, Tucker, SWD, ect. And they never try to come off like their better than anyone. I’m an African-American man who works in the city and coaches kids from the inner-city and impoverished backgrounds and the people at Marist (Coach Hixon and Coach Chadwick, as well as the student athletes) have always treated my kids great and reached out to us. So stop being a Hater.
And the people starting that “up north, metro area favortism crap” need to stop.6 of the coaches are from areas outside the metro area. And yes, there are other dserving coaches, but the four from around here are very deserving as well. This list shows absolutely NO favortism. Its this mans’ OPINION. He DID put thought into it acknowldging Coach McWhorter at Charlton Co. and Coach Myles at Carver, he crossed all spectrums and programs. And I don’t necessarily agree with Coach Dudley. Walton and Buford have some of the best of EVERYTHING, Boford has continued to win since he left and Walton had one good season to really talk about. You should win at Walton, that weak region they play in.
By cw
November 1, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this
what about Luther Welsh of Thomson…
By Puddin
November 1, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this
BOB SPHIRE!
By Lanny Smith
November 1, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this
…….Dwight Hochstetler of Bowdon maybe? He’s twice as good as everyone in your top ten except maybe Coach Campbell of Lincoln County
By lt
November 1, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this
what about coach moore at mcnair he’s just as good as any coah and he is as real as it is and they are going to the playoffs
By trey
November 1, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this
where is bill stewart? new etowah football coach already turned out 6-2 record beating 2 undefeated teams…also jv undefeated so good program getting started bcuz of him
By Debbie
November 1, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this
What about Alpharetta Raiders coach Bill Waters who just celebrated his 100th career win this season?
By GrangerFan
November 1, 2006 01:58 PM | Link to this
Steve Pardue has to be the man on this list. LaGrange High football games have become gathering places for SEC football coaches. Granted, it is a lot easier to coach when you have that kind of talent every single year.
By Craig Custance
November 1, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this
There are a few coaches in North Georgia that got consideration, and would have fit in on this list: You’d have to start with Coach Barden at Cartersville. He was a guy that Hal Lamb suggested needed to be on the list, and he was probably right. Lamb said this: “Barden knows the game inside and out. he’s a high character person. He knows how to motivate kids and treat kids.”
I think you could put Lamb in the mix as well. I also like what Rick Casko is doing at Cass. He was a winner in Florida and I expect him to do the same in Georgia. The two Cass games I’ve seen live (a 2006 loss to Cartersville and 2004 win over Banneker) were two of the most exciting football games I’ve seen at any level.
By The Truth
November 1, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this
First coach that comes to my mind is Ron Gartrell of Stephenson. This man, the only coach in Stephenson’s history, has taken this program to the top of the ranks in the state on a year-in-year out basis. He produces some of the best athletes the state has ever seen. The only question would be his offensive scheme, with the 80/20 run/pass ratio. But at the end of the day, the man knows how to win..
Paul Standard, St. Pius needs credit, but he ia more of a top 20 coach now. But five years from now, when St. Pius will have a state championship. Expect his name to rise to the top.
And Ummm Gone.
By Hoya16
November 1, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this
how about Bruce Cobleigh at Harrison? We are the winningest team in cobb county in the past decade. how can you foreget about our program? Cobleigh is #1 in my book
By BIG NORTH FAN
November 1, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this
Go ahead, name a coach in GHSA that has never been defeated by another coach out of GA. Bob Sphire. He and his staff should be the coaches of the year. To come in and not know a sole, have 4 seniors starting, retain only one coach from the previous four staffs and bring in all new guys, and go 8-0 in Region AAAAA, I got news for all of you, one the best in the state by far. You reporters better get on this guy, he is the coach of the year without a doubt. His staff is the staff of the year without a doubt. The team, team of the year without a doubt. Please, all colleges, indoor arena teams, other high schools, please stay away from our coach and coaches, we want them here next year. Wait, can you hear that, it sounds like the future dogs are beating down tha door wanting for their opportunity too… oops we will do it again. Question: Who will be the first coach or team to beat this Coach and his team, thats the question you reporters ought to be on. Get back Dogs, back in your cage till Friday against Norcross.
By viking lover
November 1, 2006 02:27 PM | Link to this
Hmmm, I don’t see Mark Crews on the list. Are you saying Brookwood is poorly coached?
By Darryl Prevost
November 1, 2006 02:34 PM | Link to this
I would like to say good job to Coach Myles at Carver H.S. This shows that hard work pays off. Keep up the good work. A special shot goes out to the Asst. Coaches who puts up with Coah Myles with his workaholic ethics. Special thanks goes to Asst. Coach Joseph Poke (former Defense Coordinator @ Morehouse) way to bounce back.
By Hurricane
November 1, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this
What about FRANK BARDEN CARTERSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL ????????? HE IS A WINNER
By Smiles
November 1, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this
Go Coach Myles
By Craig Custance
November 1, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this
Big North Fan: I think Bob Sphire has done a fine job at North Gwinnett, especially dealing with the distractions of the GHSA eligibility issues. But it wasn’t like he inherited a horrible program - the Bulldogs were coming off two consecutive playoff appearances.
viking lover: Excluding a coach from this list doesn’t mean we think they are a bad coach. Mark Crews easily could have been on this list.
Wolverine: Rodney Floyd? I don’t know about that, but the job Mike O’Brien has done in Woodstock deserves a lot of credit. In fact, with the success Bill Stewart is having at Etowah, I don’t think there’s a weak link at any of the five Cherokee schools. Folks at Creekview have been raving about Al Morrell.
By Eat-a-wad Gradd
November 1, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this
What about Bill Stewart at Etowah… last year they won what.. 2 games all year.. and they are 6-2 this year and poised to possibly be in the playoffs.. where I dont think they have ever been to in the history of the program?
By BIG NORTH FAN
November 1, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this
AGREED! But do you realize how much more talented that team was last year compared to this year? Matt Moore was a great guy and a good coach. But no way would he have taken this team to 8-0 at this point. Sphire has never been beaten in GA. Hopefully, your headlines will read 9-0 for North Gwinnett and still unbeaten in GA. Also, our offense has great stats and that is always in the paper, I think you also need a defensive stat too. North’s defense has to be credited with a couple of big wins at Walton, Brookwood, and Collins Hill. Oh yeah the Ridge game our defense was able to stuff them too. Oh , by tha way, not one two way starter on the team. Thanks and Go Dogs!!!
By Jerry
November 1, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this
I think you have to include two coaches from 7-aaaa, Ronnie McClurg of Dalton and Mike Falleur of Northwest Whitfield.
Coach McClurg has brought Dalton back to the respectability it enjoyed for so long and has extended their consecutive winning seasons streak to 47!.
Coach Falleur has been a winner where ever he has coached and has the Bruins on the upswing.
By Donald McFadden
November 1, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this
Included in my top 10 would be: 1. Amos McCreary,Whitewater High School 2. Kevin Whitley, Creekside High School 3. Coach Cronic, East Coweta High School 4. Ron Beauchamp, Heritage (Newnan) 5. Alan Chadwick, Marist 6. Cecil Flowe, Parkview
By B. SOONER
November 1, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this
Coach Simpson…Buford Football…’Nuff Said
By Scott Butler
November 1, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this
How can you leave Bill Ballard of Tucker off your top ten list, This coach has had 4 undefeated regular seasons in the last five years. The year he did not have an undefeated record he only lost one game. He is currently 5-3 with a sophomore dominated squad. He has beaten Marist 5 of the past 6 years. His overall record as a head coach is 50-8.
By Bwood fanatic
November 1, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this
Buford Football - Coach Simpson - kindegarden football league and they dont play anyone - i guess if you want to be the Big Bully in a division filled with half wits than go ahead - sure doesn’t make the kids better to have to find ways to hold the score down - come on and play in gwineet week end and week out - yuo certainly wont see you cryin for coach simpson then - you’d escort him out of town,.
By MJones
November 1, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this
Larry Campbell is #1. If I had one game to win. I would get Coach Campbell and his Staff. He’s gets the most out of his players and staff. Simply the Best
By Bobby Swoope
November 1, 2006 05:44 PM | Link to this
What about Coach Jessie Solomon at Mays High School! In one year he has instilled discipline and teamwork with results! Coach Solomon could very well in the next two years dominate this area in football!! Great football mine, hard worker, and a great dream builder!!
By Johnny
November 1, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this
All the above coaches are great but if I was starting a program I would take Rick Tomberlin. Be patient Valdosta fans you will win again.
By someguy
November 1, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this
don’t leave out frank barden, he’s produced many collegiate and one nfl player. he’s taken his troops deep into the playoffs year-in-year out.
By Football Fan
November 1, 2006 06:43 PM | Link to this
What about Rodney Walker? I know he’s having a rough time at Mary Person’s this year, but he’s having to totally rebuild a program down there. He has a very impressive overall record and has a tremendous track record for rebuilding programs. (ie. Stephens Co, Sandy Creek, etc) Just my opinion……
By Pass
November 1, 2006 07:06 PM | Link to this
Coach Hal Lamb of Calhoun should be on the list. His winning % speaks for itself.
By nobody
November 1, 2006 07:13 PM | Link to this
What about Ross New at berrien,sorry just joking!
By nobody
November 1, 2006 07:30 PM | Link to this
Sorry,I had to explain,we the citizens, football fans and parents here in Berrien county were convinced by our fine school board and high school principal that Ross New would start a “NEW ERA”.He has performed his magic into a 4-19 record.THAT’S GREAT!Our last coach actually had four wins in one season.THANKS SCHOOL BOARD!
By calvin
November 1, 2006 08:09 PM | Link to this
This list is a joke. Name one coach with more wins than Conrad Nix in the last ten years. Here is a hint, you can’t because Conrad Nix has the most wins in any classification in the last ten seasons.
By you have to be kidding
November 1, 2006 08:44 PM | Link to this
To define a top 10 coach you have to consider whether have they won year-in and year-out for a significant length of time. Most coaches can win when their talent pool is full but can they do it when it is not? The ones that win in the lean years are Top 10 coaches. Any coach (school) that regularly just happens to have students transfer in that also just happen to be above average football players should not count. Sorry Cecil, you’re off the list. By the way, in Parkview’s glory years, Mary Poppins could have successfully coached those teams and won; plus you should have been winning games by double the score difference than you did back then. Jeff you are out also; in some cases military families do have a say in where their next tour will be served (but I won’t tell anyone). Plus Camden has no less than 8-9 regular season give-me games each year; they win the region and have the first two round wins in the bag before they play a valid opponent. You can rack up easy wins with that scenario. Private school coaches are out also. You are not restricted by school clusters so you have the choice of players from any location. Bye-bye Alan. You have to go also Randy. Some of your players were quoted in the papers last year they transferred to Lowndes “just to play football”. Actually a legitimate list would only have 2 or 3 of the above coaches and that list would be headed by Lincoln coach Larry Campbell. He wins with what he has - year-in and year-out.
By larry
November 1, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this
Coach Teague from carrollton would be one. He has 1 state championship and has won 33 straight regular season games at carrollton. How would his win percentage rank up there? thank you
By Joe
November 1, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this
Who in the world is ‘Conrad Nix’?
By Johnny Cake
November 1, 2006 08:51 PM | Link to this
Sorry Johnny,
The only way Valdosta will win again is if they move to 3AAAAA. Nothing about Tomberlin but Val’s glory days will not come again in our life-time. Big brother down the street is pulling all your talent. RE: November 1, 2006 06:08 PM All the above coaches are great but if I was starting a program I would take Rick Tomberlin. Be patient Valdosta fans you will win again.
By Retired Coach
November 1, 2006 08:52 PM | Link to this
Rayvan Teague at Carrollton. Best I’ve seen in several years. Great with kids. Wins big every year. Supt. had pick of four of your top ten and pick Teague. Great hire! Great character, behaves at Prom.
By larry
November 1, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this
Coach Teague from Carrollton check out his record. 1 state championship, 33 straight regular season wins. several playoffs and region championships.
By Parkview's Gone
November 1, 2006 09:16 PM | Link to this
Hey Cecil the ‘Retired Coach’ has found you a roll model. See November 1, 2006 08:52 PM Rayvan Teague at Carrollton. Best I’ve seen in several years. Great with kids. Wins big every year. Supt. had pick of four of your top ten and pick Teague. Great hire! Great character, behaves at Prom.
By Parkview's Gone
November 1, 2006 09:23 PM | Link to this
that’s ‘role’ not ‘roll’. My English teacher just rolled over in her grave.
By reeves
November 1, 2006 09:45 PM | Link to this
I have to agree with Hoya 16. Cobleigh has won more games with less talent than any team I have ever seen period…
By INDIAN54
November 1, 2006 10:05 PM | Link to this
I agree with about half of the coaches on this list.I have no idea why Jeff Herron is #1 though. His CAMDEN CO.PUSSYCATS play the weakest schedule of any AAAAA team in the state.And as far as this top 10 goes it has to be a joke!The only coaches in this top 10 that should be there are 5.Robert Davis,he has won everywhere he has coached.4.Steve Pardue,his record at Lagrange speaks for itself,and at least their talent is homegrown. 3.Randy McPherson,winning two AAAAA titles back to back and also winning a few state championships in FL at Madison Co. says alot about his coaching abilities. 2.Larry Campbell,he may be as old as methusala but he hasnt let the game pass him by and Lincoln Co. always has plenty of talent thanks to him. 1.Rich McWhorter,hands down the best coach in the state!this mans players would follow himthrough a fire.Thats how much they believe in him.He has built a DYNASTY at Charlton Co. that doesnt look like its gonna crumble anytime soon.Plus all of his talent is home grown and then formed year round in their state of the art weightroom and strenuous offseason conditioning program. If I had to pick a great coach to build a program arouond it would definitely be this man. Just to name a few other coaches whom are worthy but didnt make your list would be Conrad Nix,Steve Pennington,Brian Way,Robby Pruitt,Roger Holmes,Luther Welsh,Lee Campbell and Eric Soliday.
By Millertime
November 1, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this
Coach Flowe hands down!!!!!
By kendall bennamon
November 1, 2006 10:32 PM | Link to this
Coach Mark Stroud. Toombs County Bulldogs. You do the math!!!!!
By Because I sud so
November 1, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this
Millertime, you must really be over the legal limit! or thinking this is April 1 instead of Halloween. Repeat after me, Flowe must go, Flowe must go, Flowe must go. ps. stay off the suds, it’s dulling your senses.
By Hoya fan
November 1, 2006 10:52 PM | Link to this
Millertime I agree with you Flowe should keep his hands down. Especially at the school dances.
By Cooper
November 1, 2006 10:53 PM | Link to this
Sid Maxwell at Sequoyah has had a great team playoff bound most years. And coming off a 5-5 season last year with only 3 starters to be a 8-0 team is quite impressive. Was he regarded as a “top coach”?
By Chris Whitfield
November 1, 2006 11:41 PM | Link to this
As a high school sports staff we went through a lot of debate about this top 10, so we knew that it would generate a good debate with you guys, and that is exactly what this is for. I’m sure that Craig will address some of these issues, but since I am the night owl and my 8-month-old is teething and keeping me up tonight, I would like to hit on a few points.
Jeff Herron: sure Camden County is in perhaps the weakest region in the state, but when did the playoffs get easy? The guy has state titles at schools that didn’t have that great of a tradition before he got there - Camden and Oconee County.
INDIAN54: You say our list is a joke and then agree with five of our selections? To quote you Just to name a few other coaches whom are worthy but didnt make your list would be Conrad Nix,Steve Pennington,Brian Way,Robby Pruitt,Roger Holmes,Luther Welsh,Lee Campbell and Eric Soliday. Holmes and Pruitt - no state titles, and with the exception of Darren Myles, all of our picks have state championship pedigrees. Same with Sid Maxwell, Stroud, Bill Ballard and about a half a dozen other coaches that some posters have mentioned. We at AJC High expect plenty of hardware in the trophy case. Lee Campbell is solid, but I also remember him going 1-29 in his three years at Montgomery County. Way is okay, but Warner Robins had a pretty good tradition before he started stalking the sidelines there. Pennington won six games in six years at Ware County and then walked into a gold mine that Buzz Busby built at Statesboro. Other than that, Indian, it is hard to build cases against Nix, Soliday and the true Methusalah - Luther Welsh. I think he coached my great grandfather.
By TOP CAT
November 2, 2006 05:32 AM | Link to this
INDIAN54 : Yes we had to upgrade our schedule we dropped Charlton Co. or rather they dropped us because of the 48-0 drubbing a few years back. Mac has done an excellent job at Charlton and for the life of me I can’t understand why he hasn’t moved on to a bigger program with a better grade of fans than he apparently has in Charlton Co.
By Alvin Jackson
November 2, 2006 06:20 AM | Link to this
Conrad Nix of Northside of Warner Robins if it were not for him coach Davis would still be winning region championships with 10 and 0 seasons. Nix has probably beaten him 9 of the last 10 years. However his achilles hill is he has never won a state championship, we intend to right that ship within the next 3 years (maybe 2 or 3 in a row). One of the most feared programs is his program, he gets the most with the least. People are amazed when they see the small size of his teams yet no one can beat them by more than 3 points. Parkview (2 of their 3 consecutive state titles), (Statesboro 2005), (Demons virtually all games in the last 20 years), and also the boys down south in region 1aaaaa.
By Alvin jackson
November 2, 2006 06:30 AM | Link to this
I have no love for the demons or any of their faculity. Robert Davis is #1 without arguement if you only consider active coachs. That is the last word in that. He would be very competitive if you considered retired and dead coachs. However thanks to a school named Northside his glory days will never come again. Northside of Warner Robins vs Westside of macon Oct 3, 2006 in Macon Georgia be there.
By DJ Jackson
November 2, 2006 06:39 AM | Link to this
COACH MYLES IS THE BEST. IN MY BOOK HE DESERVE COACH OF THE YEAR.HE HAS REALLY WORKED HARD AND HAS GAINED THE UPMOST RESPECT FROM OUR PLAYERS.YES HE IS OUR COACH OF THE YEAR.
By Yellow Dawg
November 2, 2006 06:50 AM | Link to this
Sadly you forgot Coach Ed Pilcher who has won FIVE state championships and played in another in the last 15 years. He took over a TCC program that had struggled during its history and turned them into a South Georgia Powerhouse. I see Chadwick is #4..What is his record vs TCC??
By boldyeller
November 2, 2006 06:51 AM | Link to this
Craig- you said there’s an opening for head coach and you do not have the patience for the long building process. North Gwinnett’s NEW coach BOB SPHIRE is OUR ticket to the STATE DANCE in the dome. This team wasn’t even on the map-even according the AJC preseason predictions “sorry guys- no playoffs this year” We are undefeated at the moment. I am sure this was just an oversight on your part. But that’s okay- AJC High will have to keep on looking because BOB SPHIRE is taken. See you at the game of the season NG vs. Norcross. Let’s play some football.IN BOB WE TRUST
By a buford fan
November 2, 2006 06:54 AM | Link to this
Dexter Wood Buford HS
He has stepped down to watch his son play college football. He is ranks right up there with Coach Herron as the best in the state. His resume is even more impressive. More importanly he is a far better man then he is a football coach. That says a lot because he is an unbelieveable football coach. He will always be first on my list and my top choice to coach my children.
By Mark
November 2, 2006 07:06 AM | Link to this
How about Kevin Maloof? Consistently takes Dacula to the playoffs year after year without the Division I prospects that many schools have. Anyone can coach great athletes to win. It takes a real coach to get average kids to excel.
By Rabid Fitzgerald Fan
November 2, 2006 07:25 AM | Link to this
Not sure how you could leave off Robby Pruitt at Fitzgerald. He has shown that he can win with the least amount of talent. Besides, he has been able to beat Charlton the last two years (04-05). He is also in the top five of winning percentages among georgia coaches.
By Chip Dunmon
November 2, 2006 08:21 AM | Link to this
This list is way off!!!! Coach Lee Campbell and staff at Hawkinsville High ran circles around Coach Larry Campbell. Not to mention atleast 4, Division 1 players in 2 years and 2 State championships. AJC, may not reconize HHS’s Campbell but we do..Go Red Devils. GT74sDad
By J-Cat
November 2, 2006 08:45 AM | Link to this
Hey all of you Camden haters I can’t wait till the playoffs.This team has improved tremendesously since the start of the season. For all the bashers in region 1-AAAAA go back for the last 4 yrs. and see the teams CAMDEN has defeated.I know we play in a weak region but sooner or later maybe one of the Savannah teams will step up to the plate.Until then GO CAMDEN WILDCATS!!!!!
By Dawg4Life
November 2, 2006 09:09 AM | Link to this
Hey AJC! What about Coach Rodney Coefield from Washington High School. Buck Godfrey is an excellent choice because his record speaks for it self and he deserves to be ranked much higher than some of your Johnny come lately coaches. It seems the AJC always seems to find ways to not give Atlanta Public Schools (MAYS & GRADY) their due. Coach Coefield gets the best from what he has to work with and still finds ways to win without playing the recruiting games these other programs play. So do your homework AJC, check the record over the past 12 years and you might think better. There are more teams in the city of Atlanta besides Douglass.
By LGneverdie
November 2, 2006 09:10 AM | Link to this
Coach Purdue and the Grangers remind me of the Phil Jackson and Chicago Bulls. Purdue really don’t have to do anything but show-up for the game and put his team out on the field because they are very very talented and knows what to do just like Michael Jordan and Co. - What I’m really saying is that with the talent that LaGrange put on the field every year, I can coach this team. This not to take anything away from coach Purdue - he is a great coach but he is bless with great atheletes year in and year out.
By Lynn Rice
November 2, 2006 09:14 AM | Link to this
I too am a product of the Jonesboro Rd. community even though I graduated from Fulton High School which no longer exist, I am extremely proud of Coach Myles. My husband (Sam) graduated from Carver and like most people who also graduated from there Carver is a very common conversation piece among them. I am so proud to see Coach Myles receive the recognition he deserves as a great coach. But do not overlook that he too is a great teacher and mentor of not only high school students. I have had the pleasure of working with him and seeing him teach in elementary school, I am sure that he is one to keep your eyes on in the future for the best is yet to come. Much Sucess and Respect (Cafeteria Staff Bethune Elem. School).
By aFAN
November 2, 2006 09:14 AM | Link to this
MIKE EARWOOD
He is a winner on and off the field and does more with less than any other coach in the State. Go to a coaching clinic and watch the other coaches line-up at the door to hear him speak.
By AHill
November 2, 2006 09:19 AM | Link to this
Lee Campbell of Hawkinsville. Going into this season he was the winningest coach in Class A since 2000.
By THINVIKINGFAN
November 2, 2006 09:27 AM | Link to this
How could you leave off the winningest coach of any classification in the entire over the last 12 years - Rick Tomberlin!
By Thinvikingfan
November 2, 2006 09:33 AM | Link to this
Randy Mcpherson should have been number one of the list, with Heron maybe number 5 or 6!
By Monitor
November 2, 2006 09:41 AM | Link to this
The Anti-Marist post above from Haywood Jablomi is a take off on “Hey would you blow me?”
You guys are sharper than this. Please take the BS down.
By Raider Alum
November 2, 2006 09:47 AM | Link to this
Ed Dudley has established Walton as one of the premier programs in the area, if not the state. The coaching staff, athletes, facilities and atmosphere at Raider Valley are top notch.
By mike
November 2, 2006 09:55 AM | Link to this
All of these coaches are good choices for the top ten coaches list. But, you may have left one or two out. One in particular is Ronnie Millen at Grady High School. Not because he took his team to the dome last year, not because he built the program from scratch after the ERK era, (sounds like good enough reasons to me) but because he is the All American coach that looks after his kids even when they are graduated from the program. If you sit down and talk to this guy, you’d see that he is the most humble guy of this whole group. Add him in!!!
By maurice mcdowell
November 2, 2006 10:08 AM | Link to this
How about Steve Pennington, he has won 37 out of 38 games in two years at the helm of the statesboro blue devils. He lost in the championship game his first season and then won it his second season and now his team is 8-0 on his way to another title run, wow, please give this guy some credos please.
By Chris Whitfield
November 2, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this
My mistake on Pennington. He won six games in THREE years at Ware, not six games in six years.
YELLOW DAWG: Ed Pilcher was definitely in the mix in our minds. What he has done at TCC, especially his incredible run in the 90s, makes a very good argument for his inclusion on this list.
By Take Ten@ajc.com
November 2, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this
Dawg4Life said: “It seems the AJC always seems to find ways to not give Atlanta Public Schools (MAYS & GRADY) their due. So do your homework AJC, check the record over the past 12 years and you might think better. There are more teams in the city of Atlanta besides Douglass.”
We respectfully reply: “Did you somehow miss Carver’s Darren Myles being listed at No. 10 and also being featured front and center in our photo area on the ajc.com/highschool page all day Wednesday? And for the record, Mays’ big win was our top story and photo online this past weekend. We’re just saying…”
By King Representa
November 2, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this
Coach Corey Jarvis at MLK is doing a great job with the Lions who have gone to the playoffs all but one of the five years they’ve been in existence.
By Thinvikingfan
November 2, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this
There are some great coaches who are not head coaches. Take Lowndes’ Defensive Coordinator Randy Hill. He was also Milt Miller’s Defensive Coordintor at Lowndes and Worth County and as Def Coord. has four state championships
By joe
November 2, 2006 11:29 AM | Link to this
Well, let me throw my biased nominee out there…
Coach Bradley Warren might only have 8 seasons under his belt, BUT look at what he has done with those seasons…
Starting out at McIntosh Academy, Coach Warren and his staff took a team that had NEVER won more than 6 games and had them winning 8, 11, and 8 games in his brief tenure as well as appearing in the Dome semifinal game.
He then takes over a dormant Central Gwinnett program that has just been reclassified to AAAAA and starts again. 2, 4, 7, and 9 wins as well as back to back appearences in the playoffs, and now has the Black Knights poised to make a run at the big dance.
He might not have the most wins, but I do believe he is the architect of rebuilding programs.
By Craig Custance
November 2, 2006 12:31 PM | Link to this
A few responses —
THINVIKINGFAN: You mentioned Rick Tomberlin, and he was a tough one to leave off the list. I have all the respect in the world for Coach Tomberlin, but his slow start this year at Valdosta made us just nervous enough to keep him off.
Chip Dunmon: Lee Campbell has done a great job in Hawkinsville, but his career record is 80-49-1, which made him tough to include in the top ten.
King Representa: Jarvis was mentioned when we were looking for an up-and-coming coach. We’d like to see him do it a little longer than two seasons though.
Yellow Dawg: Ed Pilcher would have been a good one. We didn’t forget him, we just ran out of room.
By Chris W.
November 2, 2006 01:06 PM | Link to this
I do not think there are ten other active coaches in a state Hall of Fame for coaching. Robby Pruitt is. He was the Gatorade National Coach of the year in the 90’s. His record in Florida is reamrkable (7 state championships). What he has done in Fitzgerald since 2000 is also remarkable. He gets more out of little talent than anyone that I have seen. Fitzgerald has not produced a D1 signee since the mid 80’s. There are alot of great coaches in Georgia but you will be hard pressed to find a better coach of his quality and high morals. Just my 2 cents.
By Bahrainsucks
November 2, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this
Great list. Good piece. Thank you.
By Thinvikingfan
November 2, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this
RANDY MCPHERSON SHOULD HAVE BEEN NUMBER ONE. BUT YOUR LIST WAS A GOOD PIECE OF WORK!
By J-Cat
November 2, 2006 01:47 PM | Link to this
Just to let you know Coach Herron is the all time winningest coach at CAMDEN COUNTY. 75-8 IN 7YRS. AT CAMDEN HIGH
By Thinvikingfan
November 2, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this
Jeff Heron’s record would have no losses at all if he only played against teams from his region and other weak teams from smaller classifications in SE Georgia. He’s obviously a very good coach, but the best in Georgia, h-mmmmmmm. I don’t think so!
By l Brown
November 2, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this
I think CB Cornette @ Westside zMacon should be on that list. One of the greatest coaches I’ve been around and seen. Great strength and conditioning coach motivator and most of all a good christian familyman.
By Beau Swafford
November 2, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this
How can you list the top ten coaches without listing a man who has coached in 4 decades won three state championships 12 region championships and coached in over 400 games. Luther Welsh not being on this list is crazy.
By Thinvikingfan
November 2, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this
If I coached for 40 years I’d probably win 3 championships! How many loosing seasons has he had. How many teams does he no longer coach for? Of course I’m talking about Luther!
By in the know
November 2, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this
I think the head coach for Washington Wilkes should be considered. After only three years as a head coach, Coach Russell Morgan was able to re-establish a team with character and take his team to the single A state play-offs in 2005.. By the way, he also beat the #2 Coach in the state this year; Larry Campbell of Lincoln county. Also, Luther Welch deserves a knod, don’t have to say anything else about him, his record speaks for itself.
By OT
November 2, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this
Craig
Re your comments about Lee Campbell’s overall record…..you need to talk with someone about his years before Hawkinsville and you would add him to the list.
By Demon ator
November 2, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this
Again Northside is begging for someone to respect them!!! The only way you get respect is to earn it..Begging does not count..Warner Robins High School and Robert Davis have all been thru the fires for many years..If you Northside beggars will think back to 2004, 1988, 1981 and 1976 you will instantly know what a championship program and coach are..Till you win one you can’t run with the big boys!!!!!!!!
By Demon ator
November 2, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this
Again Northside is begging for someone to respect them!!! The only way you get respect is to earn it..Begging does not count..Warner Robins High School and Robert Davis have all been thru the fires for many years..If you Northside beggars will think back to 2004, 1988, 1981 and 1976 you will instantly know what a championship program and coach are..Till you win one you can’t run with the big boys!!!!!!!!
By Eagle78
November 2, 2006 06:54 PM | Link to this
Beating the mighty Demons 8 of the last 10 years does not count for respect. The wins the demons have won were last second victories. We some times just blow them out such as 44 to 0 (mercy rule). How soon you also forget how we had to mercy you this year also. Mercifully we did not injure your players that were obviously limping thru out the game. You are luchy that Nix does not turn loose the dogs and give you a Dublin type spack down (70 to 0). you know we can do it. So we may not beat Statesboro or Parkview but we will always beat you.
By 1982 NG Bulldog #51
November 2, 2006 07:18 PM | Link to this
Sorry for the error……. The published list was for the 2005 High School Football season. For 2006 please add North Gwinnett’s Bob Sphire to the #1 spot and adjust all the other coaches down on notch.
By lionsroar
November 2, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this
PAUL STANDARD. ENOUGH SAID…
He will bring out the best in each player from the starter to the last man on the bench. He is a great football coach but the person is far greater than the coach. He is an absolute joy to be around. I’m a better man for knowing him.
By moBEbetter
November 2, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this
Hey Craig, maybe you should post the top ten coaches records by year and wins vs lose as head coaches and maybe this will bring some light to the subject. Larry Campbell will be #1 but how will it look for #2?
By DHall
November 2, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this
How about Eric Soliday? His record at Americus was outstanding. The last three years there he went 37-4 and won a state championship. In 2004 he took over a Turner County program which had won only two games during the previous two seasons. The very first year back at Turner (2004) he gets them back in the playoffs. Last year, his second year back, he goes 9-3. This season his team is 7-1 with two weeks to go in the regular season. Talking about turning a program around, this guy is one of the best.
By Jabroni
November 2, 2006 11:32 PM | Link to this
from Haywood: “Disturbing to see the coach of the Marist War Beagles listed as a top coach so shortly after his disburbing run in with an official after a game he lost (fine example of sportsmanship by the coach) and was subsequently suspended for.”
from KSShake: “And though their a private school in the lap of luxury, they’re ALWAYS classy and respectful.”
Jabroni here weighing in on the Alan Chadwick banter. Chadwick had over a week to come to grips with HIS actions that led to HIS suspension, yet still chose to go to appeal with GHSA (which HE lost). Was that classy and respectful? No, it made it seem that it’s about CHADWICK and not about the players (or about respect for the GHSA).
Jabroni also remembers back to 2003 when St. Pius broke their L-O-N-G (2 decades plus?) losing streak against Marist. Chadwick’s War Eagles (Sore Eagles?) left the field without shaking hands with the Pius team. Was that classy and respectful?
Maybe Jabroni is old school, but he believes sportsmanship should be front and center in high school athletics. Kids will be kids; and they’ll err in this area, so it’s up to the coaches to act like adults and set the standard. Chadwick comes up short in this regard.
By war eagle
November 3, 2006 12:32 AM | Link to this
Chadwick not respectful, classy, or old school? Have you ever heard a word come from this man’s mouth? He respects not only every team and coach that Marist plays, but he respects and loves the game of football then everyone on this blog combined. The classy thing in Chadwick’s suspension was to appeal it. How do you know anything about what happened did you see it? Which article did you read, the first that said it was a small mistake, or the second one where the anti-Marist media blew it up and made him sound like he should spend time in jail and that the official was in a comma at Grady, but in stable conditions. This man lays his heart out to every single player, whether its the starting quaterback or the 4th string free safety he wants to build a relationship with the men, while making them better people with a passion for the game. On the Pius note, I remember that game very well. I was a student standing by the back corner of the left endzone from the stands. After that game was over, the Pius fans flooded the field and began to mock the War EAgle players, and rejoice in their first win over marist in 21 years. While I am not saying leaving the field was the right thing to do, I believe that Coach Chadwick had the best intrest for everyone by leaving the game. He does not like to be around anything negative longer than he has to. If you want to see a classy, disciplined, respectful, and old-school team, don;t look anywhere else in region 6-AAAA than at Marist. Because at Marist we take pride in playing our best both on and off the field. High School football lasts four years, teh lessons that can be learned…forever. Chadwick knows this, but it seems like you are the one who doesn’t quite understand it.
GO WAR EAGLES
By Toby Cash
November 3, 2006 06:27 AM | Link to this
Rance Gillespie, he can flat out coach.
By coach
November 3, 2006 07:10 AM | Link to this
Coach Kevin Maloof put Dacula on the GA Map, as is his brother Keith Maloof doing the same at Norcross.
By Your Hero
November 3, 2006 08:30 AM | Link to this
I guess it depends on what AJCs definition of active would be. If you mean who is still breathing and still coaching somewhere then their list might have a little credibility. They think real coaching is done at schools with 3000 plus students and huge athlete pools, and altanta wide recruiting wars for 5 star players. Real ACTIVE coaching is making something out of nothing, winning with what you got, competing and beating the schools with 3000 students when your athlete pool is less than half the size. South Gerorgia Schools competing with 1/2 or 1/3 the athlete pools are more than competative. Nobody does that better than the schools in south of Atlanta. Robert Davis and Conrad Nix should be at the to pof the list. How many coaches have over a 100 wins their last active 10 years? One. Conrad Nix. Who has the highest winning percentage the last 10 years. Conrad Nix. And this season is not over yet. With all the millions of people in Atlanta can’t AJC find at least one knowledge high school sportswriter…or at least one thats willing to do the research.
By Thinvikingfan
November 3, 2006 08:47 AM | Link to this
How many state championships have Conrad Nix ‘s teams won?
By John Sutton
November 3, 2006 09:19 AM | Link to this
What about Coach Steve Pennington for Statesboro. I know he is only in his 3rd year as head coach but he already has a state championship and a runner-up in his first 2 years? And it looks like he may be there again this year.
By KSShake
November 3, 2006 10:24 AM | Link to this
Haywood Jablomi, Jabroni whatever it is. Your credibility on this blog is shot. For one its obvious and apparent you don’t KNOW Coach Chadwick beyond an article in the paper. Stop hatein’ SO HARD on that man, it’s really making you look foolish.
Their are a lot of excellent coaches not on this list, but the man could only put ten on it. I totally agree with some people giving mention to some of those coaches that may have been excluded that are good coaches and have built winning programs or turned around poor ones. I don’t mean to forget anyone but some that I feel are excellent coaches Ballard at Tucker, the coach at Statesboro, Lamb at Calhoun, Campbell at Lincoln Co., Colbeigh at Harrison, Pilcher at TCC, Nix, Tomberline, the coach at Cartersville and of course their are some others but, some have done it or are doing were either the program was already winning and always has, they have a bevy of athletes, or a great staff, or an environment conducive for winning.
I hate to say it but I don’t agree with you Dawg4Life. But Coach Coefield does not come close to making this list (it had to be said) and there are a lot of people on the Westside in the Bulldawg nation that agree with me and you know it. He’s an excellent mentor of young men and he does instill character and teamwork. But X’s and O’s, personnel decisions fall way off. And (this applies to Gartrell at Stephenson as well) with all of the talented athletes that’ve come through the school they should win and should’ve won atleast one. But they are justifibly mentioned because one turned a porgram around from a doormat to at least a yearly region contender, and the other started from scratch (but if (football) athletes were oil then the area arund Stephenson would be Saudi Arabia or Kuwait!
By Demon3
November 3, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this
you Northside warner Robins guys just don’t get it. while your sitting home wearing you county champion tee shirts warner robins high school is off winning state championships. I’ll take a state championship ring over a city champion tee shirt any day.
By titan
November 3, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this
How about you make the bottom 10 and put coach Don Savage of Northview at the very last worst coach ever better be gone after this year this guy is a dumbass he cant even talk right.
By Bowdon
November 3, 2006 01:03 PM | Link to this
Dwight Hochsethler from Bowdon. 276-79 with Three state championships, always has under sized and small squads but has been to the semis the past two years, and made a state championship appearence in 2001
By fan
November 3, 2006 05:11 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe Rance Gillespie is not on your list. Look what he has done at Peach County the past three years (played for the state championship twice, won it once, and went deep in the playoffs the year he didn’t make it to the championship game). He is on his way to taking Peach County back to the show this year. He is a future 300 win coach.
By GrangaHata
November 3, 2006 08:56 PM | Link to this
Pardue???? Overrate, weak region (Spencer, Jordan, Columbus,Kendrick, Hardaway, Harris Co.). That guarantees you a winning season every year. Recruits athletes from surrounding schools and the ‘rich alumni’ from downtown put them in apartments. Their ‘all white’ coaching staff does a good job.
By Boys from the barn
November 3, 2006 09:54 PM | Link to this
Danny Durham, Franklin County.
By TrojanPower
November 3, 2006 10:51 PM | Link to this
Rance Gillespie @ Peach County. State Championship last year and always in the mix as a state contender. The best offensive mind I’ve ever seen in High School football.
By TrojanPower
November 3, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this
Rance Gillespie @ Peach County. The defending State Champs in AAA. Great winning % and Peach is always in the mix in the playoffs. The best offensive mind I’ve ever seen in HighSchool football.Played for State Championship 2 of last 3 years and in the mix again this year. Youth and tenure should be the only reasons he isn’t on the list.
By Ol' Boy
November 4, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this
With all respect to Coach Herron, I believe that Coach Campbell should be number 1. He has won more games than anybody in the state. I wish the list was longer , Coach Barden should be at least mentioned, Coach Nix should also be in the mix. i think people forget about Rodney Walker too. He turned Sandy Creek into a great program, also he turned Peach County into a powerhouse. Stephens County , West Rome 4 State Titles and a National Title.
By Jacketfan417
November 6, 2006 09:31 PM | Link to this
ED PILCHER…I know you say you didnt “forget” him…you just remembered that he coaches in south ga. Dont worry we understand where this paper is published…Thomasville/Thomas County isnt quite far enough north to get credit for success. Yet another “quality” job by the AJC.