AJC > Sports > Highschools > Blog > Archives > 2008 > October > 15 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTake 10: Top turnarounds in the state from coaches who changed addresses
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There seemed to be no end to the coaching turnover last season. We at Take Ten have been trying to keep up with the rookie coaches and the ones who just changed colors.
It’s hard to decide who is doing the best job. There is much to consider, including returning talent, tradition and a booster club willing to quickly donate thousands of dollars. We’ve scanned the state and judged — on many levels — the best performances we could find.
Here are the 10 best first-year coaching jobs so far this season:
10: David Hines, Harrison (6-0, 5-0 Region 5-AAAAA) — The cupboard wasn’t bare for Hines, but he has done nothing but keep the Hoyas a title-contender. 2007 record: 9-3, 6-2. A loss to Walton ended the season in the second round of the playoffs. That would be a good matchup again. What’s left: The last four include undefeated East Paulding on Friday and Etowah to end the regular season. The Hoyas’ opponents are a combined 17-7.
9: Brian Montgomery, North Atlanta (4-3, 2-2 Region 5B-AAA) — We also like to give props to a man who doesn’t have his own stadium. 2007 record: 2-8, 2-5. That included four losses in a row to open the schedule. What’s left: There will be no playoffs in Montgomery’s future this season, but there is a chance to upset rivals Grady or Carver-Atlanta.
8: Greg Robinson, Houston County (3-3, 0-3 Region 1-AAAAA) — It’s not easy getting victories in the state’s toughest region. Robinson hasn’t yet, but things seem to be heading in the right direction. 2007 record: 1-9, 0-6. There was an eight-game losing streak at season’s end. What’s left: The opponents are 17-10, but more importantly, top-ranked Lowndes is on the schedule on Nov. 1.
7: Bill Shaver, Thomas County Central (5-1, 4-0 Region 1-AAAA) — The Yellow Jackets haven’t lost their winning ways with Shaver. 2007 record: 13-1, 3-0. Yes, they were very good. What’s left: Shaver’s final opponents are a combined 18-7, but all eyes are on Oct. 31 against undefeated Westside-Macon.
6: Stanley Pritchett, Washington (5-2, 4-0 Region 5-AAA, Div. B) — The Bulldogs haven’t been to the postseason since 2005, but appear headed back there again under Pritchett. 2007 record: 5-5, 5-5. Washington did win three consecutive games to close the year. What’s left: There’s a date with undefeated St. Pius X and 1-5 Riverwood.
5: Chip Lindsey, Lassiter (5-1, 4-1 Region 6-AAAAA) — The Trojans have a nice turnaround going under Lindsey, but they will have to prove their worth at season’s end. 2007 record: 3-7, 2-3. Lassiter won six games in two years prior to this season. What’s left: A lot, actually. Lassiter has beaten the weaker teams in region while falling to Kell. The Trojans’ final four opponents have a 15-9 record, with undefeated Walton lurking.
4: Dominic Callaway, Mays (6-0, 3-0 Region 5-AAAA) — Here’s another team that had the resources in place, but Callaway made the best of a tough situation. 2007 record: 9-3, 8-2. The Raiders fell to East Paulding in the second round of the playoffs. What’s left: The teams are 11-8, with a key match against Villa Rica looming.
3: Steven Collins, Union Grove (6-0, 3-0 Region 2-AAAAA) — The Wolverines are off to a fantastic start under Collins. The finish will be the true challenge. 2007 record: 3-7, 2-5. Union Grove is just two years removed from a playoff appearance. What’s left: The Wolverines face three 5-1 teams, including Luella, Stephenson and M.L. King. The combined record of the final opponents is 17-7.
2: Derek Cook, Kell (5-1, 4-1 Region 6-AAAAA) — The Longhorns are legitimate region title contenders in Cook’s first season. 2007 record: 2-8, 2-3. That record included a seven-game losing streak to start the season. What’s left: Kell’s final opponents are 8-16 with only a home date with Milton (4-2, 3-2) to end the season as a possible stumbling block.
1: Chris Parker, Chapel Hill (5-1, 4-1 Region 4-AAAAA) — This program won 15 games total from 2000-07 before Parker arrived. 2007 record: 0-10, 0-9. Two of those losses were by forfeit. What’s left: The remaining teams hold a combined record of 14-10 with East Coweta and Westlake standing as the largest hurdles.
Go on. Take Ten. What are the teams we’ve missed? Is there a better candidate out there? Here’s your chance to voice your opinion.
Permalink | Comments (45) | Post your comment | Categories: Take Ten
Comments
By David
October 15, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
Well done, Coach Parker. Glad to see you’re doing well at your new school. Best of luck from us over in Hickory Flat, and those of us that have moved on and out.
By Astro Fan
October 15, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
Congrats to all of the above mentioned coaches on their success. There remains many questions on other coaches at their new schools, like Ken Barrow at Douglass with plenty of speed and talent. The talent is there but whats the problem. The run 90% and pass 10% mentality doesn’t work in Region 2AAAAA.Teams continue to place 9 in the box and we continue to try running. Last game Union Grove didn’t have a safety beyond the 2nd level the entire game.Coach passed the ball 4 times. This will be one of the worst years for the Astros as they have 4 loses with 4 games left on the schedule. Doesn’t look like coach has the right players in the right place on the field. If things improve and we earn the 4th spot in the region, we can look forward to a 1st round playoff game in Valdosta against Lowndes. Went there last year second round, wasn’t pretty.
By Observer
October 15, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
It’s amazing when happens when a HS coach plays the best players!
By SC
October 15, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
What about Billy Wells at Collins Hill. He has the eagles at 6-0.
By BASEBALL KEN
October 15, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Hey don’t forget the job longtime Danny Chronic assistant, Clint Wade, is doing at East Coweta. 6-1, only loss coming to an undefeated and loaded Sandy Creek team in overtime. Go Indians!!
By dobearsbare
October 15, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
Sorry Glenn, but Harrison and Thomas Central don’t qualify as turnarounds. They just don’t. I’d submit North Clayton under first-year coach Rodney Hackney for consideration. The Eagles went 5-5 and missed the playoffs last year under Don Shockley; they’re 6-1 and have the inside track to a region title under Hackney.
By tbrown5300
October 15, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
I would have to agree with dobearsbare, Hackney is doing an outstanding job of turning North Clayton around and putting some respect back into Clayton County. Good job Coach Hack. We will get you next year, maybe! GO Griffin Bears!
By #1 VIKING FAN
October 15, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
If any teams need a new head coach, Rick Tomberlin from Valdosta will be a possibility. VHS touchdown club doesn’t accept losing.
By Wellington
October 15, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Coach Billy Wells from Collins Hill should have been on your list.
By Gwinnett Football Fan
October 15, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
What about Collins Hill’s Head man. He has done a great job with that bunch… 6-0 after a terrible season last year.
By HeadEast
October 15, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
Hines? Puhlease. All he did was inherit the only team to shutout Lowndes at Lowndes in the last 15 years! In the second weakest region in AAAAA (only Camden has it easier) in a year when N Cobb and Kennesaw aren’t playing their best my parrot could coach them to 9-1!
By some sense
October 15, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
Chapel Hill HS in Douglas County is a recently compelliing success story not only because of Coach Parker’s turnaround w/ football, although that ranks as one of the singular achievements anywhere. CHHS made AYP for ‘07 - ‘08, only school in DC…one of only 49% of schools in state. Ingredients at The Hill include a no-nonsense administration committed to discipline and an extremely talented and demanding faculty.
By You heard it here first
October 15, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
Billy Wells at Collins Hill has my vote after returing one offence player from last years team.6-0 in region 7AAAAA.
By Big BCH 99
October 15, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
Yeah, Coach Billy Wells @ Collins Hill has to be on the list, the eagles are off to a 6-0 start, after going 4-6 last year.
Go Eagles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Herschworld
October 15, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
How come Rick Tomberlin has such a long leash in Valdosta, yeah he did good at WACO but who wouldn’t with players like Robert Edwards, Tekeo Spikes and Randy Watts. A lot of people don’t know this but he was tarred and feathered over in Lowndes, because he couldn’t win there. I just don’t get it, I played at Colquitt Co in the late 90’s and they ran off Coach O’Brian because he didn’t win enough State Championships but Valdoky is a long ways from that..Also I think the guy from Coffee is doing a pretty good job over there, I know he inherited a pretty good team but they’re better this year than they where last year
By Glenn LaFollette
October 15, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
dobearsbare,
Good call. I didn’t write the headline, but still that was my original thought. I wanted to highlight ‘best first-year coaching jobs…so far.’ But that’s my fault regardless. I suppose that makes this the lemon of Take Tens. You came for one thing and got a broken transmission.
That said, you’re dead-on about Coach Hackney North Clayton hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2004 and that was the only appearance since 1998. I think that’s worth more than a medal.
everyone else,
I didn’t see Collins Hill. That’s a great start for them. They do still have Peachtree Ridge and Norcross, but 6-0 is impressive.
By Stephanie NCHS Mom
October 15, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
I would have to agree with dobearsbare & tbrown5300 , Hackney is doing an outstanding job of turning North Clayton around and putting some respect back into Clayton County. Good job Coach Hack. GO North Clayton Eagles!!!
By CHHS fan
October 15, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
How could you miss Collins Hill with a 6-0 record in the 7-AAAAA region? I think you need to rethink the top ten. This is Coach Wells first year and he just set a school record with a 6-0 start. That is REAL impressive. Looking foward to the Peachtree Ridge game.
By Scott Smith
October 15, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
Billy wells is the man. 6-0 in 7-AAAAA.. come on.. how can u miss that? Go Billy!!!One eye would be proud!!
By RT
October 15, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
Hershworld
Ken Eldridge is doing a very good job at Coffee this year. You’re right, he did inherit a good bunch of kids from Jerry Odum’s program.
A few tidbits you might not know. Jerry Odum, Coffee coach 2005-2008 went to the Arena football league. Coach Eldridge was Defensive Coordinator under Odum. He also played Quarterback at Coffee.
By VALDOSTA
October 15, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this
Herschworld I Don’t think Valdosta needs a new coach. The problem is whoever coaches that team is going to have a problem b/c of the situation. Lowndes is really the wildcats you wouldn’t know that unless you live in Valdosta. Players are running to Lowndes they have over 3000 students that was unheard of 10 years ago. Valdosta only has 1000 maybe that’s the problem. I could name about 20 players over at Lowndes that was at Valdosta one of them happens to be my nephew at a critical position. So it doesn’t matter who coaches them until they get a coach that the players enjoy playing for and the city kid’s start going back to Valdosta we will be mediocre
By Football @1
October 15, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this
Kell is overrated - in the game vs Roswell they were outplayed and out gained in yardage nearly 2 to 1. Roswell left 17 points on the field in the 1st half alone. And it took a trick play to win the game in the closing min. It will catch up with them in the closing games.
By Wyatt
October 15, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this
Not to beat a dead horse but it is obvious that Billy Wells should be at the top of this list. He and his entire staff have done an excellent job with a very young football team. What a start!!!! now finish strong!!!!!! Go Eagles!!!!
By dre
October 15, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
What about the Southwest Patriots of Macon, Ga. They were a team with 5 consecutive losing seasons and are the number 1 team in their region. Coach Wright has turned that program around.
By Stephanie NCHS Mom
October 15, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
I would have to agree with dobearsbare & tbrown5300 , Hackney is doing an outstanding job of turning North Clayton around and putting some respect back into Clayton County. Good job Coach Hack. GO North Clayton Eagles!!!
By THHILLISREAL
October 15, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
Astro fan,you must not be true fan of Douglass.Because if you have attended any of the Astros game,you would know why they ‘re passing 90% of time.TWELVE!!!!!!!!!! Hopefully,the starter can get right in the classroom this year.Besides there seem to be no leadership in the player rank.
Coach Hackney go job!!!! But you are still one of the spoiled MAYS HIGH BRATS.YOU QUIT ON US,LEFT US HIGH AND DRY.Hopefully, we both can make the playoff meet.
P.S DON’T COME TO HOMECOMING SATURDAY NOR TO SAVOY FOR AFTER PARTY
By MJ
October 15, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
Joe Teknipp at Eagles Landing High School. Took a team From 0-10 and 1-9 the last two years in his 1st year to 3-3. Good job coach
By Drock08
October 15, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
Chapel Hill Coach Parker and East Coweta Coach Wade are doing outstanding jobs this year. I have watch both teams play and will keeping a close eye on the game friday. Both teams have quick swarming defenses and have two of the most underated players in the state. The #2 from Chapel Hill and #2 Jeric Woodall for East Coweta are studs. Both play FS and WR and are dangerous. This will be a great game.
By Winnersville Truth
October 15, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
Lowndes does NOT have over 3,000 students. they have a few over 2,700 and Valdosta has almost 1,900. I agree that there has been a power shift and players and fans alike have moved but the fact remains both schools are still 5A size despite rumors you hear! Lowndes won’t always be this dominate and Valdosta is still one of the better teams around. Give Tomberlin time and he will win championships but Valdosta will never have the GLORY days of old again where they play for them every year!
By Atlanta man
October 15, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this
Rodney Hackney not on the least. This is a bogus list. Brian Montgomery and North Atlanta??? There 4 wins come from facing teams with a combined 1-24 record. That is simply being the recipient of a GRAVY TRAIN schedule. Try starting the season with 4 playoff teams, 2 of which being Class AAAAA. The 2007 team would at least be 6-1 with this year’s schedule.**
By VSU Blazer
October 15, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this
HOW IN THE WORLD IS JOHN REID NOT ON HERE?! He took East Paulding from not winning a game in 5 seasons to the dome, to the 3rd round of state playoffs and now to undefeated in AAAAA. He is absolutely #1 on this list. Im saying taking a team from 0-75, to 30-3 is amazing.
By Chris Whitfield
October 16, 2008 1:06 AM | Link to this
VSU Blazer This is about THIS year, not years past. If that were the case, Reid would definitely be on the list, but again, this is about the 2008 season.
By Drock08
October 16, 2008 6:44 AM | Link to this
Todd Who you got Chapel Hill vs East Coweta?
By What next
October 16, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
What seems rediculous to me is that you put these head coaches on a list for recognition and most of them would not have a chance if not for key coaches that happen to be on the staff yet go unnoticed. Examine the coaching staffs of your list of selected coaches closely and you will discover in most cases that the head coach probably has very little to do with the on-field success of the team. I find it all baffling, but I guess you feel the need to give credit to someone since it has always been done that way. Enough of status-quo, I would like more in-depth reports regarding high school sports, so that I am aware of the underlying reasons for these coaches success.
By CHHS Dad
October 16, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
While watching the games I find it really hard to believe that these are the same kids at Chapel Hill High School from last year. Coach Parker has done a fantastic job with the team. Amazing turnaround!
By Chix luv the Falcons 2
October 16, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
Regarding Chapel Hill……unbelievable. This is basically the same group of kids from last year that didnt even want to practice because it was so bad to now they cant get out there fast enough. Whatever kool-aid he’s selling, those kids are buying it. They are not a very big team, but very fast. And the fact that they really should be a 4A school, (they have less than 1900 students, but more than the magic number of 1850), is impressive also.
By goober
October 16, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
Winnersville Truth is right about the Lowndes-Valdosta situation. There’s been no wholesale movement of people from the city to the county, at least not of the top 50 players at Lowndes. Most of the new people moving to that area live in the county because the city limits hasn’t expanded, and there is a real and/or perceived difference in the academic levels of the two schools, which are run by separate school systems.
A new county high school is being built near Moody AFB and word is that is will be a AA-size school, so the student population at Lowndes High won’t change too much when the new school opens in a few years.
Credit most of Lowndes’ success to Coach Randy McPherson and the rigorous physical conditioning program he has that demands discipline, and creates incredible quickness in his players. Also, his insistence on sticking with the Wing-T which may be old-fashioned and not flashy, until you see one of the ultra-quick Lowndes runners break into the defensive backfield on the way to another TD.
Most of Valdosta’s demise came with the death of Nick Hyder in May 1996. Then the series of three coaches to follow didn’t help, especially Rick Darlington’s horrible regime from 2003-05 during which he about ruined things. Rick Tomberlin will brings the Cats back, but too many things have changed now to allow it to be back to the glory days of Hyder and before him, Wright Bazemore.
But hey, things change and life goes on and Valdosta-Lowndes is still TitleTown USA, baby!
By kerry
October 16, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
SPEAKING OF TURNAROUNDS HOW ABOUT CARVER OF ATLANTA SEEMS TO ME THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS MYLES AND COMPAMNY ARE PLAYING A “REAL” FOOTBALL SCHEDULE THIS YEAR NO LONGER PLAYING THE PATSIES AND OH BY THE WAY HIS SON IS EXTREMELY OVERRATED TYPICAL COACHES SON
By Dman
October 16, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
If You left out Kip Hall of Druid hills then you must of fell asleep at the wheel. Since 2000 DHHS has won only 7 games. Three seasons without a win at all and two seasons with only one win. This year they broke a 20 game losing streak and are 3 - 4 with a chance to win (good chance playing Towers 0-6) 5 games for the first time in over 10 years(Could be longer, that’s as far as records go). Not to mention this program has no little league feeder system to draw players from. Very few coach’s if any can win under these circumstances (No coach wanted this job), but Hall is pulling it off. He has the top passing offense in Dekalb county for the 2nd year running. YOU MIGHT WANT TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT DRUID HILLS HIGH SCHOOL!!!!!
By Doug
October 17, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
As an aside, it would appear that Coach Propst is starting to get Colquitt off the dime down in Moultrie…..that will bear watching in the future
By The Ole Ball Coach
October 17, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
Coach Swindal from LaFayette has done a great job… also his son Evan Swindal is ranked #15 center in High school this year has verbaled to UCF.
By TCC fan
October 19, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
Coach Pilcher built a program here that is one of the best in the state and I am sure he will do the same at Bainbridge. Coach Shaver is a good coach and has adopted Pilcher’s system so we here in TCC land will be fine.
By TRUTH
October 22, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
You are sleeping on Banneker. They lost their Head Coach two weeks before school started. And haven’t missed a beat. In fact just like last yr in the first round playoff they knocked a 9-1 Griffin out the playoffs 47 to 6. And this yr knocked your so called #2 Mays who were 6-0 out. So I think we need to give credit where credit is do! Now if Mays beat Villa Rica that puts Banneker in First Place being that they win out. Also know that they are in the toughest region in AAAA. With only the top two teams go out of two combine regions .
By Longhorn Fan
October 22, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
Coach Cook is the man! 6-1
He has taught the Kell football team to live past the concept of a one-man team (Jonathon Dywer from 2006) and past last year’s dissapointment of a season and came in a taught the team to be a TEAM.
They do what it takes to win and never gives up…with 3 fourth quarter drives to win (Woodstock, Roswell, and Pope)
By Jake
October 24, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
As someone who graduated from Chapel Hill High back in 2007, I am very pleased to see the turnaround going on at my high school. Let’s hope Coach Parker continues this success, not just this year, but in the seasons to come.
Best of luck to CHHS!