Craig Chatman, Lovejoy’s offensive coordinator since 2002 and an alumnus of the school, is moving on to Lithia Springs, where he’ll be a head coach for the first time.
‘’It’s a beautiful school with beautiful facilities and it looks like it’s going to be a great support system,’’ Chatman said. “I’ve been going around the school, and the students have been unbelievable. I’m ready to get over there and get started and get this thing turned around.’’
But Chatman has unfinished business at Lovejoy. He’s been the team’s baseball coach since 2002. Chatman said he would start spring football practice on May 5.
Chatman, a member of Lovejoy's first football team in 1990, has coached at Lovejoy since 2002, the past 12 seasons as offensive coordinator. Lovejoy has averaged almost 12 wins per season over the past four years and made two state-finals appearances (2011, 2012).
Chatman said he would run a similar spread-based multiple I scheme that he coached at Lovejoy with all-state players such as Preston Williams, Travis Custis, Alejandro Bennefield and Arshad Jackson.
Lithia Springs was 0-10 last season under alumnus Scott Dean. The Douglas County school has not had a winning season since 1999 (6-4) or won a playoff game since 1981 (7-5).
