Pepperell hires Eastside's Hurst as football coach

Rick Hurst, who won more football games than any head coach in Newton County history while at Eastside in Covington, was announced Tuesday as the coach at Pepperell in Rome.

Hurst was 66-46 in 10 seasons at Eastside and led the Eagles to the 2009 Class AAA semifinals, where the lost to eventual champion Peach County. Eastside had winning records against county rivals Newton (5-4) and Alcovy (6-3).

Hurst will replace Jeff Shiflett, under which Pepperell reached the playoffs seven straight times until a 3-7 finish in 2014.

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Todd Holcomb

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Credit: Courtesy of the Arey family