Updated: Pickens hires Cambridge coach; Mount Pisgah promotes Martinez
Craig Bennett, who started Cambridge’s football program in 2012, was announced as Pickens’ coach on Thursday afternoon. Mount Pisgah Christian and Salem also announced hires this week.
Bennett guided Cambridge, a north Fulton County school, to its first region title in 2022 and playoff appearances each of the past four seasons. Pickens, a Class 3A school in northwest Georgia, was 12-18 the past three seasons and 3-7 in 2023 under Grant Myers.
Mount Pisgah, a Class A private school in Alpharetta, promoted defensive coordinator Elijer Martinez to take over for Ryan Livezey, who remains as athletic director. Mount Pisgah reached the playoffs in all three seasons under Livezey and made the Class A Division I quarterfinals in 2022.
Salem of Rockdale County hired Greene County offensive coordinator Michael Johnson. Salem was 1-9 last season under Leroy Hood.
There have been 37 announced football openings this offseason. Other schools that have made hires are Cherokee (Adam Holley), Charlton County (DeMario Jones), Dodge County (Phillip Brown), East Laurens (Jesse Hicks) and East Forsyth (Dustin Canon).
About the Author
Todd Holcomb covers high school sports across the state. He rejoined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2025 and has worked with the AJC in varying capacities since 1985. He is a co-founder and editor of Georgia High School Football Daily.
