News roundup: Sumter County, Jasper County seeking new head coaches
Sumter County and Jasper County are searching for new head coaches, it was announced Monday, bringing to four the number of jobs reported open.
Sumter County was 8-21 in three seasons under Ross Couch and just finished 1-8. Couch, formerly head coach at Bradwell Institute, told the Americus Times-Recorder that he submitted his resignation last month but finished the season.
“I gave everything I had,” Couch told the newspaper. “Unfortunately, we had more lows than we had highs ... and it has become obvious to me that I am not the person this program needs to continue the rebuilding process.”
Sumter has had only two winning seasons since it opened in 2004.
Jasper County was 0-10 in Aaron Pitts’ only season. Jasper County’s last winning season was 2003.
Ridgeland played its final game last week under Kip Klein, who had announced weeks ago that he would be stepping down after the season. Ridgeland finished 1-9.
Temple’s Scotty Ward announced his retirement last week.
Typical offseasons in recent years bring between 80-100 coaching changes at the 425 GHSA football-playing schools.
Heritage (Newnan) forfeiting playoff game
Heritage of Newnan is forfeiting its first-round Class A Private playoff game with No. 5 Eagle’s Landing Christian. Heritage, 0-10 in the regular season, is in its second football season in the Georgia High School Association and plans to return to the Georgia Independent School Association next fall. The school did not state a reason for the forfeit. The Hawks are the second Class A Private team to forfeit. King’s Ridge Christian, citing competitiveness concerns and injuries, won’t play at No. 3 Prince Avenue Christian.
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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.
