Friday, August 13, 2010

RMHS gridiron coaching changes


It never fails. Changes are inevitible, even in the best of high school football programs.

At Rocky Mount High, it's no different.

There have been coaching changes on second-year head coach Dickie Schock's staff. Let's look at the additions.

A.B. Whitley, the defensive coaching specialist who can sport three, count them, three state championship rings, will be helping the Gryphons stop opponents in 2010.

His influence can't hurt. After all, Rocky Mount gave up 20 points a games in 2009, almost 10 points more a contest than it did in 2008 when it allowed just 9.8 per contest.

Whitley, who helped North Edgecombe (1-A: 1994,1997), and more recently Tarboro (2-A, 2009), win state titles, has joined the Gryphon coaching staff. Whitley has also coached at Northern Nash and SouthWest Edgecombe.

How many people can claim that have had a hand in guiding five of the Twin Counties' seven high school football program?

Back in the Gryphon gridiron fold is Jason Battle, the one-time three-sport RMHS athlete who took a year break from coaching football last season.

Sadly, gone after just one season is Will Harrell. But I can't blame him for leaving. He had two motivating influences - his dad and a new school!

As mentioned in an earlier blog entry, Will will be joining his dad Clark, who is the head coach at Franklinton High School.

He will be coaching the defense for the Rams. Just like RMHS, Franklinton is also building a new campus, but it is expected to be open the next school year.

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