2024 Coach of the Year Nominees (Scroll down to vote)
Joey King (Carrollton): The Trojans finished the season 10-0, knocking off 4 ranked opponents, and captured their 3rd straight Region Title. They outscored their opponents by an average of 47-15 and finish the regular season ranked #2 in 6A (Calpreps)
John Reid (Rome): The Wolves had to cancel their season opener due to a preseason bus crash and started ’24 with 2 straight losses to Carrollton and Toombs Co. They went on a roll after week 3 winning 7 straight to capture their 4th straight Region Title.
Van Spence (East Paulding): Coach Spence took over the Raiders unexpectedly late in the Spring and led them to a 9-1 record, the 1st 9+ win season since 2012. East Paulding will host a home playoff game for the 1st time in 12 years in Round 1.
Conor Foster (Cartersville): The Canes finished the season 10-0 and captured their 2nd straight Region Title. One of the more dominate defenses in the Area, only allowing more than 2 scores in a game once in ’24.
Jamie Abrams (Cedartown): The Bulldogs only blemish in a 9-1 season was a 5 point loss to Cartersville. Cedartown finished the season ranked #6 (AJC) and #10 (Calpreps) after entering the season unranked.
Umbrah Brown (Central): The 2023 COY led the Lions to an 8-2 record and their 1st Back to Back Region Titles since the 1987 State Championship team. One of the highest scoring offenses in our Area with 9 30+ point games on the year.
Clay Stephenson (Calhoun): The Yellow Jackets played a tough non region schedule and started the season 1-3 before rolling through 7-3A. Calhoun finishes the regular season ranked #7 (AJC) and #10 (Calpreps) in the polls.
Ek Slaughter (Heritage): The Generals only finished the season 6-4 but they pulled off a clutch 17-7 win the final week to secure a home playoff game and extend their consecutive playoff streak to 9 years.
Biff Parson (Rockmart): The Yellow Jackets played one of the toughest non region schedules, losing to Cedartown and Cartersville, before reeling off 8 straight wins to capture their 8th consecutive Region Title.
Matt Jones (NCC): Newcomers to our area in 2024, the Eagles went 9-1 with their only loss a 24-21 game at Rockmart. The Eagles return to the post season for the 7th consecutive year.
Chad Cheatham (Fannin): The Rebels won the 7-A Region Title going 10-0 for the 1st time since 1995. They entered the season unranked but find them selves in a position to be the #1 overall seed in the Class A D1 Playoffs.
Frank Barden (Christian Heritage): The Lions went 8-2 this season after finishing 4-5 in 2023. They will make their 7th straight playoff appearance, hosting in the opening round.
Shane Lasseter (Heard): The Braves finished the season 8-2 and went undefeated in Region play to capture their 1st Region Title since the State Championship team in 2018. They were only 16 points away from a perfect season with a 2 point loss at Murphy(NC) and a 35-21 loss to powerhouse Bowdon.
Cory Nix (Temple): The Tigers made some history this year. 8 wins is the most in program history and they will host their 1st ever playoff game in 2 weeks.
Rich Fendley (Bowdon): The Red Devils look ready to defend their Back to Back State Titles. They finished the regular season 8-2 with their only losses a 1 point loss to Fellowship Christian and a 28-20 loss to #1 Manchester.
Lenny Gregory (Gordon Central): The Warriors entered the season with 33 consecutive losses. Their 4 wins this season is the most since 2012 and they will have to wait on the final power rankings next week but they should qualify for the playoffs for the 1st time in 12 years.
Historical COY information
The previous Coach of The Year winners as voted on by our viewers, panel and staff
2018
Biff Parson (Rockmart Yellow Jackets)
The Yellow Jackets went 14-1 in 2018. They won their 2nd consecutive Region Title for the 1st time since 1957 and played for a State Title for the 1st time since the ’57 season.
2019
Preston Poag (North Murray Mountaineers)
The Mountaineers finished the season 11-2 winning their 1st Region Title and advancing to the State Quarterfinals for the first time in program history.
2020
Chad Cheatham (Fannin Co Rebels)
The Rebels went 10-1 and captured their 1st Region Title since 2007 and only their 2nd Title in 25 years. 2020 was also their 1st 10 win season and QF appearance since 1995.
2021
Scott Peavey (Haralson Co Rebels)
The Rebels won their 1st Region Title and had their 1st playoff win, a 34-7 win over Chattooga, in program history. Their 10 wins was only the 2nd time in school history and 1st since 1990.
2022
Jamie Abrams (Cedartown Bulldogs)
The Bulldogs captured their 3rd straight Region crown for the 1st time since 2001. They set a school record with 14 wins and played for their 1st State Title since 2001.
2023
Umbrah Brown (Central Lions)
The Lions captured their 1st Region Title in 2014 and only their 2nd Title since the 1987. Their 12 wins were the most wins since the 15-0 State Title team. Their QF playoff appearance was the 1st since 2013 and only the 2nd time since 1987 they have advanced past the 2nd Round.