Patrick Henry has strong football coaching staff

Estill – Having players at the ready is a necessity for winning championships in sports, but

having the right coaches to hone the skills and direct those players is vitally important as well.

          Patrick Henry Academy won the SCISA Class A football state title last year, beating defending champion Lee Academy 35-28 to finish with an 11-2 record. Patriots head coach Joe Gray Peeples feels he has a dedicated staff that meshes together well.

         “Patrick Henry's coaching staff is composed of many excellent coaches,” said Peeples, who will be in his third season as head coach. “We have the ability to discuss matters openly and freely that allows us to make decisions that help put our football team in the best position to be successful. Each coach understands that their opinions and suggestions are always considered and wanted because our decisions are not made in a vacuum.”

          Jackson Wiggins is the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator and has been with Peeples all three years.

          “He has great football knowledge and is instrumental is our success over the past two years,” Peeples said. “Jackson has led the development of our offensive philosophy and assisted in helping grow our program's culture.”

Justin Scott, who is PHA’s athletic director, is the defensive coordinator and is in his second

year. “Coach Scott develops defensive game plans each week and is always on point with what we need to be to be successful,” Peeples said.

           Handling the offensive and defensive lines for the second straight year will be Spence Kelehear. 

           “Coach Spence is very competitive and instills that in his linemen,” Peeples said. “He has a great relationship with his players and is always getting the most out of them. His willingness to learn and adapt is a huge benefit to our program.”

          Michael Mathis coaches defensive ends and the defensive line. “His input is a big part of PHA's success,” Peeples said. “The players love his attitude and he is always there helping to keep them fired up.”

         Jon Sobey handles the linebackers and defensive backs and is in his second season at PHA. “His insightful breakdowns and solid fundamental approach to teaching our players is his strength,” Peeples said.

           Hunter Turner is in his first season as the strength and conditioning coach. Jeffrey Strickland is the longtime statistician for Patrick Henry, while Jonathan Buzzell has handled filming for the Patriots during Peeples’ tenure.