Coffee High School senior Patrick McCall just wrapped up his high school football career with a state championship and a scholarship offer to Cumberland University, which he made official on national signing day on Feb. 7.
It’s the latest happy chapter in a story that could have easily taken a much different turn if not for a little help McCall got from Coffee head football coach Mike Coe and the entire Coe family.
When Coe arrived at Coffee to take over as the Trojans’ new head football coach two years ago, he began reaching out to those who were involved with the football program, and that’s when he met McCall.
“I began building relationships with the kids that were playing football, and Pat was one of those young men,” Coe said.
Coe found out that McCall was originally from Florida, where the Coe had spent much of his coaching career. Having that in common created an instant bond between the two.
“We hit it off discussing that,” Coe said.
Once the football season started, McCall, a slot receiver, continued to make an impression on the Coffee head coach.
“He’s not the biggest player, but, man, he is tough as nails,” Coe said.
Following a junior season that saw McCall put up modest offensive numbers with 10 catches and three rushing attempts for 305 total yards and zero TDs, the slot receiver began working hard to make himself a better football player in the offseason. Coe noticed McCall’s progress on and off the field.
“Pat was always respectful, and the teachers liked him,” Coe said. “His grades were good, but you could tell he had more in him.”
Then, over the summer, Coe became aware of an off-the-field situation affecting McCall.
“I learned that Pat had some family issue arise at home and that he was living with his sister,” Coe said.
McCall’s sister then decided to move away from Coffee County, and if McCall went with her, that would mean leaving the Coffee football team behind.
“He wanted to finish his career here at Coffee,” Coe said.
Coe and his wife decided to help McCall.
“My wife and I agreed that he was welcome to move in with us,” Coe said. “He and our son Bray played the same position and were buddies. It would be perfect for them. My wife and I felt like it was an opportunity to help a young man finish and chase his dream.”
With a place to call home and feeling the love of a family atmosphere with the Coes, McCall was able to focus on school and finish his football career on a high note.
“Patrick worked hard this offseason,” Coe said. “He got bigger and faster and had a great senior season.”
McCall blossomed, collecting 45 receptions for 503 yards and five TDs along with three rushing TDs for Coffee in a 2023 season that ended with the Trojans winning the GHSA Class 5A football state title.
“He became a jack-of-all-trades on offense for us with screens, jet sweeps, bubble screens, and handoffs,” Coe said of McCall. “He did it all for us. He is fearless as a football player.”
Coe said McCall’s football performance was only part of his overall growth.
“He had some obstacles in his personal life that would have broken many young men, but he never lost belief or turned into someone he should not have been,” Coe said. “He kept the faith and worked hard on and off the field, and now he has a chance to change his life forever with his opportunity to play at Cumberland.”
Before McCall heads off to Cumberland, he is enjoying his senior year at Coffee and his personal time with the Coe family.
“Pat just turned 18, so we had a birthday party last weekend for him,” Coe said. “My daughters look at him like a big brother, especially our 5-year-old Madison. She says he is her ‘Pat Pat,’ and she was so excited to decorate for him at the party.”
Coe said that as much as McCall has connected with the Coe family, he also will have many more opportunities to make an impression.
“He is a walking testimonial for his teammates, and his story isn’t finished,” Coe said. “There are still some chapters left to write for Patrick McCall.”
