Rush Propst will lead Coosa Christian School into the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 2A state championship this Friday, his first time back in a state championship game in Alabama since 2006.
Propst has won five state championships in Alabama in his career that has also included five state title appearances in Georgia.
He has been to seven previous state championship games in Alabama, and this years title game will make eight.
But, this state championship may be his toughest challenge yet.
In a recent interview with ITG Next, Rush Propst talked about the upcoming state title game, and the challenges he has faced this season with a smaller roster.
“We have a great bunch of kids, but this is by far the smallest team in terms of overall numbers and depth that I have ever coached,” Propst said of his Coosa Christian Conquerors squad.
“We only have about 18 players that are high school age, and we play about 14 to 15 of them, so depth is a concern for us,” he said.
His team’s opponent in the 2A state title game will be Lanett, who Propst said has a roster of about 35 players.
“We’ll have to play really well with no mistakes to have a chance to win,” Propst said about his team’s chances against the 12-2 Panthers.
Coosa Christian may not have big numbers in terms of their roster, but they do have the player Propst says has a chance to be named Mr Football, Alabama high school’s designated top high school player.
“Kylen Johnson plays receiver and defensive back for us, and he’s the best 10th grader in the state. He has had three 300-yard rushing games so far this year, and I believe he has about 10 interceptions on defense. He is one of the most phenomenal players I have ever coached. He’s special,” Propst said.
Johnson is a 4-star recruit, and has 17 rushing touchdowns, with six of those coming in last week’s 44-36 win over Pisgah High School in the AHSAA 2A semifinals.
While this will be Rush Propst’s first return to the Alabama state title game in 20 years, his most recent career state championship coaching job came in 2018, when he led the Colquitt County Packers to the Georgia High School Class 7A state championship game. Despite leading his Packers to an undefeated season leading up to the state finals, Colquitt lost to eventual champion Milton 14-13.
What’s Next For Propst After 2025 Season?
Win or lose, Rush Propst said he isn’t sure where he’ll be coaching in 2026, which could include returning to Coosa Christian, or even returning to Georgia.
“I’ll just have to wait and see what happens. Once this game is over, whether we win the state championship or are the 2A runner up, I’ll wrap up things with Coosa Christian, and see what my plans are.”
Propst said he has some offers to coach, and although he did not say if one of those options was in Georgia, he would certainly consider returning to the state where he served as head coach for Colquitt County and Valdosta High School.
“My coaching juices are flowing, and I want to continue to coach. I have 2 grandchildren in South Georgia that I miss, and want to spend time with again.
“I feel like South Georgia is home. We lived there a long time, and had a lot of success, so if I get an opportunity to come back, I’ll take a serious look at it,” Propst said.
Coosa Christian and Lanett will play on Friday December 5th at 3:00 CST at Protective Stadium in Birmingham.
