The revolving door of high school athletics in the Columbus Valley got a surprising turn in the spring when St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School’s Athletic director and Head Football Coach Alan Griffin announced he was leaving. After nine years with the 4-A school, the last one as head football coach, Griffin accepted a job as athletic director/assistant principal at White County High School in Cleveland, Georgia.
Griffin coached the Vikings to a 7-4 winning season last year and was 5-3 in region play.
He stepped into the head coaching position following the departure one year earlier of Randy Grace. Griffin helped continue the progress made in the school’s football program made under Grace’s direction and it is hoped the Vikings new coach will also have success.
Buster Connally became the athletic director and head football coach before the end of school year but Connally has been a part of Pacelli athletics for nine years, eight with the football team.
The continuity of promoting from within worked before and should with Connally. He quickly put his own brand on the team by making some coaching changes.
Carson Hinton was moved from Defensive Coordinator to Offensive Coordinator. DeAndre Bowman was brought in as Defensive Coordinator. His son, Dre Bowman, signed last year with Georgia State University and was the team’s leading receiver last season. Pacelli hired Mark LeGree whose primary responsibility will be to coach defensive backs. These moves utilize coaches who are knowledgeable about Pacelli’s football program and also bring a fresh approach.
“I am extremely excited about the cohesion of this staff,” says Connally.
There are a few negatives in the program. Several seniors who had started on the football team for three years are gone. The absence of a large senior class leaves a void of leadership and talent. Connally says the young guys on the team will have to learn and contribute early.
Among the positives is the football program’s reputation. Last year two Vikings signed Division I scholarships to play at the next level. In addition to Bowman, Ben Davis, the team’s leading tackler, signed with Davidson College. Connally feels the 2016 team has at least three college prospects. Running back Aaric Austin, LB Michael Herrera and OL Daniel Mansfield. Look for all three to be big contributors this season.
Other returning starters for the Vikings are Tanner Hall (LB), Justin Bates (C), Ash Vestal (OL) and John Jacobs (K).
Connally sees his offense being very physical in 2016, especially at the line of scrimmage. He plans on his team making opponents defend the entire football field. The new coach feels his offense is very sound fundamentally.
The Viking defense has been working on a defensive system which is sound against the run and pass, and able to adjust to sets, shifts and motion. Coaches have been stressing running to the ball, tackling, proper “alignment to assignment” and collision football at every position.
One big plus for the new coach will be the loyalty of the fans who gather at the school’s Deimel Field and for away games. Pacelli has generated enthusiasm in the football program in the past few seasons and it will follow into the 2016 season.
“Our Viking family is extremely important to our staff and players. Our players feed off of their excitement. Our Booster Club has been instrumental in helping to bring our community into the mix,” says Connally.
It may be a rebuilding year for the Vikings but the team is in very capable hands. Connally’s three major goals for the season are inspiring but well within reach. First, be a playoff contender. Second, to put themselves in a position to win games in the fourth quarter, and third is for the team to be a positive representative for the school and church.
St. Anne-Pacelli Vikings
Vikings Hope To Improve On Progress Made In Football Program
Written by Beth Welch
Photo by Pacelli School
