South Pontotoc promoted former offensive coordinator Jonathan Beard to head coach after a 1-9 season, the program announced. The move comes after another coaching change and is intended to provide stability for a program that has cycled through leaders.
“I think it provides some consistency,” Beard said. “I think these kids have had three head coaches in three years, and it’s kind of hard for a kid. It gives you a sense of consistency and knowing me and most of these guys on staff already, it kind of gives you, I guess, a sense of confidence understanding the guys that are here with you.”
Beard said the biggest improvement has been mental. A team that finished winless in district play last year is beginning to show more confidence, Beard said. “I think they have changed mentally in a good way,” he said. “I think they are showing more confidence now than they had when we first got here. … They have bought into that.”
Players said they have embraced the underdog role and the work ethic the staff demands. “We’re just using it as a chip on our shoulder, you know, taking it as the underdog like we are,” tight end Brayden Patterson said. Patterson pointed to a sign in the weight room that reads “Champions Are Made Here” and said the message applies to the locker room and classroom as well. “Champions are made in the weight room and in the locker room and in the classroom… everywhere,” he said.
Quarterback Jaxon Highlander said his job is to keep teammates focused. “I just got to get them to rally around me and pick each other up,” he said. South Pontotoc opens the 2026 season against Bruce on Aug. 28, the school announced.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
