Watson named new Jay head coach

After spending 16 of his 17 years at Jay High School as an assistant football coach, Brian Watson will take over the reigns of the football program as the new head football coach.

About 50 Jay students who are either football players or who want to play football gathered inside the school's auditorium Tuesday morning when Principal Benjie West introduced the new head football coach.

As West said, Jay will have a familiar face as the head of the football program, noting that Watson came back to Jay 17 years ago to raise his family and be a part of the Jay athletic program. Watson has served as the girls softball coach and girls basketball coach during his tenure.

He had spent 16 years as an assistant football coach, mainly as the Royals offensive coordinator. He said he stepped away from football last year while his son was a senior, but is glad to be back.

"Taking a year off made me realize how much I missed it," Watson said.

He added that he has taught and been around most of the players, which he feels will be a benefit as he moves the football team forward.

Watson attended Jay schools from kindergarten through 12 grade and is a 1992 Jay graduate. He missed his senior year on the football team due to an injury.

He began his coaching career at Riverdale Middle School in Riverdale, Ga., and then spent four years coaching running backs at Jonesboro High School in Jonesboro, Ga., before returning to Jay in 2005.

"With the unknown comes the excitement," Watson told the players Tuesday. "We're going to learn how to win.

He told the players they need to get into the weight room and he wants them to play spring sports, that can include baseball, tennis, track or weightlifting. Watson said he played three sports while attending Jay and feels its important to be involved in sports other than football.

"First, you need to take care of your work in the classroom," he said. "I look forward to talking with each of you and we're going to work."