Collins High School Appoints New Football Coach

Collins, Mississippi, July 30, 2025

News Summary

Collins High School has appointed Randy Craft as the new head football coach. With a focus on improving team fundamentals and discipline, Craft brings valuable coaching experience from his time at Hattiesburg High School. Players, including standout TJ Barnes, are optimistic about the upcoming season as the team aims to secure a top position in their region and host a playoff game. The season is set to begin against Sumrall High School in late August.

Collins, Mississippi – Collins High School has appointed Randy Craft as the new head football coach ahead of the upcoming season. The decision comes as the school looks to build on its previous performance while emphasizing improved fundamentals and discipline within the team.

Senior player Chikezie McLaurin expressed his confidence in Craft’s abilities, indicating that the team’s foundational skills and discipline would likely see considerable improvement under his leadership. Craft is stepping into the role after serving as the defensive coordinator at Hattiesburg High School, where he honed essential coaching skills while working with Tony Vance, the school’s former head coach, and its all-time winningest coach.

Craft aims to leverage his experience from Hattiesburg to develop the team at Collins effectively. He highlights the importance of leadership within the squad, with TJ Barnes identified as a pivotal figure for the Tigers. Barnes had a standout season in 2024, racking up over 700 total yards and scoring eight rushing touchdowns. Craft is focusing on enhancing Barnes’s skills, particularly aiming to increase his explosiveness on the field.

Barnes is noted for his vocal presence among teammates and brings substantial playing experience from the previous season. Under Craft’s guidance, the team is aligning with the new expectations, and Craft has recognized their energy and readiness for the changes to take place. The primary goals set out for the team include improving weekly performance, finishing in the top two of their region, and securing a playoff game at home. If the team meets these objectives, Collins will be in contention for the region championship.

The upcoming 2025 football season for Collins High School is scheduled to kick off on Friday, August 29, at 7 p.m. against Sumrall High School, as the team and their new coach look forward to a promising year ahead.

Background on Randy Craft

Randy Craft has a solid background in coaching, having spent the previous season as the defensive coordinator at Hattiesburg High School. During this time, he worked closely with Tony Vance, gaining valuable insights into effective coaching strategies. Craft’s coaching philosophy focuses on improving team discipline, on-field performance, and fostering leadership among players.

Team Expectations and Goals

With Coach Craft at the helm, the Collins Tigers are setting ambitious goals for the upcoming season. The team aims to not only improve their weekly performance but also to establish themselves as contenders within their region. By finishing in the top two, the team hopes to host a playoff game, with aspirations to win the region championship if they perform to their expectations throughout the season.

Significance of Leadership

Leadership will play a critical role in the Tigers’ success under Craft’s new regime. TJ Barnes, recognized for his impressive performance last season, is expected to lead by example. His ability to communicate with teammates and his experience on the field will be vital as the team adapts to new strategies and expectations set by their new coach.

Conclusion

As Collins High School embarks on a new chapter with Randy Craft as the head football coach, both players and fans are eager to see how the team will perform in the upcoming season. With a focus on building a solid foundation, enhancing player skills, and fostering strong leadership, Collins aims to reclaim its competitive edge in high school football.

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Additional Resources

• Gamecocks Online: Geoff Collins Joins Gamecock Football Coaching Staff
• Wikipedia: South Carolina Gamecocks Football
• AJC: Former Georgia Tech Football Coach Joins Staff at South Carolina
• Google Search: Geoff Collins
• Football Scoop: Geoff Collins at South Carolina
• Google Scholar: South Carolina Football
• On3: Shane Beamer Explains Decision to Add Geoff Collins
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Geoff Collins
• 247Sports: South Carolina Gamecocks Football – Geoff Collins
• Google News: South Carolina Football

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