By Dustin Dobbins

Sports Reporter

Coach Graham has played football or coached most of his life. Sam graduated from Sylvania in 1991. He led the Rams in tackles his final 3 years, while also playing running back on offense. Sam went on to College at UNA where he earned 3 National Championship from 1992 to 1995. After graduating Sam stayed on as a Graduate Assist until 1997.

Coach Graham’s coaching career started back at Sylvania as head coach from 1997-98. Then he travelled back to UNA as Defensive Back coach from 1999- 2001. Coach Graham left to go to Albertville as Defensive Coordinator in 2001 and was hired as head coach their in 2003-2004. Coach Graham left Albertville to become Defensive Coordinator at University of West Alabama from 2005 till 2007. Oxford High School  came calling in 2008 where he became  Defensive Coordinator / Assistant Head Coach he stayed there thru 2013. That’s when family and coming home started factoring in and Coach Graham came back home at Scottsboro as Defensive Coordinator in 2014. Coach was offered  the job as Head Coach at Valley Head in 2015 and that’s where he is coaching currently.

Coach Graham has always been a Man of God. It only takes one conversation with him and you will come away knowing where he stands. GOD, FAMILY, ACADEMICS and FOOTBALL. It’s not always what the scoreboard says at the end of the game. It’s knowing you left 110% on the field. The game of Football teaches us lessons on life but always know where your talent comes from.  God alone allows it. Coach Graham reminded me of this while talking with him. We always have to keep our tires pumped up. Spiritually, Socially, ACADEMICS  and Athletic, with all these God has to be in the center. All 4 has to stay pumped up to keep God in the center of our lives. So keep all 4 tires pumped up.

Sam will not only be a good coach for Valley Head , he will also be a great leader and influence on the community. Sam is married and has 3 wonderful daughters.