Valley Head has new football coach

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

VALLEY HEAD, Ala.— After the resignation of Head Coach Sam Graham last month, Valley Head now has a new football coach.  Coach Brian Knapp was approved by the board Tuesday, June 7, 2016.  “I appreciate the board's approval of my selection in a quick and timely manner.  I look forward to what Coach Knapp brings to the table” said Principal Bill Monroe.

Brian Knapps joins Valley Head after spending 8 years at Douglas High School.  He was the longest tenured coach and the winningest coach in school history  “I was a 28 year old kid that fell in love with the place” said Brian Knapp. “It was a good match.”

“Valley Head is rich in football tradition and that is very appealing to me.” said Knapp. “When you factor in that my home is eighteen miles from the ballfield, it makes it very nice. Plus I have a beautiful wife and two beautiful girls, ages 2 and 12, that I get to spend more time with now that I am not having to drive so far to work.”

Football is something that has been a part of Knapp’s life since an early age. He is a third generation coach.  His Grandfather, Roy was a Head Coach in Alabama for forty-two years. He is recognized in the Alabama Hall of Fame.  Knapp’s father, Buddy was a head coach in the State of Georgia and is also a member of the Georgia Hall of Fame. “I had the honor of playing for my father” said Brian Knapp. “My roots are from Georgia but I have deeper roots in Alabama because of my Grandfather Roy” said Knapps.

Knapp’s father, Buddy will be helping him coach at Valley Head. “I finally get to tell him what to do” said Knapps. “The roles are reversed.”  Valley Head has made it to the first round of the State playoffs for the past seasons and Knapps hopes to carry them even farther this year.