CANEY BAY — “God has had his hand in the entire process and that it’s the next step in His plan for our family.”
Those are the words of departing Brantley County High School football head coach David Shores after tendering his resignation.
After two years at the helm of the Herons, Shores is joining the Camden County coaching staff under the direction of Tucker Pruitt, who led Fitzgerald for eight seasons and Appling County for one compiling a 90-31 mark with three region titles and a state title in 2021.
“This decision did not come easy and required much prayer and many tears,” said Shores. “Alison (wife) and I love Brantley County and have developed relationships with players, parents and co-workers that will last the rest of our lives. Despite the lack of on-field victories, I am very proud of the many off-thefield wins that occurred over the last two seasons.
“I had no plans to leave Brantley County this soon. We are excited about the next chapter, while also saddened to leave such a great place.”
Shores believes the football program is poised to have immediate success, with a supportive administration, the addition of new athletic facilities and a solid returning roster.
“I want to thank Superintendent Dr. (Kim) Morgan, Principal Dr. (Walker) Todd, (Athletic Director) Max Stieve, and the Brantley County BOE for giving me the opportunity to lead the football program over the last two seasons. I also want to express my gratitude to the parents and players for allowing me to coach all the young men that I was blessed to work with.”
Dr. Todd confirmed the head coaching position has been posted on TeachGeorgia (February 6), the official state database of all certified position vacancies in Georgia public schools, other sites and announced locally.
“We’ve already received a lot of applications,” he said. “The athletic director and some others, including myself, have been looking through the applications, and we’re trying to narrow the list down to to the ones that we want to interview. We could be naming someone within two to three weeks.”
The requirement is the job opening has to be advertised for two weeks (through February 20) before any interviews can start, added Todd.
“We haven’t held any interviews yet,” he said, “but, we’re looking through the applications and trying to vet some people. We won’t name applicants until we get down to three to five candidates.”
Dr. Todd said he hates losing Shores.
“I’m definitely happy for him,” said Todd of the impending opening. “I want to definitely get someone in here that’s going to stay here and continue to build a program. We’re coming off an 0-10 season. It’s it’s not what you want.
“There have been some positives. We have grown, even though it hasn’t shown with our win-loss record. Our goal is to compete at every stage, every level, and that’s what we want.
“Our tennis and wrestling programs are doing great. We’ve won three state tennis titles the past two years and have done well in wrestling with a couple of champions and some near misses.”
Brantley County returns to Class AA in the fall. BCHS will play in the same region as Appling County, Pierce County and Toombs County, along with schools from Savannah.
