Jeff Roberts is excited to be the new Choctaw County High School head football coach, and athletic director Jim Wood is excited to have him.
“I don't think I could ask for a better position,” Roberts said. “I have a great vision for this program. I'm pumped about it. It's a fantastic spot. I could not pass up this opportunity.”
Wood said “He's young. He's energetic. He's coming off a state championship win. He is everything that we were looking for. I couldn't be happier.”
Roberts' appointment was approved by the Choctaw County School Board last week. He spent the past six years as defensive coordinator at Water Valley, culminating in the 3A state championship in the fall.
Roberts didn't waste any time getting down to work at his new position. On the same day his appointment was approved, he met with the team.
“I have been around some of these kids as a track coach (at Water Valley). I know they're great athletes. But the important thing is they are great kids.”
Roberts is a native of Quitman who played football and baseball at Quitman High School. He attended the University of South Mississippi where he received an undergraduate degree in history in 2009 and a graduate degree in sports management in 2011.
Roberts' coaching career began while a USM student. He was an undergraduate assistant for two years and an graduate assistant for two years under head coach Larry Fedora.
“Those were great years. I got a championship ring out of it.”
The ring came in 2011 when the Golden Eagles defeated Houston 49-28 in the USA Conference championship game. “Everybody talked up Houston and we came in and beat them pretty good.”
Houston entered the game 12-0, led by quarterback Case Keenum, who set the NCAA record for passing yardage.
After graduation, Roberts spent one year as defensive coordinator at Natchez Cathedral, which was still a MHSAA school at the time. The Green Wave went 7-4. Roberts' defense registered three shutouts and held nine of 11 opponents to two or fewer touchdowns.
“I loved being there, but I felt I needed to get into public school ball to get the public school retirement so I applied at Water Valley High School.”
The Bulldogs went 14-2 in the fall with three shutouts and nine games that the opponents scored two or fewer touchdowns.
Spring practice, which began this week, will give Roberts his first opportunity to assess the team. Spring practice will culminate with a jamboree game against New Hope May 11 at Starkville High School.
“Offensively, I want to do what Choctaw does best and that is run the ball.” The Chargers averaged 247 yards per game on the ground in 2018.
“Coach Wood and I have a very similar style when it comes to defense. We sat down and talked and I feel my stuff and his stuff kind of jell pretty well together.”
Wood served as Choctaw County's defensive coordinator. “He is going to pick his own staff,” Wood said of Roberts. “I certainly hope I am retained. If not, I'll be the AD and I will do whatever he tells me to do from a football standpoint.”
Roberts replaces Ben Ashley, who resigned after two years and an 18-7 record. The Chargers won Region 4-3A in 2017 and reached the third round of the playoffs.
The 2019 season begins with a non-region game against Independence August 23. MHSAA will undergo reclassification in the fall, but Choctaw County will remain in 4-3A.
Key underclassmen on the 2018 team included sophomore quarterback Tylan Carter and sophomore wide receiver/defensive back Ques McNeal. Carter ran and passed for 1,324 yards and 24 touchdowns, McNeal had 15 receptions for 346 yards, 32 tackles and five interceptions.
Wood said Choctaw County received about 40 applications for the position and interviewed eight to 10 candidates. Roberts stood out, Wood said. “Absolutely.”
