JEFFERSON — Gene Cathcart, in an email Tuesday afternoon, announced he is stepping down as coach of the Jefferson football team after seven season, the last five as head coach.
Catchart compiled a 49-11 record with the Dragons and won two region titles in his five seasons at the helm. Cathcart also guided the Dragons to the playoffs each of his five seasons, including a trip to the 2020 Class 4A state championship game, where they lost 28-14 to Marist. He was an assistant for two years under current Flowery Branch head coach Ben Hall before taking over the head coach position when Hall moved to Branch.
"I would like to take this opportunity to formally express my sincere appreciation, and utmost gratitude, to the wonderful Jefferson Dragon Football Family & Dragon Nation for the last almost 7 years," Catchcart said. "I have submitted my resignation as head football coach, and will accept the same position with another program, school and school system. You have touched my life, and it has been my extreme privilege, and distinct honor, to be your coach, and share a part of your extraordinary lives."
Jefferson opened the 2021 campaign as the consensus No. 1 in Class 4A behind five-star recruit Malaki Starks, who signed with Georgia, and super sophomore Sammy Brown. But injuries derailed the promising season and they finished just 9-2 and lost 12-10 to Hapeville Charter in the fist round of the Class 4A state playoffs.
"(To) the administration, faculty and staff of Jefferson High School -- you are the very best of the best, and to serve as an educator with such a distinguished group of gifted servant leaders, has humbled me on a daily basis," Cathcart stated in his email. "Dragon Nation, your support has been a source of strength for this program, and myself, and while change is difficult, it is God’s plan for growth, and there are some great and mighty days ahead for Dragon football."
AccessWDUN reached out to Jefferson Athletic Director Bill Navas on future plans for a coaching search and ar awaiting his response.
(We will update this story as we get new information.)
