BOGUE CHITTO – Last summer Coach Carl Cole confidently predictedan outstanding campaign for his Bogue Chitto Bobcats. They didn’tdisappoint themselves or their fans, winning a school-record 11games and advancing to the South State 1A semifinals.

The Bobcats finished 11-2, setting a precedent in the process.They lost a narrow 20-18 decision to Puckett in the semis. Coleearned The Daily Leader’s Lincoln County Co-Coach of the Yearaward.

“It was a good year for us,” said Cole. “We had a lot ofsenior leadership,” including 11 seniors.

Cole, 46, can identify with the lean times, too. His firstedition finished 2-8. The Bobcats were 7-5 the next year and begana 3-year run to the state playoffs. They were 5-7 lastyear.

“My first year we had 19 football players,” Cole recalled.”At a particular night practice, I told our guys if they keptworking, they would have a lot of success. Those 11 seniors havebeen together. They’re a great group.”

According to Cole, community involvement has been a key tothe team’s climb up the victory ladder. “We have great fan support.This community deserves a lot of credit.

“We had a great following everywhere we played. I think ourcrowd sometimes outnumbered the home crowds when we played on theroad. That really helped us play better.”

Cole said Bogue Chitto principal Bobby Allen has providedplenty of support and enthusiasm for his Bobcats. “It means a lotwhen you have the administration behind you.”

Cole and his wife Sarah have two daughters, 14-year-oldAshley and 11-year-old Katie. They are a close-knit,football-minded family.

Calling it a luxury, Cole had three assistant coaches thisseason. Veteran assistant Donnie Stuart was joined by two ambitiousparaprofessionals, Michael Guins and Benji McKlemurray. Stuartcoached the defensive line and receivers. Guins coached theoffensive and defensive lines. McKlemurray coached the defensivebacks, receivers and quarterbacks.

“Having extra assistant coaches allowed them to teach aposition,” said Cole. “That really helped our younger kids,too.”

Cole said a successful football program benefits the entireschool. “When a football team does well, it gathers momentum forthe whole school year.”

A native of Gloster in Amite County, Cole played baseball atSouthwest Mississippi Community College. He graduated from theUniversity of Southern Mississippi with a bachelor’s degree inmathematics. He’s currently working on a master’s degree in healthand physical education.

After stints in the Coast Guard and Air Force, Cole begancoaching at Hazlehurst. He also coached at Crystal Springs andMorton. He had recommended a coaching associate for the head job atBogue Chitto but his friend decided to decline the opportunityafter being hired.

Former Bogue Chitto principal Stan Long called Cole andoffered him the job. “The Lord had Bogue Chitto in store for me. Wehave a lot more to accomplish here.”

Cole said the rebuilding process at Bogue Chitto will bedifficult due to the large number of senior starters but a winningtradition has been established.

“Class 1A schools usually have a roller-coaster ride,” saidCole in reference to rebuilding the team. “That’s the nature of thebeast.”

Bogue Chitto’s success level has created an epidemic offootball fever in the community. Cole wants to keep that fireburning.