WESSON — The opportunity to return home and coach high schoolfootball brought Tommy Clopton back to his high school alma mater.Clopton has been named head football coach at Wesson HighSchool.

“The draw to be home is very strong,” said Clopton. “There’snothing like Friday nights and high school football.”

Clopton, 29, has served the past five years on the East CentralCommunity College staff. He worked as offensive line coach,secondary coach and wide receivers/tight ends coach. The Warriorsmade two state playoff appearances during his time on TerryUnderwood’s staff.

Wesson athletic director/high school principal Ronald Greer saidthe school was fortunate to obtain someone of Clopton’s caliber.”We are tickled to death to get someone of his quality andcharacter. We had 21 applicants for the job and narrowed it down tofive. He was the most qualified candidate we had for the job.”

Clopton graduated from Wesson in 1992. He clearly understandsthe local rivalries. Playing for his father, Rickey Clopton, atWesson, the Cobras enjoyed three straight outstanding campaigns,going 31-4. They reached the South State 2A finals his senioryear.

Clopton is certified in several areas to teach science. He’llteach biology at Wesson. He played football at Copiah-LincolnCommunity College and later graduated from the University ofSouthern Mississippi with a master’s degree in education.

Clopton played center at Wesson and Co-Lin, giving him valuableexperience. “You have to understand blocking schemes and passprotection. You have to know what’s going on all over thefield.”

He played two years for Randall Bradberry at Co-Lin. At USM,Clopton served as equipment manager for the Golden Eagles andgained valuable experience. “I learned a lot from John Thompson whowas defensive coordinator at USM.”

Clopton said he planned to follow Greer’s basic offensive style.”We will be power-option. Coach Greer has been successful with thatbut we intend to be flexible. If we have an ability to throw theball, we will throw it.”

Clopton said he will continue as a full-time teacher at EastCentral until May, when his contract expires. He will commute forspring football practice which will start the last week inApril.

“We’ll probably use a 50 front on defense,” said Clopton. “It’svery simple and very sound. You just want to line up the kids andplay, get them in a position where they can play wide open.”

Clopton is married to the former April Hegwood of Taylorsvilleand they have two sons, Micah, age 9; and Trace, age 4. They areBaptist.

Greer said Clopton would coach golf and track next spring. “Hewill be an asset to our school and our community.”

Greer served as head football coach for nine years and fouryears as athletic director. He decided to resign from his coachingposition to allow him more time for working in the ministry.