Josh Garrett likes a challenge. Officially named head footballcoach at Enterprise-Lincoln this week, Garrett inherits astruggling program that hopes to establish itself in a strong Class2A region.

“We are looking forward to it,” said Garrett about his newposition. “We are excited about the new challenge.”

The contract of second-year head coach and athletic director WayneRogers was not renewed. Rogers had a 2-year record of 3-18, going2-8 in 2009 with wins over West Lincoln and Mr. Hermon, La.

After three years of residency in Region 6-2A, the Fighting YellowJackets still are hunting their first region football win. Theywere former Class 1A members.

Enterprise principal Shannon Eubanks said the plan was to hire acoach from within the athletic department. Severe budget cuts haveslowed hiring practices statewide.

“Josh is a good coach,” said Eubanks. “He comes with experience. Hecoached at Laurel and Co-Lin. I’m excited about it. This group ofcoaches works well together.”

Eubanks said he will serve as acting athletic director. “I want tomake sure things run well this season. I’ll let the coaches forindividual sports take care of most details.”

Offensive coordinator Cass Brister and line coach Will Pepper willremain on staff at Enterprise.

Garrett, 29, is a 1999 Lawrence County graduate, starring as abaseball player at LCHS, Copiah-Lincoln Community College, SouthernMiss and Belhaven. He was a pitcher in college.

“I was a baseball guy all the way through,” said Garrett. He playedfor the Co-Lin Wolves, as a pitcher. Co-Lin advanced to the NJCAADivision II World Series when he was a freshman.

After Co-Lin, Garrett signed with Southern Miss. After one seasonwith the Golden Eagles, he transferred to Belhaven University in2004 where he played baseball for Hill Denson. He obtained a degreein sports administration.

In his first career job, Garrett coached baseball and football atLaurel for three years as an assistant. In football, he worked withthe linebackers and helped the defensive coordinator.

Garrett then took a baseball-coaching job at Co-Lin with CoachKeith Case for one season. He left the coaching field for a yearbefore moving to Enterprise.

“Coach Rogers hired me as defensive coordinator,” said Garrett. Healso was an assistant baseball coach to Brister.

Garrett said he was impressed and encouraged by the progress theteam made during spring practice. “Our kids have worked really hardout here. Coach Rogers brought a new work ethic. They have a goodattitude and the kids are working hard.”

Garrett said the Jackets would lift weights and run this summer.”We are getting stronger this summer. The Jackets will lift threedays a week, starting at 6:30 a.m., Monday, Tuesday andThursday.

Enterprise will start two-a-day preseason practice July 26. He said52 players participated in spring drills. “We have about 42 whowill be with us.

“I’ll run the defense and Coach Brister will be the offensivecoordinator. Will Pepper will coach the offensive and defensivelines.”

Garrett also will coach the junior high and junior varsity footballteams. The Jackets play their first game Aug. 27, at archrivalBogue Chitto.

“I’m looking for a classic game or a jamboree on Aug. 20,” saidGarrett. “That would help us be better prepared.”

Garrett said he realized the difficult challenge ahead for hisJackets. Region foes Puckett, Wesson, Loyd Star, Hinds AHS andMadison St. Joseph all have exceptional athletes andwell-established football tradition.

“We are in a tough district,” said Garret. “There’s not any easyteam. It’s a big game every Friday night.”

He has been married five years to the former Kail Baldwyn ofBrookhaven. They have a 4-year-old son, Wyatt.