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Former Warhorse takes over reins at Barnwell in 2010

By David Shelton

Staff Writer

Barnwell – Eddie Moore has been around enough winning football programs to know what it takes to win. He hopes to take advantage of his knowledge in his first head coaching stint in 2010.

Moore takes over as the head football coach at Barnwell High School this fall. He knows all about the rich tradition of the program, having been a part of it as a player in the mid 90’s. It has been a long time since the football program has been a major part of the class AA football championship race but Moore is hoping to restore some of the past glory.

“This program is not in shambles by any means,” said Moore, who came to Barnwell after four years as the defensive coordinator at Berkeley High. “There is a lot of good going on within the program and we have a great tradition here. I’m coming in with the hope that I can do some things to help get us back to where Barnwell football should be. I’m excited to be back home and I certainly have a love for the program.

“There was a time here when we expected to win every game and our winning attitude helped us win a lot of games. That’s what I hope to bring back. I want people to respect us and to fear us. I want to raise our own levels of expectations.”

Moore has bounced around the coaching profession for the last 15 years, serving on the staff of several highly successful programs. He spent three years in the Army in addition to coaching stints at Auburn High School and Opelika High in Alabama and at Greenwood High for three years.

He has worked for two of the state’s more successful head coaches – Shell Dula at Greenwood and Jerry Brown at Berkeley. In four years at Berkeley, the Stags played for the lower state title three times and won the Division II-AAAA state title last December.

“I feel like I have prepared myself to be a head coach and I’m excited about the opportunity,” said Moore. “It had to be the right situation for me to take a head job. I was very happy where I was. The Barnwell job was certainly one at the top of my list if it ever came open. It’s good to be home again.”

Moore spent the better part of the spring putting his coaching staff together. The staff has several returning coaches from past staffs and a few new faces as well.

Mike Highsmith is the veteran of the staff, having served at Barnwell for a number of years. He will coach the offensive backs. Ski Hooper and Austin Osment will team up to coach the offensive linemen.

Brandon Wheeling is the defensive line coach and Thomas Davis will coach linebackers. David Smith will coach the strong safeties and Travis Washington will coach the secondary. Davis and Smith have been with the program for a few years.

“We have a couple of loose ends to tie up over the summer but we are already working very hard to get ready for the season,” said Moore. “We’re all on the same page, with the same goal. We want this program to be the best it can be.”

 

 


Barnwell (10/29/09) Barnwell's football team is in a precarious position ? the Warhorses must beat rival and Region 5-AA leader Silver Bluff or receive some help to reach the Class AA playoffs.
Because of an eligibility concern that cropped up during the season, Barnwell (2-7 overall, 2-2 region) was forced to forfeit two region victories ? Wade Hampton and Edisto ? and by virtue of those forfeits, the Warhorses are currently tied for fourth with Ridgeland in the region.
Despite opening season with five consecutive losses, Barnwell coach Joey Still said he's still pleased with the team's effort and intensity.
"Our kids are playing hard," Still said. "I can't ask for anything more from our kids. The way that we take it, we're 4-5. That's how we're taking it. That's the attitude we're approaching to that. That's keeping our kids motivated.
"We started out 0-5, and as each week went by we were getting better."
Offensively, Barnwell has been led by Colby Carter, who has amassed 1,800-plus yards through nine games.
"He's the real deal," said Still, who hopes Carter continues to garner interest from colleges.
"He's a kid full of character."
Still credited the offensive line ? center Trey Still, right guard Steven Keith, right tackle D.J. Williams, left guard Jamie Randall and left tackle Jacob Bridgemon ? have been integral parts of Barnwell's success.
"The whole entire offensive line, as a unit, has gotten better," Still said.
Defensively, Still said he's seen rapid improvement.
In last week's 2-0 victory over Ridgeland, middle linebacker Trey Still had 19 tackles, the most tackles by a player during Still's tenure.
Defensive lineman Dakota Priester had 16 total tackles against Ridgeland, and defensive back Patrick Green has seven interceptions in the last four games.