Florence Christian to return entire coaching staff
Neil Minton will be back for his 14th season as football head coach
Florence – After undergoing changes in the head coaching position for its two primary spring sports, Florence Christian School athletic director Neil Minton is expecting things to remain status quo for the upcoming 2025-26 school year.
“We do not anticipate any changes in our varsity coaches this year,” said Minton, who holds down two of those spots as football head coach and girls basketball head coach.
Scotty Keefe will be back for his second season in his second tenure as the Eagles baseball head coach. Keefe guided the team to an 11-10 season. Jessie Lyles, who had been the junior varsity softball coach before moving up to varsity last season, will return for her second season.
Denise Carter remains in charge of the varsity volleyball program, leading FCS to an 11-11-2 record last season. Clay Bochette returns as the boys basketball head coach after guiding the Eagles to an 11-13 record and to the quarterfinals of the SCISA AAA state tournament. Garrett Coker will be in charge of the boys soccer team again after leading it to a 9-8 record, and Rob Hardy will again be the boys golf coach.
“We have a wonderful, knowledgeable, caring staff that has been loyal to our ministry and our school,” said Minton, who will be entering his fifth year as athletic director. Minton is preparing for his 14th season as Florence Christian’s football head coach and will be entering his 10thy season in charge of the girls basketball program.
The Eagles football team went 6-5 last season, losing in the first round o the SCISA AAAA state playoffs.
Minton is being assisted by defensive coordinator Chris Coker with Mark Drummond the offensive line coach, Garrett Coker the quarterback and wide receivers coach, Michael Smith the defensive line coach and Jarrett Vernon the defensive backs coach. The only newcomer to the staff is offensive assistant Peyton Watson.
“We have a great group of men on our football staff,” Minton said. “It has been a loyal and faithful group to our school, church (Florence Baptist Temple), team and community. “Five of the assistants played here, three of them played for me, so there is a lot of continuity and respect for our program.
“They are good, Godly men who set the example we want for our kids at Florence Christian School.”
Minton guided the girls basketball team to a 15-10 record and a share of the Region III-AAA title with eventual state champion Pee Dee Academy. Florence Christian won its first-round game in the state tournament before falling to Hilton Head Prep in the quarterfinals.
