St. John's Christian Press Release

Staff Reports • September 8, 2025

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St. John’s Christian Academy Announces Dr. Jerry Brown as Head Football Coach

and Bruce Ellington-Player Development Coach

Moncks Corner, SC – September 8, 2025 – St. John’s Christian Academy (SJCA) is proud to announce the addition of two remarkable leaders to its football program: Dr. Jerry Brown as Head Football Coach and Bruce Ellington as the Player Development Coach. Together, they join SJCA’s dedicated coaching staff in shaping the next generation of Cavalier athletes.

Dr. Jerry Brown enters his 55th year of coaching, including 36 years as a head coach. His legendary career is marked by an unmatched record of success:

8 State Championships (3 as assistant, 5 as head coach) – never losing a title game.
Three State Titles at Berkeley High School (1994, 1996, 2009).
One of only three coaches in South Carolina history to win state titles at three different schools: Batesburg-Leesville, Spring Valley, and Berkeley.
Served as both Head Coach and Assistant in the Shrine Bowl and North-South All-Star Games, winning all four.
Inducted into the South Carolina Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2018) and the South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2021).

Beyond the gridiron, Dr. Brown has faithfully served as a deacon at Santee Community Church in Moncks Corner and Christ Church in Columbia. He is a devoted husband to Mary Ames Brown and proud father of three children, Lucia, Paul, and Larry, and grandfather to Ames, Edye, Hardy, and great-granddaughter Elle.

Raised in Moncks Corner, Bruce Ellington is a former professional athlete known for his extraordinary accomplishments as a two-sport standout at the University of South Carolina and for his five-year career in the National Football League (NFL).

High School Achievements: Led Berkeley High School to the 2009 Division II-AAAA state football championship as quarterback; finalist for South Carolina’s Mr. Football Award. On the basketball court, he earned South Carolina 4A Player of the Year with senior averages of 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists per game.
Collegiate Career: Excelled as both the starting point guard for USC’s men’s basketball team and a wide receiver for the Gamecocks football program. Graduated with a degree in sociology.
NFL Career: Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2014 and played five seasons with the 49ers, Houston Texans, Detroit Lions, and New England Patriots.

Ellington’s versatility, leadership, and determination are hallmarks of his athletic career and will be a source of inspiration for SJCA student-athletes.

Dr. Brown and Coach Ellington embrace core values that align deeply with the mission of St. John’s Christian Academy: faith in Christ, a dedicated work ethic, determination, accountability, brotherly love, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Together with the existing Cavalier coaching staff, they are committed to building a program that develops not only strong athletes but also strong Christian men who will serve others with integrity.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Brown and Coach Ellington to the Cavalier Family,” said Becky Ellison, Head of School. “Their combined experience, passion for the game, and dedication to developing young men both on and off the field will strengthen our football program and inspire our school community.”

Upcoming Home Game

We invite our SJCA family to come out this Friday, September 12, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. for our home football game against Carolina Academy. Let’s pack the stands, show our Cavalier spirit, and give Coach Brown, Coach Ellington, and our Cavaliers a true SJCA welcome.