The Alabama High School Athletic Association recently announced its three finalists in each of its seven classifications for Coach of the Year in football for 2022, and not suprisingly, Highland Home head coach Will Pouncey’s name appeared among the best in Class 2A.

The Flying Squadron, currently ranked No. 2 in the Alabama Sports Writers Association football poll, boasts a 9-0 record entering a pivotal Week 9 matchup against 2A, Region 3, foe Reeltown in a battle to determine the region champion.

A win against the Rebels would also give Highland Home its first undefeated regular season in school history. The Flying Squadron’s best regular season finish to date occurred in 1983 when the team finished 10-1 going into postseason play.

Beloved by many in the Highland Home community, Pouncey carries himself in a manner exemplifying what it means to be a great head coach. When asked about the honor, he immediately heaped praise on his players and assistant coaches saying they played just as important a role in the Flying Squadron’s historic run.

Pouncey’s playoff run may see him across the sidelines from at least one coach among finalists in 2A, Isabella head coach Tate Leonard and Ariton head coach Steven Kilcrease. If he sees the latter, it would be a rematch of their Week 1 contest Aug. 26, a 34-33 victory for the Flying Squadron.

Win or lose Friday night against Reeltown and beyond, Pouncey, his players, and assistant coaches deserve the recognition they’ve received to this point. In a perfect world, we’d love all our hometown teams to be in a position for as many accolades, championships, and honors they can bring home, but with two of Crenshaw County’s teams in the same region, there can be only one champion.

Congratulations to Coach Pouncey and his team for a remarkable season so far, and we can’t wait to see and report on the remainder of this potentially historic season.