Fronabarger leaving West Carroll for Crockett

It's time to add West Carroll football to the growing list of West Tennessee high school sports teams looking for a new head coach.

That's because Josh Fronabarger, who's been the head coach for the War Eagles the past eight seasons, informed the school and the team's players of his resignation Friday morning.

"You're always looking for an opportunity to further your career professionally, and this was that opportunity," Fronabarger said.

The opportunity Fronabarger referred to was to serve as the offensive coordinator for the football program at Crockett County High School.

"I have a lot of respect for [Crockett County head coach Kevin Ward] and [assistant coach Kent Scott] and everyone else there on staff," Fronabarger said. "They've accomplished a lot as a program over the last couple of years, and it's hard to argue with that success."

Ward said he's glad to have a coach like Fronabarger on his staff as they've known each other for a few years since he coached at Camden, and West Carroll was the Lions' usual scrimmage opponent when they both were a part of Huntingdon's annual jamboree.

"We got to know each other some back then, and then we've played each other the last two years," Ward said. "I know what kind of a man he is when he's not coaching, and I know he and I have similar philosophies about running an offense in that we both like to run smash-mouth, run-first type of schemes."

Fronabarger said he's looking forward to the opportunity in Alamo, but the players he's leaving behind in Atwood will make leaving difficult.

"Any coach will hopefully tell you the biggest thing about their job is the kids and having relationships with them, because that's what it's all about when you're in there all year trying to build the program," Fronabarger said. "These kids have come up through this program, and I've watched them improve and get better.

"Leaving them is easily the worst part about making this choice."

Fronabarger will have to get accustomed to a new set of players as Crockett just graduated a large senior class that included the 2014 All-West Tennessee Offensive Player of the Year Johnny Jones at running back along with key offensive linemen, receivers and quarterback.

"I've watched them on film the last two years and have a good idea of what they have coming back," Fronabarger said. "I just need to get in there and get to know them and get a good look at what our strengths are and what we need to work on."

The Cavaliers had their entire coaching staff for an early spring practice that was done by mid-March before coaches left, and now will have the staff complete just as summer workouts start, which began this past Tuesday.

"It's good timing for us, and we're glad to get Josh in here helping us," Ward said.

Fronabarger's brother, Brent, just completed his first season coaching the Cavaliers' baseball team. Josh said Brent's presence at Crockett didn't factor into his decision.

"It will be good to be a part of the same school with him, but I don't know if there will be an opportunity for us to work together," Josh Fronabarger said. "If it happens, great, but if not, I'm at Crockett to teach and to help coach a football team."

Brandon Shields, 425-9751