DAWGS IN TRANSITION: With White moving on, Ball 'absolutely' will apply for opening
Dec. 23—Anniston's newly vacant position for varsity head football coach has one announced candidate, and it's an assistant who made a name for himself leading the program's efforts to help players earn college opportunities.
Bradley Ball will "absolutely" apply for the job, he said Thursday. Either way, he said he's "not leaving" Anniston.
Rico White, the newly named All-Calhoun County Class 4A-6A coach of the year, has accepted an offer to lead Mae Jemison's program.
White leaves after going 35-23 In five seasons at Anniston. He led the Bulldogs to the Class 4A semifinals in 2019 and quarterfinals in 2022. He also coached Anniston to a Region 4 title in 2022.
The Bulldogs finished 11-1 this past season, recording the school's first unbeaten regular season since 2001. They lost in the quarterfinals 35-28 to eventual 4A state champion Andalusia.
White will go on to lead a program that went 0-10 in 2022, its eighth year of existence. The Jaguars have endured six consecutive losing seasons, including the past three under Harold Wells.
Attempts to reach White about the Mae Jemison opening over the past week were unsuccessful. He released a statement Thursday night.
"After careful consideration and much prayer, I have decided to further my coaching career by accepting a new coaching position, effective Jan. 3, 2023," he said. "This decision has not been an easy one for me, considering all the love and support that I have received from this organization as well as the city of Anniston over the past few years.
"While I have enjoyed my time at Anniston, it is with my deepest regards to move forward and in efforts to pursue future goals and advance my career."
White said he "will always support my fellow Bulldogs. Go Dawgs!!!"
Ball, who attended Anniston's basketball game against Jacksonville on Thursday, said he's "born ready" for the Anniston opening.
"Football is what I love and what I do," he said. "We'll just see how the chips fall."
Ball has served as Anniston's defensive coordinator and assistant head coach for five seasons. His biggest off-field role has been upping the program's output of college players.
Former Bulldog defensive back Antonio Kite just completed his first season at Alabama. Senior offensive lineman Ryqueze McElderry graduated early and began bowl practices with Alabama this week.
Senior quarterback Kamron Sandlin, a South Carolina commit, will hold a joint signing ceremony with McElderry on Friday at 2 p.m.
Several current Bulldogs have offers from Power 5 college programs. Freshman defensive lineman Hezekiah Harris has an offer from SEC member Mississippi State.
Before joining White's staff, Ball coached two years at Lee-Huntsville and one at Mae Jemison.
"Coach White hired me, and we had a vision coming into this thing together," Ball said. "Everything we've accomplished for the last five years, playoffs all five years, we've done everything except win a championship.
"I'd call that success. You can't mention 4A without mentioning Anniston."
Sports Writer Joe Medley: 256-236-1551. On Twitter: @jmedley_star.
