New coaches make Tri-9 unpredictable

By J. Mike Blake, mblake@newsobserver.com

As conference play begins in the Tri-9 this Friday, the fourth most-tenured football coach of any member school is Green Hope’s Kwame Dixon. He’s entering his second year.

The recent coaching overhaul is the first thing that stands out about this year’s league.

Five teams changed coaches – with three retirements and two leaving for other jobs.

Joe Kilby is Apex’s second coach in 20 years, Holly Springs has welcomed former Leesville Road assistant Will Orbin, Athens Drive promoted assistant Chris Martin, Middle Creek hired Mike Castellano out of the college coaching ranks, and Panther Creek plucked Middle Creek’s Sean Crocker.

“It’s kind of weird coming into a season not knowing what you’re going to be facing,” said Cary’s Ben Kolstad, entering his 10th season. “They talk like there are some pretty good coaches coming in, so it’ll be interesting.”

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New coaches make Tri-9 unpredictable