Starkville, August 18, 2025
News Summary
Starkville High School is excited to welcome John Carr as its new head football coach as the team enters preseason practices. With Carr’s leadership, the Starkville Yellow Jackets aim to enhance their performance following last season’s success. This marks a new chapter after the departure of former coach Chris Jones. The team’s transition to contact practices indicates significant progress as they prepare for their upcoming season, including tough opponents and a commitment to maintaining their winning legacy in local football.
Starkville Welcomes New Football Coach John Carr Amidst Preseason Practices
Starkville High School is in the midst of its second week of preseason football drills, as head coach John Carr takes the helm of the team. Carr, who recently took over from former coach Chris Jones, is excited about developing a competitive program in a city known for its strong football culture.
During a recent practice session, Carr addressed his team, underscoring the importance of this critical preparation phase. The Starkville Yellow Jackets have achieved a noteworthy milestone by transitioning to contact practices, where players are allowed to wear pads. This signifies a step forward in their training as they gear up for the upcoming season.
Coach Carr’s hiring comes after Chris Jones, a state championship-winning coach, left Starkville. At his previous position at Clinton High School, Carr led the team to a 4-6 record. Notably, he also served as the wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator at Louisiana-Monroe for the past two seasons, gaining valuable experience and insight into high-level coaching.
Starkville’s Recent Performance and Coaching Support
The Yellow Jackets had a solid performance last season, finishing with a 7-5 record and reaching the second round of the Class 7A playoffs. They were eliminated by Tupelo, who would go on to become the eventual state champions. This previous success sets a high standard, and Carr is expected to build upon it as he leads the team into his inaugural season.
New athletic director Jay Hopson is fully supportive of Carr’s appointment, emphasizing his extensive experience and ability to boost the offensive performance of the team. Under Hopson’s leadership, Starkville High School aims to cultivate core values and create a consistent culture across its athletic programs, which now support over 600 student-athletes participating in 19 different sports for grades 7-12.
Upcoming Season Outlook
The Starkville Yellow Jackets prepare for a challenging 2025 football schedule, which includes seven opponents that participated in last year’s postseason. Their first game of the season is slated for August 29 against Oak Grove. It is noteworthy that Starkville will not face Tupelo this year due to realignment, marking the end of a long-standing rivalry and presenting a shift in the competitive landscape of the area.
As the team progresses through their preseason practices, Coach Carr’s focus is on maximizing the potential of the players and maintaining the legacy of excellence associated with the Starkville football program. With a commitment to developing a high-performing team, the Yellow Jackets look to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.
FAQ
Who is the new head football coach at Starkville High School?
John Carr is the new head football coach, recently hired to replace Chris Jones.
What is the recent performance of the Starkville Yellow Jackets?
Last season, the Yellow Jackets finished with a record of 7-5 and reached the second round of the Class 7A playoffs.
When is Starkville High School’s first football game of the season?
The first game of the season is scheduled for August 29 against Oak Grove.
Key Features of Starkville High School Football
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Head Coach | John Carr, replaces Chris Jones |
| Previous Record | 7-5 last season, second round of playoffs |
| Upcoming Opponents | Seven postseason opponents from last year |
| First Game | August 29 against Oak Grove |
| Athletic Program | Supports over 600 student-athletes across 19 sports |
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Additional Resources
- Starkville Daily News: Preparation Continues for High School Football Teams
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi High School Football
- SI: Starkville Announces 2025 Football Schedule
- Vicksburg Post: Jay Hopson Becomes Starkville High School’s Director of Athletics
- Wikipedia: Starkville, Mississippi
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
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