Pearl River Central had a great football season last year under the leadership of Head Coach Eric Collins.
His sixth year with the Region 4-5A team, he led the Blue Devils to the regional title. In that six-year stint, the team’s total record was 42-31, a stark contrast to the records held in the previous 20 years. Collins said he has been coaching football for the past 35 years, at various schools.
Collins was also able to coach the Devils to a win over their local rivals the Picayune Maroon Tide for the first time in two decades.
Now, he’s moving up to a Region 6A school, D’Iberville, next season, leaving a vacancy in the Blue Devils’ program. Collins said to his knowledge, the Pearl River County School District does not have a replacement lined up.
Two times during Collins’ time at PRC, the Devils made it to the South State 5A playoffs. Last year they brought home the regional title.
Collins said he is making the move because D’Iberville offers him the opportunity he has been looking for, the chance to coach high school football at the highest level, Region 6A.
However, Collins said his years at PRC were some of the best of his life. In addition to the rest of the coaching staff, Collins said he wants to give credit for all of his success at PRC to the players.
The key to that success is to be able to have the players buy into what the coach is preaching.
“The coach needs to be their self and love the kids. If you love the kids they will break their neck for you,” Collins said.
Pearl River Central Superintendent Alan Lumpkin said he is thankful for Collins for his Christian leadership. Lumpkin described Collins as a leader who taught his players not only how to be successful on the field, but leaders in life as well.
“He was just that kind of coach and that kind of leader. He will be missed,” Lumpkin said
The search for Collins’ replacement began this morning.
Lumpkin said the district has a great football and sports program, and the district is looking forward to the next chapter.
The district’s Athletics Director Andy Kivlan is currently looking for a new head coach. Anyone interested in applying can reach Kivlan by calling 601-798-1986.