New Slocomb coach Bryant Garrison, after a long stint as an assistant coach in Georgia, was longing to get a shot to lead a football program.
After serving the past three years as defensive coordinator and head strength and conditioning coach at Central Gwinnett High School, a Class AAAAAA school in Lawrenceville, Ga., the former high school star at Marion County High in Guin looked to get back to his home state.
Garrison replaces Richard Tisdale, who stepped down after leading the Red Tops to an 8-4 overall mark last season, 5-1 in Class 3A, Region 2. “I think as a coach, you’re kind of used to doing things a certain way, but as kids you’re used to doing things a certain way, too,” Garrison said. “We’re trying to get him eased into what we’re doing,” Garrison said. “I talked to him at the beginning of the season and was like, ‘Look, I know you’re young, but you’re in a leadership position and you have to take on that role.’ And that’s exactly what he’s done since day one … he’s stepped in whether it’s in the weight room or out conditioning … he’s leading the guys and trying to pull them along.