By CURTIS ROCKWELL/Sports Director

(Editors Note: This is the third of a six part series on how the schedule for the six new head football coaches in the “Southern Six” shape up for next season.)

LONG BEACH — Long Beach hasn’t qualified for the state football playoffs since 2011.

But first things first for new Bearcats head coach Cody Finley.

Finley, who was elevated from his post as the LBHS defensive coordinator, was hired in March to replace previous head coach Jacob Massey. Massey went just 4-29 in three seasons leading Long Beach.

And, even though the Bearcats haven’t earned a berth in the playoffs in 14 years, Finley will also be looking to guide them to their first winning season as well since going 6-5 in 2017.

Prior to joining Long Beach High School, Finley served as the Head Football Coach at Gibson County High School in Dyer, Tenn., from 2016 to 2022. During his tenure at Gibson County, Finley led the team to a 24-35 record. Notably, he transformed a program that had only four winning seasons in 42 years, achieving back-to-back winning seasons and playoff appearances in 2018 and 2019.

“Coach Finley brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of building successful programs while fostering positive relationships with student-athletes,” LBHS Athletics Director Shane Rutledge said, just after the hiring. “His dedication to both athletic achievement and academic success aligns perfectly with our school’s values. With his extensive background in coaching, teaching, and mentoring, we are confident that Coach Finley will inspire our student-athletes and lead our football program to new heights. We are eager to see the positive impact he will have on our students, our team, and our community,”

Even after bi-annual reclassification by the MHSAA, Finley’s Bearcats will once again compete in Region 4-6A again this coming season.

The Bearcats finished 2-9 last season, including 0-5 in league play. In fact, LBHS has lost 40 region games in a row since late in the 2018 season.

In region wars, Long Beach will welcome two new foes in and lose a pair as well as Gautier and Pearl River Central join the revamped league while George County and Bearcat rival West Harrison drop out.

The Bearcats managed a season-opening 28-21 road win over Pass Christian last season, and those two teams kick off the new campaign again this year on Friday, Aug. 29th.

Long Beach’s only other win last year came against longtime rival Bay High, and those two teams will face off again in week three for the 69th time overall.

Region 4-6A:

Gautier

Hancock

Long Beach

Pascagoula

Pearl River Central

Picayune