By CURTIS ROCKWELL/Sports Director

LYMAN — Harrison Central has found its next head football coach.

According to sources close to the situation, the Red Rebels have landed Columbia defensive coordinator Chris Fortenberry as their new leader. The move is expected to be approved at the monthly meeting of the Harrison County School Board late Monday afternoon.

Fortenberry is fresh of helping lead Columbia to an undefeated 15-0 season and a Class 4A state championship. He also served as the head coach at Richton from 2013-2015, where he led the Rebels to the Class 2A South State playoffs twice.

He has also served as an an assistant at Sumrall High and Columbia Academy over the past decade.

Fortenberry will become the fifth head football coach in the past 12 years for the Red Rebels. Fortenberry will replace former HCHS head coach Nekemia Rich, who stepped down at the end of last season. The Red Rebels went just 1-9 last season under Rich, after going 2-8 his first season. Rich was 3-17 overall and went 1-9 in Region 4-7A play.

HCHS Athletics Director Kevin Roberts released this statement when Rich left his post:

“Coach Rich has served Harrison Central and the surrounding community with outstanding dedication for more than 21 years, contributing as a teacher, coach, mentor, and leader across multiple programs. His commitment to the students and athletes of Harrison Central has been unwavering, and his positive impact on countless young people is immeasurable.

Coach Rich has made the decision to move closer to his family home so that he can be more present as his sons enter their own high school years. The district fully supports his decision and recognizes the importance of family in the life of every educator and coach.

“Coach Rich’s dedication cannot be matched, and his contributions will be deeply missed,” said Roberts. “He has been a tireless advocate for his players, his students, and Harrison Central High School as a whole. He is also a friend to those who have coached and taught beside him. Coach Rich embodied what it means to serve with integrity, passion, and purpose.”

The release went on to say:

“Coach Rich leaves behind a legacy defined by hard work, loyalty, and a genuine devotion to the school and community he served. The Harrison County School District extends its heartfelt thanks and wishes him all the best as he enters this next chapter.”