Davis new head coach of Indians
Reginald Davis wants consistency, day in and day out, as he takes over leadership of Byhalia High School football.
“We are building from the ground up,” said the new head coach of the Indians. “We have to be there every day, believe in what we are doing, and go to work. We have a plan, and every day should define who we want to be.”
Davis replaces coach Johnny Loper, who he worked for as an assistant in the 2024 season.
“It’s not like somebody new is coming in,” he said. “We have excellent kids who want to be coached. The transition has been smooth. They know me, and I know them, and I have a good rapport with the kids.”
Davis is an experienced football coach with most of his years on the sideline coming in his home state of Louisiana. He played at Zachary High School near Port Hudson and then Grambling State University. He has both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Grambling. His first coaching job was at Grambling Lab School before becoming head coach of a semi-pro team, the North Louisiana Roughriders. He next went back to his alma mater, Grambling, as an assistant coach for a few years. Next came coaching stops at several high schools in Louisiana before making the move to north Mississippi and Olive Branch High School as an assistant. That was followed by three years as the head coach at Douglas High School in Memphis, Tenn., prior to the move to Byhalia a year and a half ago.
“This place reminds me of where I grew up,” Davis said. “I enjoy this community, and I enjoy the kids. I feel like I fit.”
Davis knows he faces a tall rebuilding task, inheriting a program that has had its share of struggles the past few years. He said he has leaned on the advice of John Danley, a former head coach who enjoyed plenty of success with the Indians. Danley recently retired after serving in administrative roles at Byhalia.
“He is very knowledgeable, and has been very helpful,” Davis said. “I like to talk to him and pick his brain. He is always available.”
Davis had about 35 players participating in spring drills, and he hopes to build on that roster when fall practice officially starts August 4. His Indians participated in a spring jamboree at Potts Camp, and he said the players responded well to what he and his staff are teaching.
“We have to just grab our lunch pail and put in the hard work,” he said. “We have to learn how to compete and win. We have to be physical. Again, it’s about consistency and getting everybody on the same page.”
And it’s also about more than just football.
“I’m here to serve,” Davis said. “I want to be the best steward I can be for the kids. I want to give them direction. I want them to grow up and be productive citizens. My coaches helped me so much in life, and I want to do that for these kids.”
The Indians also have a tall task schedule-wise. They will compete in Region 3-4A with Clarksdale, Ripley, Rosa Fort and Senatobia. Leading up to district play they will face several nearby rivals - H.W. Byers, Independence, Ashland, Potts Camp and Holly Springs. Davis’ first game as head coach will be Thursday night, Aug. 28, with a short bus ride to face a fellow Marshall County school, H.W. Byers.