Byers hires Johnson as new Football coach

The H.W. Byers Lions have hired coach Lonnie Johnson from Greenville as their new Head football coach. The new coach replaced coach Chris Daniels, who filled the Potts Camp High School vacancy.

Johnson, who recently was the running back coach for Rosa Fort High School in Tunica, spent four years at Byhalia High School as the offensive coordinator from 2009-2013. But Greenville Weston High School is where coach Johnson started his coaching.

The Lions have been a game away from the playoffs for the last two seasons. The preseason is close, and Johnson is preparing the team for a winning season this year.

“Well, given that it’s a 1A school, everyone we play will be up in class,” Johnson said. “I think when we have success competing, that will give us the confidence that we can compete with the upper echelons of 1A.”

He said they can also get stronger in the weight room.

“I’m very excited and I plan on bringing a new mindset about football to where kids believe that they can get to play on the next level,” Johnson said.