Loper to lead the Indians this football season

Marshall County Superintendent of Education Dr. Carrie Skelton announced Thursday, May 2, that Johnny Loper will come to Byhalia High School in the 2024 football season as the Indians’ new head football coach.

Loper, former Northpoint Christian School head football coach, said he dedicates himself to helping student-athletes be the best versions of themselves while assisting them to earn scholarships to colleges and universities.

Loper is known for being more than a coach that teaches and trains athletes.

“Coach Loper wants to help students get to the next level. His positive energy and ability to motivate people to be their best is going to great for our students,” Skelton said.

Loper was a four-sport All- Conference athlete in high school. He was outstanding in football, which led him to be recruited by Alabama, Jackson State, and Mississippi

State. However, legendary coach Willie Jeffries ultimately convinced Loper to join his South Carolina State University team.

At SCSU, Loper earned the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference All-Conference honors as a kick and punt returner. For three years in a row, he was named Most Valuable Player for his position as a wide receiver.

After college, 2000-2004, he was with the Memphis Explorers Arena football team.

In 2005, Loper combined his love of motivating people to become the best versions of themselves when he began personal fitness training at his new studio and launched his Jay Lo Fitness program, which has been featured on several media outlets and continues to be a major success.

“We are extremely excited to have coach Loper join our staff, and we look forward to what is to come for our team, school, and district,” Skelton said. “We have all the faith that coach Loper will help #MoveMarshall.