In the end, Carroll Academy’s Bo Milton had to figure out he was a football coach.
Milton stepped down as the school’s headmaster earlier this month and will remain as the head football coach. Milton said he will also pick up some teaching duties at the school.
In the meantime, Athletics Director Chad Crowe is leaving to be an assistant administrator with his father at Newton County Academy. Boys basketball coach Tommy Acy moves to the AD position for the upcoming season.
Milton said the decision to step down was his.
“It was my decision all the way,” Milton said. “I just felt like it was best for me and the school. It’s hard to do both. I love coaching and felt like I would better serve Carroll Academy as the football coach. I haven’t been in the weight room for two years and there were times when we had to start practice late because I was dealing with something at the school. I know there are guys that do both and my hat is off to them.”
Milton said he is excited about the upcoming season after a solid spring practice.
“We had a really good spring,” Milton said. “We had about 28 kids out and I was pleased with spring practice. We had great effort and attitude. I thought the kids got after it and were really physical and embraced contact. I like teams that embrace toughness.”
Milton said most of the spring was spent installing a new offense.
“We went to the I-formation and spent a lot of time on that,” Milton said. “We have three running backs that will be 200-pound kids that can really pound the football. I just felt like we were better with those guys in the I and each one of them can play fullback. I think it fits us a lot better.”
Milton said Jeb Beck, Colton Reed, John Marc O’Cain and Hunter Brackin will all battle for playing time in the backfield while quarterback Morgan Mims could also play tailback.
“I’m excited about the season,” Milton said. “That’s the most kids we have had out since I have been here and give us some good depth. We are able to do more things with those numbers. The junior high has been solid the last few years and we have sophomores, juniors and seniors that can contribute. I’m excited about it.”
Milton said the Rebels will start lifting weights on June 4 and will go to the 7-on-7 and lineman camp at LSU this summer.
“I’ve been to the LSU camp four or five times with this group and about eight times all together,” Milton said. “I really like it. You see some teams you wouldn’t normally see. The linemen get to work with some Division I guys. But more than anything, it’s a really good bonding experience for our team.”
