Randy Ragland takes questions from players as he is introduced as West Johnston's next head football coach on Feb. 11, 2010 (Photo by: Nick Stevens)
Feb 11, 2010
Middle Creek offensive coordinator Randy Ragland was named the next head football coach for West Johnston High School on Thursday afternoon.
"It is an honor and a privilege to be here today as the next head football coach at West Johnston," he said. "It is a position that I look forward to holding to a high standard and embracing each and every day.
"Our football players here at West will be held to the highest standards, whether in the classroom, weight room, practice field, or while their out in the community, the expectation will be the same and that is they will always act like a gentleman and a champion."
Ragland is a 1986 graduate of Fuquay-Varina High School and was selected all-conference in 1985. A quarterback, he helped the Bengals to an appearance in the 1985 state championship game.
Ragland graduated from Lees-McRae College with a degree in physical education and a minor in education.
Ragland takes over the program after former head coach Bennett Jones stepped down earlier this year. Jones said at the time that he wanted to spend more time with his family, adding that he didn't think West Johnston was the right fit for him.
Jones took over for Kwame Dixon at West Johnston in July of 2008, days before the start of practice. In the fall of 2008, he led West Johnston to a school record eight wins.
Last season, West Johnston was 3-8 overall and 2-5 in the Greater Neuse River Conference.
Ragland most recently helped take Middle Creek to the third round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 4-A state playoffs. Last season, Middle Creek won a school record 12 games, adding a conference championships to it's lists of accomplishments.
Ragland spent five seasons at Middle Creek.
"The toughest thing for me in the days leading up to being offered and accepting the head coaching position at West is that I knew I was going to have to leave some fine young men behind that have meant so much to me over these past few years," he said. "Although West offers me a great opportunity, it is never easy leaving people that you care so much about."
Middle Creek quarterback Garrett Leatham and wide receiver Jon Moore said West Johnston is getting a very good coach.
"He's a mastermind when it comes to the spread offense," Moore said. "He brings a lot of energy to the team; a lot of energy when you do good, and a lot of energy when you don't."
Leatham said Middle Creek will have to adjust losing Ragland.
"Anytime you lose a coach like [Ragland], you're going to take a hit," said Leatham. "But we will be fine, we'll just have to keep working hard."
Both Leatham and Moore will return next season to the Mustangs.
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