North Side has a new football coach, and it’s a known name in rural West Tennessee.
Woodrow Lowe II was announced by Jackson-Madison County Schools as the new leader for the Indians on Monday.
The announcement ends months of speculation after former coach Jesse Powell resigned three days before the Indians’ first game this past season, leaving JMCSS to name assistant coach Cedric Hampton as the interim coach.
“We interviewed a great pool of applicants, but few have the level of coaching and administrative experience as Coach Lowe,” said JMCSS Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ricky Catlett in a statement from the school system. “He’s increased student participation at every stop he’s made, and he has the passion necessary to grow the North Side program.”
The Indians finished the season 1-9 and winless in Region 7-4A play, getting outscored 285-57 in the process.
“Ten years ago, North Side football was known statewide for its football team,” Lowe said in the district’s statement. “I believe the talent is still there.
“With Principal [Bryan] Chandler’s support, we’ll assemble a culture to build it back. It’s important for the entire student body to desire a winning culture. I’m excited to get started.”
Lowe comes to Jackson after having coached at Bolivar, reviving the Tigers’ program for his tenure there in which multiple athletes went on to sign with NCAA Division I football programs.
Lowe’s quarterback son, Trey, and offensive lineman Briason Mayes signed with West Virginia in 2017. The younger Lowe has since played at Southern Miss after getting his undergraduate degree with the Mountaineers.
Lowe coached at Fayette-Ware the past three years after coaching stops at Rossville Christian and Lausanne, leading the Wildcats to an overall record of 19-11 with one playoff appearance. The 19 victories is enough to be listed as the No. 2 winningest coach in Fayette-Ware history.
“The wide range of experience Coach Lowe has will be valuable for the students,” said JMCSS Chief Operations Officer Jason Bridgeman. “His sons were highly touted athletes and are playing at the next level right now.
“Whether our athletes have aspirations of playing football after high school or simply developing into quality young men to lead in our community, Coach Lowe will provide that guidance.”
Lowe issued a statement on his Twitter page addressing the Fayette-Ware community: “It has truly been a privilege to serve as FCPS District Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Fayette-Ware High School over the past three years. We have long had friends in the Fayette County community and it has been a blessing to strengthen those relationships over the past few years. Furthermore, Fayette County Public Schools will always have a special place in our hearts as our son Kyle is a 2022 graduate of Fayette-Ware. I’m proud of the direction the football program is headed, as well as the athletic department overall. There are some exciting projects in the works that will benefit students, families, and the entire community for years to come. The success of the football program and athletic department would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the players and coaches, as well as the support of the administration, teachers, parents, and community. I am honored to have been a part of the Wildcat family!”
Brandon Shields, brandon@jacksonpost.news
