The Picayune Maroon Tide football team is already gearing up for another successful season.
Veteran head coach Dodd Lee always sets the bar high, and this year will be no exception.
“Our goal every year is to win a state championship. I understand that’s setting lofty goals but if you don’t have lofty goals what are you reaching for?” said Lee.
Lee is certainly no stranger to the game of football. He played high school football for the Tide, and went on to play at Pearl River Community College, Southeastern Louisiana and the University of Southern Mississippi.
Lee began his coaching career in 1980 at Picayune Memorial where he served as the assistant wide receiver coach for two years. In 1982, he became Picayune’s defensive coordinator where he served for six years, and helped the Tide win a state championship in 1986.
Lee spent the 1988-1989 season coaching at Bay High School in Bay St. Louis, and in 1990 went on to become the head coach at East Central High School.
In 1996, Lee returned to his high school alma mater as the head coach.
Since his return to Picayune, Lee has led his team to two state championships in 2011 and 2013.
Last year, Lee had several seniors commit to play college football.
Safety Gerrell Keaton and defensive lineman Keith Gaston are both at Pearl River Community College. Lee also had players commit to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.
Up until December, Lee was also teaching physical education classes at Picayune. However, he is now retired from teaching, and strictly coaches the game he loves.
“I plan to coach as long as I am able to enjoy it. I have grandchildren that love to play the game and I want to be a part of that,” said Lee.
The Tide ended last season with an overall record of 10-2, and Lee said he has high hopes for this season.
“It is all going to depend on the leadership we get from our seniors, they set the tone with their example and work ethic,” said Lee.
Lee is expecting good things this season from his offensive line, which is made up of all seniors.
“Our season’s determining factor will come down to our offensive line as well as our attitude as a team,” said Lee.
Josiah Stallings at right tackle, Caleb Dorn at center, Jacob Namias at left guard, Austin Ramsay at right guard and Nathan Gill at left tackle make up the offensive line for the Tide.
Lee is hopeful his team will accomplish big things this season, but in the game of football he knows there are no guarantees.
“You can’t ever tell, it usually comes down to how we react to a big loss,” said Lee. “That tends to be the defining moment in a season.”