The Selma Times-Journal

The pieces are coming together gradually for the Dallas County football team.

After the hiring of head coach John Higgins, the next step in solving the puzzle of the Hornets’ disappointing recent history was assembling a capable staff.

George Richardson and Cliff Nix have joined DCHS as assistants and have been active in the team’s summer workouts.

Bobby Dolbare, a volunteer assistant, is the only holdover from last year’s coaching staff.

The physical difference Higgins sees in his players isn’t what stands out the most, however.

“All these guys are very good people and good people are what you want your kids to play with,” Higgins said. “That’s a prerequisite before you hire a coach. You can make a good coach out of somebody if he’s a good person. The coaches here are all going to be quality people first and quality coaches after that.”

Richardson most recently coached at Dadeville and will be the Hornets’ special teams coordinator and defensive backs and wide receivers coach.

Nix enjoyed several successful seasons as head coach of Clanton Middle School. He will coach varsity linebackers and running backs and will be in charge of DCHS’ junior varsity program.

After a coaching search that trudged on over most of the summer, Higgins said it was a relief to finally have a capable staff.

There will likely be more additions to the staff before the summer is over.

An average of 35 to 40 players have been showing up to summer workouts, with hopes that more will come as the start of school nears.

The team isn’t quite ready yet to begin throwing, but it will participate in Maplesville’s 7-on-7 passing camp next Thursday.

The real problem for the Hornets is numbers, but Higgins knows a taste of success will draw players to the field.

“I’d love to have 20 more, and I hope next year after having the kids in the weight room and changing the way they look we’ll do that,” Higgins said.