NEW HEAD COACH
DIRECTS FANNINDEL FALCONS
By David Claybourn Herald-Banner Sports Editor
Jamie Rigdon, who’ s coached with five state high school football teams, will try to lead the Fannindel Falcons to a big season in 2025.
“ Our goal is the same as every year, win a state championship,” said Rigdon, who is the Falcons’ new head coach.“ I’ ve been blessed to be a part of five state championships.”
Rigdon was an assistant coach at Richland Springs, Strawn, Benjamin and Columbus, which all won state championships. Richland Springs, Strawn and Benjamin( twice) won state titles in six-man. Columbus won in Class 3A, Division I last year as Rigdon’ s son Grayson Rigdon ran for four touchdowns in a 48-14 victory over Malakoff in the state finals. Grayson, who is a freshman running back at Arizona State, also played on state championships teams at Strawn and Benjamin. Matthew Rigdon, another son, helped Richland Springs win a state title.“ I have six boys( sons),” said Jamie
Rigdon.“ I got to coach all of them.” Rigdon, who grew up in Georgia, signed to play baseball and basketball at Savannah State and later became the head baseball coach there, guiding his alma mater to a 301-125-1 record in nine seasons.
“ I took this job because of the superintendent( Travis Waddell). When I met Mr. Waddell, it was a done deal.”
46 END ZONE | 2025