Newberry coach named Coach of the Year

NEWBERRY – Football was at the top of the list Newberry City Commissioners were grateful for at the Dec. 9 Commission meeting. Newberry High School football coach Ed Johnson was honored at the top of the meeting after being named Alachua County High School Football Coach of the Year by the Gainesville Quarterback Club.

The club is “the Oldest Gator Booster Club in the World,” said Mayor Jordan Marlowe as part of his presentation. The award is decided among all the high school programs in the county and is based on the regular season accomplishments.

Nominations are provided to the Gainesville Quarterback Club after the final game of the regular season. “This is the second year they have recognized the efforts of Alachua County’s hard-working football coaches,” Marlowe said.

Coach Johnson is a Newberry High School 2001 graduate and football alumnus. He began his coaching career in 2006 at Oak Hall School, where he spent eight years. During that time, Johnson continued to work with Newberry students at Oak View Middle School as well. He returned to Newberry as a baseball team assistant coach, junior varsity basketball coach and varsity basketball coach.

Johnson led his team to a 9-1 regular season record, which Marlowe characterized as “an amazing turnaround from 2018’s 1-9 record.”

In addition to Johnson, the entire Newberry High School Varsity Football Team was also on hand to receive a commendation for their team from the Newberry City Commissioners.

In presenting the plaque to the team, Marlowe said, “The team represented themselves, their parents and the school with poise, good sportsmanship and a sense of fair play. The athletes demonstrated hard work, both on and off the field.”

In addition, Marlowe commented on how well they displayed respect to the other teams for their hard work. “We wish the 18 seniors good luck in all future endeavors. We will miss you next year, but know you are doing well and enjoying life after high school, whatever path you may choose.”

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