Johnston County’s Smithfield-Selma High School has selected George Coltharp as its new head football coach. Coltharp brings experience from coaching positions at four other high schools in North Carolina.

This morning, Coltharp officially accepted the role. He is replacing Hancel Phipps, who only served one season as the program’s leader. SSS chose Phipps as their head coach after their previous successful coach, Deron Donald, left to lead Garner High’s program last year.

The newest leader of SSS was previously the head coach at his alma mater, Westover High in Cumberland County. He also coached at Western Harnett High, as well as Red Springs and Fairmont, both located in Robeson County. Before his current position, Coltharp held the role of assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at Hobbton High in Sampson County. He also worked as the offensive coordinator at Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee.

Coltharp was instrumental in Red Springs achieving consecutive 10-win seasons in both 2011 and 2012.

SSS had a disappointing season last year, losing all 10 games and only scoring 77 points. In 1985, the team had its most successful season, making it to the 3A East regional final but ultimately losing to Terry Sanford in overtime. The school’s new principal, Crystal Gregory, was hired in August and is committed to creating a strong football program for SSS students.

Source: highschoolot.com