Coach Willie Brumfield and his West Lincoln Bears experienced an amazing season in 2014. The Bears entered into season with one goal in mind: to make school history by making the playoffs for the first time in the football program.

Even though West Lincoln ended up posting a 5-7 overall record, the Bears did accomplish that goal. They finished fourth in Region 7-2A action with a 2-3 record and broke their 16-year-long drought, after rallying back to defeat the Loyd Star Hornets 28-26 on Friday, Oct. 31, to earn their first ever playoff bid.

A week later, the West Lincoln Bears and their faithful fans traveled to Lake to take on the Lake Hornets in first round of the Class 2A football playoffs. Lake ended up defeating the Bears 55-0, but the experience for the young West Lincoln players will always be treasured.

For this accomplishment, Brumfield has earned The DAILY LEADER’s All-Area Coach of the Year for 2014.

“I would like to give thanks to all the kids and parents,” said Brumfield. “I am very humble and grateful for this special recognition, but none of this would be possible without my wonderful West Lincoln players.”

Brumfield presented his thoughts on his team’s amazing season.

“This was an amazing season,” he said. “We managed to accomplish our goal by making the playoffs for the first time in the school history.”

West Lincoln started the football program in 1998. Throughout those years, the players, coaches, school faculty and parents worked endless hours to build up the program. During that time, the football program had seven different changes as head football coach.

Brumfield, 46, returned for his second term in 2012 after former head coach Chris Calcote decided to step away. During his second tenure, Coach Brumfield directed the Bears to their first-ever winning record at 5-4 in 2012. In 2013 West Lincoln joined the Class 2A ranks after outgrowing the Class 1A ranks. They battled Lincoln County neighbors Loyd Star and Enterprise, while competing against football powerhouses like Bassfield, East Marion and Amite County.

In 2013, the Bears (2-3, 1-4) came close to making history but came up short losing to Loyd Star in the final regular season game.

Brumfield shared his thought of the community and school support.

“West Lincoln has a wonderful community and fan support. I have always said we have the best fans anywhere around. The school is very excited about the program and very supportive.”

Helping on Coach Brumfield’s staff for the 2014 season are assistant coaches Luke Addison, David Gilbert, David Flake and Jeff King.

As a teacher, Brumfield teaches family and consumer science. He is happily married to his wife Patty, and they have two daughters, Sarah Grace and Hannah.