MEADVILLE — The new football staff at Franklin County High hasbeen completed, with the hiring of two new assistant coaches informer Copiah-Lincoln Community College Defensive Coordinator PaulPurvis and Vicksburg High receivers coach Jeremy Loy. The staff isunder the direction of new head coach Grady McClusky.

Purvis (39), a resident of Brookhaven, comes to Franklin Countyfollowing a two-year stint at Co-Lin from 2002-2004. He receivedhis master’s degree in health and physical education from DeltaState University. He coached at Georgia Military College inMilledgeville, Georgia prior to Co-Lin.

“I love this area,” said Purvis. “And am very excited to becoaching at Franklin County. It’s a wonderful opportunity, that I’mvery thankful for.”

Purvis’ work experience and gridiron background was ideal forthe Bulldogs. Purvis served under current Tennessee Volunteers headcoach Phillip Fulmer as a graduate assistant from 1999-2001,specializing with the defensive secondary. He also served asdefensive coordinator at Jackson Prep for 10 years prior to joiningthe college ranks.

“He (Purvis) came highly recommended,” said Franklin HighPrincipal M.D. Bilbo. “He’ll be on the defensive side of the ball.We really like the experience he brings to our program.”

At Co-Lin, Jackson Prep, and Tennessee, Purvis coached severaltalented players. While at Prep, he coached current NFL stardefensive end Will Overstreet and former Mississippi State centerPaul LaCosta. He also coached current NFL defensive backs DeonGrant and Fred White at Tennessee, and current Iowa State Big 12Defensive Newcomer of the Year Tim Dobbins at Co-Lin.

He feels coming to Franklin County is a blessing, as well as agreat opportunity.

“It’s a good fit,” added Purvis. “I plan on hitting the groundrunning with these guys. Every spot is open, and I like to play alot of people. I look forward to evaluating them during springpractice. This is a good group.”

Franklin begins spring conditioning April 25. They will playhost to the Cellular South Spring Football Jamboree on May 12.

As for Loy, like Purvis he also comes highly recommended. TheNatchez native, served as an assistant football coach with theVicksburg Gators this season. He earned his B.S. degree inCoaching/Physical Education from Mississippi State in 2001. Hereceived a minor in Social Studies.

“Coach Loy coached on the offensive side of the ball atVicksburg,” added Bilbo. “We expect him to do the same here. Healso has some experience in coaching baseball.”

Loy (27), served as head baseball coach at Trinity EpiscopalSchool at Natchez in 2002. He moved to Vicksburg to coach receiversand serve as head strength coach during the last two seasons.

“I’m excited and feel that this is a good opportunity for me,”said Loy. “Franklin County has a good thing going, and I lookforward in helping coach McClusky and the rest of the staff out thebest way I can.”

The hiring of Loy and Purvis ends a dramatic make over of theFranklin County Football Department. Since former head coachAnthony Hart’s departure in January to Lafayette County to becomehead coach, the Bulldogs have faced changes.

Veteran Bulldog assistant Raymond Buffington announced hisretirement from the program, while a search begin to find a newhead coach. Offensive coordinator Grady McClusky was promoted fromwithin, to the top spot in March.

Charles Moore and Johnny Daves were holdovers from the oldstaff, as well as veteran assistant Tony Gibbs, who served underHart and former Bulldog coach Michael Goff on past staffs.

The Bulldogs begin regular season play in late August, hostingBrookhaven. Their division schedule will include powerhouses SouthPike and Tylertown in the new look Region 7-3A.