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JHS, Blackmon decide to part ways
"I talked to Coach (Ken) Harbuck (the Jackson High principal) yesterday," Blackmon said, "and he decided the best thing I can do is step down and let someone else come in here and start new. "I am very disappointed. I am disappointed in myself that we have not reached the levels I thought we should have and the community wants us to." Principal Harbuck met Tuesday afternoon with Gerald Stephens, superintendent of the Clarke County Schools System, to discuss the head football coaching position. Blackmon has been the Aggies head coach for the last four years and compiled a 17-23 record and one playoff appearance. "I can understand they are disappointed because of our 3-7 record and rightfully so," Blackmon said. "I have not done the job I have come here for, and that is to get us back to state prominence with a chance to compete for a state championship. "I will be here throughout the semester. I have to sit down and see what I want to do with my life at this point. Maybe some doors will open up." "This community is disappointed," the coach said, "but believe me when I say no one is more disappointed than the coaching staff or the players that worked hard all year. We lost a lot of games we felt like we should have won. "It is what it is, a 3-7 season and we are not in the playoffs. I take full responsibility for that because I am the one in charge of this program. It is my fault. I can understand why they feel they need to make a change. "It was a very difficult thing for me to tell my players this morning (Tuesday)," Blackmon said. "I love all those players. I told them I enjoyed working with them and I think they are a great group of young men that represent our school well. "I am disappointed for my seniors because of the way things turned out. I think there are things they have learned this year that will help them be better citizens when they get older. I told the younger guys that regardless of the situation and who the coach is next year, they are going to expect you to work hard. You know what to do so don't slack off until a new coach gets here. Keep working hard. "I am very appreciative and thankful of the opportunity I had to come here," he said. "I was thrilled to be back in this area because I knew a lot of people here and enjoyed living here. In my four years here I have made a lot of friends and I appreciate it very much.
"No matter what happens in my life there will always be a special place in my heart for Jackson High School. I have had tremendous support here. They are professionals and very supportive. No matter what happened in my life the faculty and community has supported me. I will never forget it."
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