Editor’s Note: The video in this story is from a previous report.
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – After just one season, Apalachee High School is looking for a new head football coach.
Kevin Saunders announced his resignation this week. Under his leadership, the Wildcats snapped a 29-game losing streak.
“We are grateful for his contributions and the ways he helped move us forward,” the district said in a statement.
Saunders replaced Mike Hancock, who resigned due to depression and PTSD, in March. That came six months after a deadly shooting at the school that took the life of an assistant football coach.
Under the flagpole at Apalachee High, a makeshift memorial has been setup for Christian Angulo, Mason Schermerhorn, Richard Aspinwall and Cristina Irimie.(Blake DeVine / Atlanta News First)
Richard “Ricky” Aspinwall, a math teacher and coach, was one of four people shot to death at Apalachee High School in September 2024 as he tried to protect others. Two students, Christian Angulo, 14, and Mason Schermerhorn, 14, and another educator, Cristina Irimie, were killed. Nine people – eight students and one teacher – were taken to area hospitals.
The district announced that Charles “Chuck” Kenyon would take over as the new interim head coach. Kenyon previously served as the team’s defensive coordinator.
“As we transition to the 2026-27 season soon, we are excited for what Coach Kenyon brings to the football program and our school as a whole,” the district said.
Kenyon, who has nearly 20 years of coaching experience, including head coaching positions, said he’s honored.
“I am honored that Apalachee High School is entrusting me with this important role. I hold students, parents, and my colleagues in the highest esteem and will strive to continue to help Chee Nation thrive on and off the field.”
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