West Johnston names Clayton assistant next head coach

Benson, N.C. — WRAL has confirmed that Bennett Jones was named West Johnston's head football coach on Monday.

Jones was an assistant coach on the Clayton Comets' football team for five seasons. At Clayton he served as the co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. He was also the head track and field coach.

Jones' most recent head coaching job in football was in Wilson at Beddingfeld High School where he served for two seasons. When he took over at Beddingfield, the football team had just come off of a 1-10 campaign. In his two seasons, Jones led them to an overall record of 10-11.

In an e-mail message to WRAL, Jones said, "I am excited about the opportunity and am looking forward to starting practice on Friday."

Jones will also be the head boy's track and field head coach at West Johnston.

West Johnston began the search for a head football coach last week after Kwame Dixon suddenly resigned from his position. The exact reason for his sudden resignation less than two weeks before the start of the 2008 season is not known, but Dixon told the Smithfield Herald that it was for personal reasons.

Dixon served as the head coach at West Johnston for four seasons, leading the Wildcats to their best season in school history in 2007.

In his tenure at the school, Dixon compiled a record of 11-23, but West Johnston put together a 7-5 season last year, propelling them to a second place finish in the Greater Neuse River Conference and the school's first playoff berth. The Wildcats lost to Millbrook in the first round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 4-AA State Playoffs 63-31.

Eric Pulling was named interim head coach immediately after Dixon's resignation. Pulling was an assistant coach under Dixon. Jones confirmed Tuesday that Pulling will remain on his staff as the defensive coordinator.

A coaching search group was established by principal Brookie Honeycutt, and they had narrowed the list to three at the end of last week. Seniors on the West Johnston football team were able to talk to all three candidates, and eventually the administration and players agreed on Jones.

West Johnston will begin their season on Aug. 22 at Athens Drive.