New head football coach announced

Navarre High School football players were called to the media center on Jan. 17 to meet their new head coach, Jay Walls.

Walls officially starts Monday.

He replaces Chad Lashley, who recently resigned and took a coaching position at Fort Walton Beach High School.

“I am honored to have been chosen to be the new football coach,” Walls said. “Many state champions have come from the Panhandle, and I think we could be the next team to join those other teams.”

“After Coach Lashley resigned, the search process for a replacement began immediately,” said Principal Brian Noack. “We had more than 100 applicants for the job. We had two coaches from our staff who applied for the job.

“Some of the traits we looked for were: good character, organization skills and someone who can communicate with players, parents and college coaching staffs.

Pick up the Thursday edition of Navarre Press for the entire story or subcribe online.