SAND ROCK – Back in the eighth grade while attending school at Collinsville, Russell Jacoway made a decision about what he wanted to do in life.

He wanted to be a football coach.

The Sand Rock community is glad he made that decision, because he’s provided their football program with 200 victories since he first prowled the sidelines in 1983.

Jacoway’s latest memorable win came on Thursday, a 30-0 dominating performance at home against Spring Garden. His overall record now stands at 200-107-0, including a Class 1A state championship in 1985.

Ironically, Jacoway’s first win at Sand Rock came against the Panthers back on Aug. 30, 1984.

After clinching win No. 200, Jacoway shied away from taking the credit for all those victories. He knows a lot of people through the years have helped make those 200 wins possible.

“It’s 200 wins for Sand Rock High School over the past 25 years. That’s what it really is,” Jacoway said. “There’s been a lot of kids come through here that had a lot to do with that, a lot of assistant football coaches that I’ve been blessed with, a great administration and great boosters since I’ve been here. I’ve been able to put my kids through school here, and this was where God meant me to be I think.”

Perhaps the most impressive feat Jacoway can lay claim to is winning all those games with one program. It’s not uncommon for coaches to post over 100 wins in their careers, but most do so at more than one school.

So what’s the secret to Jacoway’s success? Being able to change with the times is something the Auburn graduate learned from a legendary Alabama coach.

“I’m an Auburn guy, but I still look back at Bear Bryant and what he did in his career,” Jacoway said. “He adapted all through his career, and that’s what kept him on top of things. I’ve tried to not have a closed mind, and my young assistant coaches make sure I don’t have a closed mind. They have a lot to do with adapting even though I fight them about it a lot.”

The players on the 2009 team are grateful they were part of something special on Thursday, especially the seniors. Not only did the Wildcats win their final game of the season, they can take pride in knowing they can tell stories of how they helped a legend earn a milestone.

“Coach Jacoway really deserved this, and I’m glad we were the group who gave it to him,” senior tackle Chase Brisendine said.

Brisendine helped contribute to Jacoway’s milestone win by posting 4 ½ tackles, including an assist.

Senior tight end, safety and kicker Matt Cole called Jacoway “the heart and soul of this program.” He shared one of his earliest football memories of Jacoway following Thursday’s win.

“In seventh grade spring training, he comes in there yelling and you’re scared to death,” Cole said. “That’s how all our coaches are, but you grow up and love them just like parents. They’re that special to you.”

Cole also helped contribute to the Wildcats special win on Thursday. He connected on 3-of-4 extra points. He also nailed a 27-yard field goal, had a catch for 16 yards and recorded three tackles on defense.

Another of Sand Rock’s seniors, fullback and linebacker Wesley Pruitt, said he was grateful Jacoway gave him a chance to play a position he loves.

“I’m happy he let me play fullback,” Pruitt said. “I’ve been wanting to be one ever since I’ve played football, and I’ve enjoyed it. I’m just happy to be with a great program, and the great people I’ve been with over the years.

“He’s been a good leader. He’s taught us well. He’s never backed down, and has always come up to the challenge. I was proud to get him that him that win.”

Pruitt made his mark on the night with a 34-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Pruitt also had four tackles and four assists.

Junior running back/cornerback Justin Kyser, who rushed for 41 yards on nine carries and had an interception on defense, said Jacoway is a motivator.

He said Jacoway knows just what the Wildcats need in preparing them during the week to get ready for any opponent.

“This week, he played the WQSB announcement of Spring Garden getting team of the week when they beat us last year,” Kyser said. “Not too many people took that so kindly, and it kind of got us pumped up for this game.”

And it’s not just football players who have learned a lot from Jacoway.

Spring Garden coach Jason Howard said “I’ve probably learned more from Coach Jacoway than I’ve learned from anybody else.”

“One of the greatest compliments I’ve heard anybody say about our program now is comparing us to the old Sand Rock teams that just lined up and ran the football,” Howard said. “That’s what we’re striving for. He’s the best coach in Northeast Alabama, if not the whole state. I have the utmost respect for him. You get 200 (wins) in football, you’re a winner.”

And that winner has no plans to give up the job he loves so dearly.

“I have never thought about getting out of coaching,” Jacoway said. “This is what I wanted to do, and I’m not tired of it at all. I’m still just as fiery. Maybe I move just a little slower than I used to, but I still enjoy it. I’m not going anywhere anytime soon.”

Russell Jacoway Coaching File

27th season (all at Sand Rock)

200-107-0 Overall Record

22-20 Playoff Record

21 Playoff Appearances

12 Region Championships

6 10-win Seasons

1985 Class 1A State Championship

Significant Victories

No. 1 Aug. 30, 1984 Spring Garden 14-6

No. 23 Dec. 6, 1985 at Repton 14-6

(Class 1A State Championship)

No. 50 Nov. 5, 1988 Speake 36-6

(First Round 1A State Playoffs)

No. 100 Sept. 27, 1996 Plainview 14-7

No. 150 Oct. 19, 2001 at Gaston 28-13

No. 200 Oct. 29, 2009 Spring Garden 30-0