Justin Whitsett named Washington County High’s football coach

By JASON BOOTHE

CHATOM — Justin Whitsett was named Washington County High School’s permanent head football coach Thursday evening by the Washington County Board of Education.

Whitsett was appointed the interim coach last year to finish out the 2024 season following Johnny Carpenter’s sudden resignation last October for unspecified reasons.

“I’m blessed and thankful for the opportunity,” Whitsett said. “Our guys are hungry for the season and ready to create a new culture at Washington County High School.”

The Bulldogs finished 6-5 under Whitsett in 2024 and made the Class 2A playoffs. It was the first winning season since 2016 for a program that went to back-to-back state championship games in 2012 and 2013.

Whitsett is WCHS’ fifth coach in eight years. Carpenter was 10-19 in three seasons but appeared to have turned the corner last season with a second straight playoff berth and growing participation. The Bulldogs have 57 players out for football going into summer workouts.

“I’m fired up about it,” Whitsett said.

Whitsett also led the Bulldogs’ baseball team to back-to-back playoff appearances in 2024 and 2025.

WCHS opens the season at home on Aug. 22 against Cottage Hill Christian Academy.