BY DANNY BLEVINS

STAR CORRESPONDENT 

When Cloudland’s Coach Glenn White resigned as head football coach last week, Cloudland did not have to look far to find his replacement. He was sitting in his Athletic Director’s office.

Coach Scott Potter, who is the head coach of the middle school football team, assistant principal of the school and Athletic Director, was picked to replace White who resigned for family reasons.

“I was not surprised that I was asked to take the position but I know we have better people in the building than me,” said Potter who was an assistant coach under Coach Mike Lunceford.

“I know that Coach White just wanted to spend more time with his family and I completely understand that. I will do the best I can and that is all I can do.”

Stepping into the head spot should be an easy transition for Potter who has coached almost every member of the team.

“I have coached the middle school team for several years and know we have some very good kids that are willing to work really hard. There are not many of them, but they are hungry to win, and you can’t ask for much more than that,” Potter stated.

Potter takes the helm of a team with an excellent offensive and defensive line and speed at all of the offensive skill positions.

Though they were hammered by Hampton 42-0, Happy Valley 19-6, Avery County 42-16 and South Greene 41-22, they did beat Region 1 foe Hancock County 30-6 and rolled to victory last week beating a very good Unaka team 44-20.

Cloudland now stands at 2-4 for the season but is 2-0 in Region 1.

“After the Hampton game, this team was in a bad place,” said Potter. “Morale was very low on the team because they had not played up to expectations.

“A coaching change in the middle of the season is never good, but they don’t need to use it as an excuse to play poorly. It is time for them to step up, especially the seniors.

“They know what they have to do. They just need to go out each Friday night and do it,” Potter continued.

“This community really supports our football team, and when we don’t give our best effort, we are not just letting ourselves down, we are letting the entire community down.

“We know what we are playing for. We are taking the field for the school, the ‘C’ and the community.”

Potter is optimistic about the team’s future.

“We are sitting in a good position. We have lost a few games, but they were losses that hurt your feelings more than your future,” Potter added. “If we can beat our Region 1 opponents, we will be in a good place for the playoffs.

“When you play at this level, any school can beat any other school on any given night. So, if we can get into the playoffs who knows what will happen?”  

Last week’s win gave Potter his first win as a high school head coach but his stay as head coach will probably be temporary. “I will do the best I can, but I have no desire to accept this job permanently,” said Potter.

“Right now, I am coaching middle school football, high school basketball and I am the school’s Athletic Director,” stated Potter.

“My wife is understanding, but she would kill me if I took another coaching job,” he said with a laugh. “I will help take this team as far as we can this year, but after the season, the school will have to find another coach.”

Cloudland has a tough road ahead with Potter at the helm starting this Friday night when they will play Hampton again. The game is in Roan Mountain and starts at 7:30.

It is also Homecoming Night for the school.