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-Press Release, Vance County High School
The Vance County Board of Education has approved Hunter Jenks as the new head football coach at Vance County High School. He will also teach physical education at the school.
Coach Jenks makes his way to Vance County with an impressive background as both a player and a coach. A Wake Forest native, Jenks was a standout four-sport letterman at Wake Forest-Rolesville High School before playing college football as an offensive lineman at Elon University. At Clayton, Coach Jenks took over for a Comets program coming off a 3-8 season and recorded a 28-10 record over three seasons including a 13-1 record in 2017. That season, he led the Comets to an undefeated regular season and a Greater Neuse 3A Conference Championship before falling 38-31 to Eastern Guilford in the third round of the NCHSAA playoffs.
Coach Jenks was recognized as the Greater Neuse Conference and Johnston County Coach of the Year in 2017 for his efforts. He has also coached 31 players who have earned athletic scholarships and multiple participants in the Border Bowl, Shrine Bowl, East-West All-Star Game, USA Bowl, Under Armour All-American Game, and U.S. Army All-American Game.
“We had many outstanding candidates, but it became clearly apparent that Hunter Jenks is the right person to lead our football program,” Athletic Director Joe Sharrow said of the coaching search. “Coach Jenks is a great leader and a proven coach who will serve as a tremendous role model for our students. He is football savvy, has a passion for teaching, and has demonstrated the ability to establish positive relationships with students, staff, parents, and community members. I have no doubt he will be a strong addition to the Viper family.”
Jenks will replace Darry Ragland, who resigned in January after leading the Vipers to a 13-10 record over two seasons. The Vipers graduated seventeen seniors and are expecting many new contributors at key positions.
“I am excited and honored to be the next head coach at Vance County,” Jenks said in a statement. “Growing up and coaching in the area, I know the potential Vance County has in football. When it’s safe and allowed, I very much look forward to developing relationships with the players, families, and community members.”
The Vipers are hopeful to open the 2020 football season as scheduled on the road at Bunn High School on August 21.