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Published on: 11/6/2008
Last Visited: 11/6/2008
The Panthers were coached that season by Collinsville alum Ernie Willingham.
Willingham left for Appalachian after the 2002-03 school year, and Collinsville spent the next several years struggling on the football field.
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They'll open the postseason Friday night against Willingham and his Appalachian Eagles.
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Willingham, in his 25th year of coaching, was Collinsville head coach for five years.
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Willingham's 2008 squad finished the regular season 8-2 and won the Class 1A, Region 5 championship.
"We've had a good year," he said.
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James Coker was a classmate of Willingham's at Collinsville and roomed with him at Jacksonville State.
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One of them is [Collinsville principal] Donny Jones, and the other Ernie Willingham."
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"Ernie is very smart.
Ernie works hard," Chandler said.
"He's always been a hard worker.
He earns everything he gets."
Beckett also has an appreciation for Willingham.
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Willingham said Collinsville will present quite a test for his squad.
He complimented several Panthers, including quarterback Robert Gray, running back Jonathon Cole, wide receiver Nathan Coker, center Quintin Coker, wide receiver Trey Jones and lineman Kenny Orr.
"I think they're very athletic," Willingham said.