Salem HS interim head football coach Shawn Wilson
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Two and a half weeks before its regular season opener, instead of installing new offensive plays or a new defensive scheme, the Salem High School football team has a new head coach.
After 11 seasons at the helm of the SunDevils, Robert Jackson resigned Tuesday to take over as athletic director at Norcom High School in Portsmouth.
"It was definitely upsetting," admitted Salem quarterback Scotty Watson. "It hurt a little bit to see coach go. He was a great coach."
Salem High School football practice
Former defensive coordinator Shawn Wilson, who had previously served as defensive backs coach during his four-year stint on Coach Jackson's staff, is now serving as head coach.
"It's a little bittersweet, but I'm excited to take-on the challenge," Wilson said. "Coach Jackson left us in good shape. There really shouldn't be any issues. We have our coaching staff intact."
Salem is coming-off an 8-and-3 season in 2015 and its sixth straight playoff berth.
"You should expect what you expect every year from Salem," said running back Davonte Williams. "We're pretty comfortable with Coach Wilson. Everyone is used to him."
"It's not going to change who we are as a team," added Watson. "We're still the same Salem."
The SunDevils open their 2016 regular season August 26 vs. Ocean Lakes.
