Football preview: Smithfield-Selma turns to alumnus to lead football program

By Randy Capps

SMITHFIELD — To say that the last couple of years have been tumultuous for the Smithfield-Selma football program would be a bit of an understatement.

When Deron Donald left after the 2022 season to take the head coaching job at Garner, the Spartans were coming off a 9-2 record and one of the best seasons in recent memory.

Hancel Phipps stepped into the position and the Spartans finished 0-10 last season. He left, and George Coltharp was hired to replace him — only for him to decide to leave the post in May, just two months after being hired.

His legacy may turn out to be the defensive coordinator he hired to brought in.

Stanley Williams, a Smithfield-Selma graduate and former head coach at West Bladen, was promoted when Coltharp stepped down.

“I'm excited every day,” he said. “This is my dream job, and I love the fact that I get to help mold young men from the community that made me the man I am today.”

Considering his background as a defensive coordinator, and his own playing days as a defensive end, his philosophy isn’t surprising.

“Our team goal is to get two percent better every day,” he said. “(We want to play) 100 miles per hour and (get) all 11 hats to the ball”.

Williams is counting on a few key returners to reverse the Spartans’ recent fortunes.

Jamie Groves, a junior receiver and defensive back, is “very explosive with big play abilities,” while senior Danyaeul McCray “can take it to the house at anytime.”

Senior Julian Dobbins brings experience and “4.5 speed” to the backfield, while Bryson Hinton will be “the key to success on the offensive and defensive lines.”

Smithfield-Selma will look to get the Williams era off to a fast start when South Garner visits on Aug. 23.