The Dynasty Continues Coach ED STANLEY

Head Football Coach

South Panola High, Batesville, MS 1991-2001

Ed Stanley was born on a dairy cattle farm just outside of West Point, Miss. At 10-years-old, his father changed professions and became a high school football coach.

They moved to Smithville, MS in 1976. Stanley graduated from New Albany High School in 1976. After high school, Stanley attended the University of Miami on a football scholarship. He later transferred to Delta State university where he graduated with a master’s degree in physical education.

Coach Ed Stanley came to South Panola in 1991 as an assistant coach and spent the next 10 years being an integral part of South Panola history. After moving to head coach in 1994 on the reference of Coach Willis Wright, Stanley amassed an 81-24 record while directing the team to three state championship appearances in 1996, 1997 and the second state championship in 1998. During his era, he saw eight players chosen as Dandy Dozen Kevin Cooper, Reggie Morris, Kevin “Trouble” Jones, Toward Sanford, Eddie Strong, Chris Young, James Dean and Chris Herring. Numerous players signed National Letters of Intent.

Though he is referred to as a legendary coach, he gives credit to having very good players to coach that led to his success.

After leaving South Panola, Stanley coached at Meridian High School from 2002 to 2005 where he had a 31-19-1 record. From 2006 to 2009 he coached at St. Martin. He was at Newton High. He left his final coaching stint at Magee in 2013 with a 9-3 record.

Stanley coached high school football in Mississippi for 30 years before retiring. He now resides in Miramar Beach, Florida."