The Winn ing Streaker Coach Ricky Woods

Head football coach, South Panola High Batesville, MS 2017-2021

Legendary South Panola High School Football Coach, Ricky Woods, had a coaching career spanning over 10 years with the tigers (2002 - 2006; 2017 - 2021). He was head coach for 5 of those years, 20172021.

Woods is best known for his five seasons as head coach at South Panola High School, one of the Top 15 high school programs in the country year in and year out. A four-time Class 5A Coach of the Year and 2005 EA Sports and Clarion Ledger National Coach of the Year selection, Woods compiled a record of 118-18 at the helm of the Tigers, which included an unprecedented 60-game win streak from 2002-06. He also led South Panola to four consecutive Class 5A State Championships, with his teams ranking in the Top 10 every year according to USA Today.

Woods was also named Schutt Sports Southwest Region High School Coach of the Year in 2004 and was chosen Class 5A State Coach of the Year by the Mississippi Association of Coaches on four different occasions.

Before taking the job at South Panola, Woods was the head coach at Ackerman High School for six seasons from 1995-2001. He led Ackerman to Class 2A State Championships in 1997 and 2001 and state runner-up finishes in 1996 and 2000. He was chosen region Coach of the Year in 2000 and 2001 and district Coach of the Year in 1996 and 1999.

As head coach at Eupora High School for five seasons from 1990 through 1994, Woods earned district Coach of the Year honors in 1993.

Woods is a 1982 graduate of Mississippi State University, earning his bachelor’s degree in physical education.