Van Paschal, a seasoned coach with a proven track record, was announced this week as the new head football coach at Harrison High School, taking over a program steeped in tradition and community pride.
His arrival follows a distinguished tenure at Cross County, where he guided the team to a 12‑2 record and a Class 2A state championship, finishing a career that spans stops at Palestine‑Wheatley, Brinkley, Sheridan, De Queen, Monticello, Barton, Wynne, and Heber Springs.
A Legacy of Success
Paschal finishes eighth among Arkansas coaches in career victories with a 264‑138 record, and he previously led Monticello to a perfect 14‑0 season and a state title in 2009, underscoring his ability to build winning programs from the ground up.
He succeeds Chris Keylon, who resigned to pursue a similar position in Tennessee, marking a transition that has drawn attention from players, parents, and local officials eager to see the next chapter of Harrison football.
Building the Defense
In the coming weeks, Paschal will meet with his new squad and has less than three weeks before the statewide athletic dead period begins, a timeline that adds urgency to his assessment of the team's strengths and weaknesses.
His immediate focus is on installing a defensive scheme that leverages the players' physicality while tailoring adjustments to the talent on hand, a strategy he believes will lay a foundation for sustained competitiveness.
Community Reaction
Harrison Athletic Director Chris Pratt praised Paschal as a quality coach and a great builder of character in kids, emphasizing that the hire aligns with the school's vision of developing both athletes and leaders.