Aundres Perkins, a native of the Pee Dee region, has been appointed head coach of the Marion High School football team, tasked with reversing a lengthy losing streak that has haunted the program in recent years.
Perkins, who previously served as an assistant at Hartsville and West Florence and headed the program at Hannah‑Pamplico from 2015 to 2016, brings a blend of local roots and broader experience. He describes himself as a student of the game, emphasizing a balanced, holistic approach that prioritizes culture change as much as X’s and O’s.
A Culture Reset on the Field
Central to his staff is Darryl Page, the former Wilson head coach, who will serve as offensive coordinator. Page joins Perkins alongside former teammates Darnell Williams and Aykelle Cross, both alumni of Coastal Carolina, who round out a coaching group that also includes Demetrius Johnson, Denton Graves and Randy Dennison.
The Swamp Foxes have been active in the offseason, with 35 varsity players regularly attending summer workouts. Perkins says the roster still holds ample talent despite the winless stretch, and he is confident that the new staff can unlock that potential.
The team is slated to open the 2024 season on August 20 against Kingstree, a matchup that will serve as the first test of Perkins’ philosophy in a live setting. The coach says the early games will be crucial for measuring progress and reinforcing the cultural shift he envisions.
Marion High School, an institution with a storied athletic tradition, has partnered with local schools such as Hartsville, West Florence, and the historic Hannah‑Pamplico program to build a collaborative pipeline. The school district’s website, marion.k12.sc.us, lists the upcoming schedule and community events surrounding the season.