Lemuel Lackey Takes the Helm of Silver Bluff Football
The Aiken County Public School District Board of Education voted on May 12 to appoint Lemuel Lackey as the new head football coach at Silver Bluff High School, filling the vacancy left by Matt Hayes. The decision was unanimous, reflecting confidence in Lackey’s record and his deep roots in the local football community.
Lackey comes to Silver Bluff after five years as head coach at Fox Creek High School, where he built a reputation for disciplined play and player development, guiding the team to multiple playoff appearances. Prior to Fox Creek, he served as head coach at Evans High School, a tenure highlighted by the program’s first-ever playoff run and a surge in student participation.
A Coach on the Move
Matt Hayes, who had led Silver Bluff’s varsity squad for three seasons, announced his departure on April 24 via a Facebook post, stating he would join the athletic staff at Strom Thurmond High School. His move represents the latest shift in a series of coaching changes across Aiken County schools.
District officials say Lackey’s experience at both Fox Creek and Evans equips him with the tactical acumen and community ties needed to sustain Silver Bluff’s recent upward trajectory. Parents, players, and alumni have voiced optimism that the new leadership will preserve the program’s momentum and foster continued growth.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming season will be Lackey’s first as head coach at Silver Bluff, and expectations are high. With a roster that returns several key starters, the team aims to build on its recent successes and contend for a regional championship. The school board has pledged full support, emphasizing that Lackey’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for the program’s future.