James earns Watchman Coach of the Year honors

Marengo Academy coach Robby James capped the 2013 season in tremendous fashion last month when he lead his team to a 31-28 victory over Restoration in the AISA Class A state championship game in Troy.

The game marked the ninth state championship in school history as well as the ninth state championship in the coaching career of James.

The win capped a 13-0 season and pushed the veteran head coach to the 29-28 mark during his five-year run at the school.

And while it is impressive that James took his team from a 7-5 record in 2012 to an unblemished campaign just a season later, the most impressive stat is zero; as in the number of minutes the Longhorns trailed all season long.

In fact, the Longhorns’ closest margin of victory all season long prior to the state title game came in a 22-point win over Class AA semifinalist Wilcox Academy.

James will look to add to that legacy next season as he attempts to steer the Longhorns to another state title and, perhaps, even win enough games in the process to eclipse the 300-victory mark.

For now, the AISA Class A Coach of the Year is still enjoying the ride that was 2013. And the way he navigated that ride has earned him the distinction of being the West Alabama Watchman Coach of the Year.