Varsity Coaches
Chris Parker, Head Football Coach
7oach Chris Parker is beginning his 7th season as the Head Football Coach of the Pickens Dragons. At Pickens, Coach Parker’s teams are 36-26 and his overall coaching record is 64-42.
Prior to the 2012 season, the AJC named Coach Parker the “best new hire in AAAA.” The Dragons have improved each year since 2012: The 2012 team was the first team in 6 years to not have a losing season. The 2013 team was the first winning season in 7 years and the 2014 team tied the school record for wins (8) and were only the 2nd team in school history to host a State Playoff game. The 2015 Dragons won 8 games as well making 2014 & 2015 the most successful back-to-back years in school history.
Coach Parker came to Pickens after serving as the Head Football Coach at Chapel Hill High School in Douglasville, GA for four seasons. In his first season, the Panthers had their first winning season, first playoff team, and first playoff victory. The 2008 Panthers (9-3) were named by the AJC as the Top Turnaround Program in the State of Georgia. The AJC also named Coach Parker the “Top New Coach in the State for 2008″. In 2009, the Panthers again made the state playoffs in GA’s highest classification (AAAAA). In 2011, the Panthers captured the Region 5S-AAAA Championship. Coach Parker has been named Region Coach of the Year in 2008 & 2011 and Douglas County Coach of the Year in 2008, 2009, & 2011. Prior to becoming a Head Coach, Coach Parker served as the Offensive Coordinator at Sequoyah High School. During his tenure at Sequoyah, the team won their first Region Championship in 2003, and advanced to the State Quarterfinals in 2004, finishing 5th in the state in AAAAA.
Coach Parker is originally from Foley, AL and attended Foley High School. He graduated from the University of Alabama and received a M.S. from Georgia Southern University. He and his wife, Kimberly, have two daughters, Ellie & Kate.
Prior to the 2012 season, the AJC named Coach Parker the “best new hire in AAAA.” The Dragons have improved each year since 2012: The 2012 team was the first team in 6 years to not have a losing season. The 2013 team was the first winning season in 7 years and the 2014 team tied the school record for wins (8) and were only the 2nd team in school history to host a State Playoff game. The 2015 Dragons won 8 games as well making 2014 & 2015 the most successful back-to-back years in school history.
Coach Parker came to Pickens after serving as the Head Football Coach at Chapel Hill High School in Douglasville, GA for four seasons. In his first season, the Panthers had their first winning season, first playoff team, and first playoff victory. The 2008 Panthers (9-3) were named by the AJC as the Top Turnaround Program in the State of Georgia. The AJC also named Coach Parker the “Top New Coach in the State for 2008″. In 2009, the Panthers again made the state playoffs in GA’s highest classification (AAAAA). In 2011, the Panthers captured the Region 5S-AAAA Championship. Coach Parker has been named Region Coach of the Year in 2008 & 2011 and Douglas County Coach of the Year in 2008, 2009, & 2011. Prior to becoming a Head Coach, Coach Parker served as the Offensive Coordinator at Sequoyah High School. During his tenure at Sequoyah, the team won their first Region Championship in 2003, and advanced to the State Quarterfinals in 2004, finishing 5th in the state in AAAAA.
Coach Parker is originally from Foley, AL and attended Foley High School. He graduated from the University of Alabama and received a M.S. from Georgia Southern University. He and his wife, Kimberly, have two daughters, Ellie & Kate.
Sam Wigington, Assistant Head Coach
Coach Wigington will begin his 20th year of coaching football at Pickens high school. Coach Wigington coaches the Inside Linebackers and is in charge of all equipment for the football program as well as serving as the Assistant Head Coach.
Originally from Jasper he graduated from Pickens High School in 1993. Coach Wigington has his bachelor degree from the University of Georgia, his masters degree from Georgia Southern, and his specialist degree from Lincoln Memorial University. He teaches Physical Education. He and his wife, Amanda, have a son named Ben
Originally from Jasper he graduated from Pickens High School in 1993. Coach Wigington has his bachelor degree from the University of Georgia, his masters degree from Georgia Southern, and his specialist degree from Lincoln Memorial University. He teaches Physical Education. He and his wife, Amanda, have a son named Ben
Michael Parker, Perimeter Defensive Coordinator
This will be Coach Parker’s 7th year at Pickens High School serving as the Defensive Coordinator. Coach Parker coaches the Outside Linebackers. He is also in charge of all technology and recruiting issues in the football program.
Prior to coming to Pickens, Coach Parker was at Chapel Hill High School in Douglasville for four years, where he served as Defensive Coordinator. Before that, he was at Sequoyah High School in Canton for four years, where he coached Defensive Backs. He is originally from Foley, Alabama where he attended Foley High School. Coach Parker is a graduate of Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor’s degree in History Education. He teaches Social Studies. He is married to Rebecca Parker who teaches and coaches soccer at Lambert High School and they have two sons, Ryan & Ty.
Prior to coming to Pickens, Coach Parker was at Chapel Hill High School in Douglasville for four years, where he served as Defensive Coordinator. Before that, he was at Sequoyah High School in Canton for four years, where he coached Defensive Backs. He is originally from Foley, Alabama where he attended Foley High School. Coach Parker is a graduate of Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor’s degree in History Education. He teaches Social Studies. He is married to Rebecca Parker who teaches and coaches soccer at Lambert High School and they have two sons, Ryan & Ty.
Adam Wharton, Strength Coordinator
Coach Wharton will be in his 11th year coaching the Dragons. He serves as the Strength & Conditioning Coordinator for Pickens High School. Coach Wharton also coaches the Receivers. He is in charge of all discipline issues within the High School program.
Before coming to Pickens, Coach Wharton worked in Montgomery County in South Georgia and in Virginia. Originally from Virginia, Coach Wharton graduated from UVA Wise and received his M.S. from Georgia Southern. He teaches Weight Training. Coach Wharton is married to Melissa.
Before coming to Pickens, Coach Wharton worked in Montgomery County in South Georgia and in Virginia. Originally from Virginia, Coach Wharton graduated from UVA Wise and received his M.S. from Georgia Southern. He teaches Weight Training. Coach Wharton is married to Melissa.
Jeff Nelson, Internal Defensive Coordinator
Coach Nelson is in his 5th year with the dragons. He serves as the Internal Defensive Coordinator and Coaches the Inside Linebackers. He also assists with Strength & Conditioning and Special Teams.
Prior to coming to Pickens, Coach Nelson was at Creekview High School in Canton for four years, where he served as Defensive Coordinator. His other coaching experience includes five years at Sequoyah High School in Canton, where he coached Defensive Line and Defensive Backs. He is originally from Canton, where he attended Cherokee High School. Coach Nelson is a graduate of Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management and also has a Master’s Degree in Health & P.E. from the University of Alabama. He teaches P.E & Health. He is married to Leigh and has three daughters Anna, Ashley, & Amanda
Prior to coming to Pickens, Coach Nelson was at Creekview High School in Canton for four years, where he served as Defensive Coordinator. His other coaching experience includes five years at Sequoyah High School in Canton, where he coached Defensive Line and Defensive Backs. He is originally from Canton, where he attended Cherokee High School. Coach Nelson is a graduate of Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management and also has a Master’s Degree in Health & P.E. from the University of Alabama. He teaches P.E & Health. He is married to Leigh and has three daughters Anna, Ashley, & Amanda
Jamie Nelson, Quarterbacks Coach
Coach Nelson is in his 3rd year with the Dragons. He coaches quarterbacks and helps with Special Teams.
Prior to coming to Pickens, he coached quarterbacks at Sequoyah High for 3 years and freshman boys basketball for 1 year. He has also coached running backs at Creekview High for 7 years and coached freshman girls' basketball for 1 year. He coached girls' golf at Etowah High for 6 years and coached 7th grade girls' basketball at Dean Rusk Middle for 1 year. He coached football, basketball and track in Dallas, TX for 5 years. He is a graduate from Sequoyah High with a Bachelor's Degree in Health and Physical Education from Kennesaw State University. He is married to Jamie Lynn and has two sons Chase and Kenny and one daughter Elena
Prior to coming to Pickens, he coached quarterbacks at Sequoyah High for 3 years and freshman boys basketball for 1 year. He has also coached running backs at Creekview High for 7 years and coached freshman girls' basketball for 1 year. He coached girls' golf at Etowah High for 6 years and coached 7th grade girls' basketball at Dean Rusk Middle for 1 year. He coached football, basketball and track in Dallas, TX for 5 years. He is a graduate from Sequoyah High with a Bachelor's Degree in Health and Physical Education from Kennesaw State University. He is married to Jamie Lynn and has two sons Chase and Kenny and one daughter Elena
Chad Flatt, Offensive Analyst
This will be Coach Flatt’s 6th year with the Pickens Football Program. Coach Flatt works with the Offensive Line and is an Offensive Analyst.
Coach Flatt came to Pickens after coaching at Chapel Hill High School for three years. Before his time at Chapel Hill, Coach Flatt was the Head Football Coach/Athletic Director or Our Lady of Mercy High School. Coach Flatt has also served as an assistant coach at North Gwinnett and Shiloh. Originally from Sparta, TN, Coach Flatt attended Maryville College where he was a football letterman. He received his Ed.D from the University of Alabama. He and his wife, Kelly, have Four children: Jack, Ruby, Quincy and Gus.
Coach Flatt came to Pickens after coaching at Chapel Hill High School for three years. Before his time at Chapel Hill, Coach Flatt was the Head Football Coach/Athletic Director or Our Lady of Mercy High School. Coach Flatt has also served as an assistant coach at North Gwinnett and Shiloh. Originally from Sparta, TN, Coach Flatt attended Maryville College where he was a football letterman. He received his Ed.D from the University of Alabama. He and his wife, Kelly, have Four children: Jack, Ruby, Quincy and Gus.
Bo Page, Def. Backs/Special Teams Coordinator
Coach Page is entering his 5th year at Pickens High School. He coaches Defensive Backs and serves as the Special Teams Coordinator. He also serves as the Jr. Varsity Defensive Coordinator.
Prior to coming to Pickens, Coach Page was at Long Cane Middle School in Lagrange for three years, where he served as Head Basketball coach and was also an assistant football coach. His other coaching experience includes one year at Lambert High School in Suwanee, where he coached Running Backs. He is originally from Canton, where he attended Sequoyah High School. Coach Page is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies and also has a Master’s Degree in Health & P.E. from the Columbus State. He teaches Special Education.
Prior to coming to Pickens, Coach Page was at Long Cane Middle School in Lagrange for three years, where he served as Head Basketball coach and was also an assistant football coach. His other coaching experience includes one year at Lambert High School in Suwanee, where he coached Running Backs. He is originally from Canton, where he attended Sequoyah High School. Coach Page is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies and also has a Master’s Degree in Health & P.E. from the Columbus State. He teaches Special Education.
Stephen Hunter, Running Backs
This will be Coach Hunter’s 7th year with the Pickens Football Program. For the past four season he was the director of the Middle School program. Our Middle School program grew tremendously under Coach Hunter’s leadership, he is returning to the High School this year to coach Running Backs.
Prior to returning home to Pickens where he graduated in 2005, Hunter coached at Houston County High School in Warner Robins, GA. Coach Hunter has a Bachelor's degree from Berry College where he played basketball and a Master's degree from North Georgia College & State University. He and his wife Kristin were married in June 2013 and they have a son Hayes.
Prior to returning home to Pickens where he graduated in 2005, Hunter coached at Houston County High School in Warner Robins, GA. Coach Hunter has a Bachelor's degree from Berry College where he played basketball and a Master's degree from North Georgia College & State University. He and his wife Kristin were married in June 2013 and they have a son Hayes.
Tony Flynn, Kickers
Coach Flynn will begin his 4th year working with the kickers.
Coach Flynn served as the Head Soccer Coach from 1997- 2002 at Effingham County High School, started the soccer program at Gilmer and coached there from 2002-2011. Coach Flynn then served as the Head Soccer Coach at PHS from 2011-2015. He also served as the head cross country coach at Effingham County from 1999-2001, and assistant cross country coach at PHS in 2013.
Coach Flynn served as the Head Soccer Coach from 1997- 2002 at Effingham County High School, started the soccer program at Gilmer and coached there from 2002-2011. Coach Flynn then served as the Head Soccer Coach at PHS from 2011-2015. He also served as the head cross country coach at Effingham County from 1999-2001, and assistant cross country coach at PHS in 2013.
Kyle Rasco, Certified Athletic Trainer
Coach Rasco is in his 15th year as the Athletic Trainer for all sports at Pickens High School.
Originally from Jasper, Coach Rasco graduated in 1997 from Pickens High School. He then attended The University of Alabama, working with various sports programs and received his BS in Athletic Training in 2001. Coach Rasco was then hired by the University of Georgia as a graduate assistant Athletic Trainer, where his main responsibilities were softball and football. After graduating UGA in 2003 with a Masters of Education in Sports Administration, he was hired as the Head Athletic Trainer for Men’s Basketball at Georgia Southern University, which was a position he held until he was hired in 2005 at PHS. He has since received his Educational Specialist degree from Lincoln Memorial University in 2010.
Coach Rasco teaches Health Education at PHS. He and his wife Cassie have twin boys Kiptyn & Christian and a third son, Chance.
Originally from Jasper, Coach Rasco graduated in 1997 from Pickens High School. He then attended The University of Alabama, working with various sports programs and received his BS in Athletic Training in 2001. Coach Rasco was then hired by the University of Georgia as a graduate assistant Athletic Trainer, where his main responsibilities were softball and football. After graduating UGA in 2003 with a Masters of Education in Sports Administration, he was hired as the Head Athletic Trainer for Men’s Basketball at Georgia Southern University, which was a position he held until he was hired in 2005 at PHS. He has since received his Educational Specialist degree from Lincoln Memorial University in 2010.
Coach Rasco teaches Health Education at PHS. He and his wife Cassie have twin boys Kiptyn & Christian and a third son, Chance.
Middle School Coaches
Colby Shaw, Middle School Defensive Coordinator
Coach Shaw will begin his 6th year coaching football with the Dragons. He will serve as the Middle School Defensive Coordinator.
In 2012, Shaw was a member of the Varsity Coaching Staff. Raised in Jasper, Georgia, Shaw attended and graduated from Pickens High School in 2005. He then received his Bachelor’s degree from North Georgia College and State University in 2010. He and his wife Jenna were married in June 2012 and they have a daughter Emery.
In 2012, Shaw was a member of the Varsity Coaching Staff. Raised in Jasper, Georgia, Shaw attended and graduated from Pickens High School in 2005. He then received his Bachelor’s degree from North Georgia College and State University in 2010. He and his wife Jenna were married in June 2012 and they have a daughter Emery.
Brandon Tippens, Middle School Defensive Line
Coach Tippens is in his 4th year with our Middle School program.
Caleb Brooks, Middle School Defensive Backs
Coach Brooks is in his 1st year with the Middle School program
He is a 2016 graduate of Pickens High School and is currently attending Kennesaw State University
He is a 2016 graduate of Pickens High School and is currently attending Kennesaw State University
Jerry Jones, Middle School Asst.
Jacob Tatum, Middle School Asst.
