#HSFT16: Stop No. 40 – Winona Christian Stars

WINONA, Miss. (WCBI) — A familiar face will be on a new sideline in 2016.

Junior Graham returns to Montgomery County as the new head coach at Winona Christian. Graham spent the 2015 season coaching the Winston Academy Patriots.

The long-time head football coach in Mississippi enjoys what he has seen out of his new team thus far.

“I really like the work ethic of the kids,” coach Graham said. “I like the excitement level they have brought to practice.

“The school, we’re dealing with a large area our student body comes from but it’s a close school even with those circumstances. It’s been refreshing so far.”

It’s a football journey that has come full circle for coach Graham, who got his start coaching in Montgomery County.

“In the early 90’s, I was at the Winona public school,” Graham said. “Now, I’m at the Winona Christian School. I’m still in the same circles as my first go-around. It’s sort of a homecoming for me.”

Graham believes his team could be one that has a run in them in the playoffs.

“This team has a really special blend. It’s a good senior class with good leaders and the underclassmen are good role players. We have some speed and linemen in the group. It’s a good blend. If we as coaches can mold them into a good solid team that plays hard on a down to down basis, I think we have a chance to be pretty competitive.”