By Thomas Grant Jr.
The Rusty Charpia era at Brookland-Cayce High School is now over.
After 14 years serving as athletics director and head coach in baseball and football, he has now made the move to another state.
In a Thursday press release, the Clarke County School District and Cedar Shoals High School announced Charpia’s hiring as head football coach.
The decision to have Charpia replace Leroy Ryals was approved during Monday’s school board meeting. Cedar Shoals is located in Atlanta, Ga.
“We were very pleased with the amount of interest from coaches that wanted the opportunity to be our next head football coach, and there were some really good coaches in the applicant pool,” said Cedar Shoals athletic director L’Dreco Thomas. “Coach Charpia separated himself from the rest with his football resume, his energy, and his passion for coaching kids.
“He has taken programs that were similar to where we are and built them into winners. His passion to build Cedar Shoals into a top program in Georgia was evident, and his plan to do so was clear. Coach Charpia plans to connect with the community and rebuild the fan base. He wants to get the entire community, alumni, and local businesses to pour into Cedar Shoals football and get on fire for the students and athletes.”
A former baseball player at Clemson, Charpia spent the past 14 seasons at Brookland-Cayce. As a football coach, he amassed 92 wins to become the school leader in career wins. He also led the Bearcats three Lower State championship games in the last seven seasons to go along with five region titles (2016, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2023).
Charpia also had success as head baseball coach before stepping down last season.
The past two years, Charpia had resigned and reapplied for the head coaching position in football. He was not approved this past season and was told he would not return as athletics director.
The Lexington County School Board voted 4-2 to hire Camden offensive coordinator Louis Clyburn as head coach. It also reportedly voted to pay Charpia’s buyout at their last meeting.
On Feb. 4, the state Senate passed a resolution sponsored by Russell Ott recognizing Charpia for his years of dedicated serve to the school.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity to coach the young men at Cedar Shoals High,” said Coach Charpia said in the release. “I know of the rich football history from my former teammates at Clemson who played here. I can’t wait to get started toward making Jaguar football a championship program again.”
“From the moment he stepped into his interview, his passion for kids and love for the game were undeniable,” said Cedar Shoals principal Dr. Makeba Clark. “Coach Charpia brings the energy and fire we need to reconnect our community with Jag football. With his experience in building programs with similar challenges, he’s ready to lead with determination and vision. As he said himself, he loves a challenge, and we believe he is committed to developing not just great athletes, but great young men. We can’t wait to see the impact he makes both on and off the field. Go Jags!”
By GoFlashwin.com – Brookland-Cayce head coach Rusty Charpia
