Schools

Brandon Gregory to Leave MRH Football for Francis Howell North

Gregory said he's looking forward to the challenge, but will miss his guys at Maplewood Richmond Heights.

Brandon Gregory, head football coach for the past two years, on Friday, told the principal and athletic director this is his last year at MRH.

has hired Gregory to lead its team. MRH is Class 2 and Francis Howell is Class 6. Gregory said he’s always wanted to coach at a bigger school.

“I love challenges,” he said. “I’m just looking at the opportunity for me to take over Francis Howell and hopefully do the same thing for them that I did for Maplewood.” Howell North finished last season 2-8.

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In Gregory’s two seasons as head coach, the Blue Devils went 25-5. In 2010 they were 14-0 when they finally. This year his team made it to the state semifinals before losing.

Gregory also coached the MRH track team to its third consecutive state title last year. Last year he was. In addition to coaching football he’ll be coaching track and teaching PE at Howell North.

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He said leaving his Blue Devils football team is the hardest part.

“These guys are part of my first go-around being head coach, so I’ll always have a place in my heart for them,” he said. “I look at these little dudes like they’re my little brothers. Even though I’m moving on, I’m taking some everlasting friendships away with me.”

Howell North activities director Mike Janes likes the care Gregory has for his players.

Janes  was quoted in an article in the St. Louis Post Dispatch, “We could really tell Brandon cares about kids,” Janes said. “That was our main focus. He really works hard at how to get kids involved in (his program) and that was the most impressive thing for us.”

Gregory still has track season to finish out at MRH. Sectionals are next week and State the week after that.

“I told my guys, I’m still under contract with Maplewood,” he said. “I’m going to give my all not only to the community, but just these kids. They deserve it.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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