From JMCSS News Alert
JACKSON, Tenn. – Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ricky Catlett and South Side principal Anita Tucker have officially announced the hiring of Lester Narcisse as the new head football coach at South Side High School. Coach Narcisse comes to South Jackson after serving as an assistant coach at Covington High School.
“Coach Narcisse is a winner, and he knows what it takes to develop a program. He’s a defensive coach who has the traditional South Side mindset in terms of offense. He’ll coach character and toughness,” Dr. Catlett said.
Coach Narcisse oversaw running backs and outside linebackers for Class 3A power Covington. The Chargers made appearances in the Class 3A state semifinals in 2022 and the state quarterfinals in 2021, during which Narcisse coached two-time Mr. Football finalist Jamarion Dowell. Narcisse is a longtime assistant of Charger head coach JR Kirby.
“We’ve scrimmaged South Side many times over the last couple of years. I know the foundation is here. I can’t wait to mentor these young men and prepare them to reach the expectations of our coaching staff and the community,” said Coach Narcisse.
A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Narcisse has lived in West Tennessee since his time as a student athlete at Lambuth University. He served as defensive coordinator at Kirby High School. Narcisse completed his 3rd season at Covington in 2022.
“The blueprint for building a winning culture is here. With buy-in from the players and the South Jackson and Denmark communities, the sky’s the limit for what can be accomplished,” Coach Narcisse said.
The Hawks made the playoffs the last six years under former head coach Tyler Reeder, who resigned in May. The Hawks hosted a first-round playoff game four times during Reeder’s tenure.
“A lot of South Side people were student athletes with me during my time at Lambuth. Coach DaMonn Fuller was on the basketball team during that time. I look forward to reconnecting with former classmates as well as meeting new people,” Coach Narcisse added.
South Side opens the season with three consecutive home games beginning with Ripley on Friday, August 18.
