The Berkmar Patriots have had just nine winning seasons in their 59-year history and a total of 21 head coaches over that same span, but there is a sense of optimism surrounding the program’s new 32-year-old head coach Bre’nard Williams and the solid foundation he hopes to establish at the school. Coach Williams was hired in March after the departure of Andrico Hines—who returned to take the head coaching job at Langston Hughes. Coach Hines previously served as offensive coordinator at Hughes and returned to the Panthers after Boone Williams left Hughes to take over Northside-Warner Robins.
Berkmar had coach Hines’ leadership for two seasons and the team compiled a 5-14-1 record. Those five wins were the most produced over a two-year stretch since 2018-19 and the Patriots won a region game in both of Hines’ years at Berkmar—another feat that hadn’t been achieved since the 2018-19 seasons.
“It’s been about three head coaches in the last three to four years, so at this point this is a rebuilding situation and I’m trying to bring some stability to the program,” said Williams. “I want kids who want to play for Coach Williams in the future. I want to be here. I want this program to be a staple in the county and even in the state. Berkmar gets the kids here. It’s about keeping the kids here.”
Coach Williams’ most recent stint was at McDonough High School in Henry County where he served as defensive coordinator. It was a connection that coach Williams had with former Berkmar head coach and current administrator Willie Gary that helped forge the partnership. Williams is a Tift County alum and All-American linebacker that played at Clark Atlanta from 2011-15 under coach Gary—who was his defensive coordinator.
Coach Gary led Berkmar from 2018-21 when he helped the Patriots snap a 47-game losing streak and produce the previously-mentioned competitive 2018 (3-7) and 2019 (4-6) campaigns.
“I knew coach Gary had been here for a while,” said Williams. “I saw the opportunity here put out and we connected. I’ve gotten three head coaching opportunities (in the past), but this is the first one where I’m ready to take this jump.”
Coach Williams has also made stops at Thomasville and then at the college level spent time with Methodist University and Alabama State University prior to leading the defenses at Mundy’s Mill and McDonough. Having been a standout linebacker and defensive coordinator, coach Williams identifies as a defensive guy and hopes to establish that brand with Berkmar.
“I’m a defensive guy,” said Williams. “Personally, I believe football the last 5-6 years has turned into offensive 7-on-7, but I pride myself on you’ve got to stop the run. If you don’t stop the run, they’re not throwing the ball. We want to be fast, relentless, energetic and be a defense that celebrates negative yards. I want us to make plays behind the line of scrimmage and enjoy doing it.”
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