BARNES REPLACES MASSEY AS SPANISH RIVER FOOTBALL COACH

BOCA RATON — Woody Barnes, who has been atop the list of candidates since the job became vacant, has been named Spanish River head football coach by Principal Art Johnson.

Johnson said Barnes accepted the job Tuesday. Barnes, who was hired at Spanish River in August as an occupational specialist and who worked for Johnson at Williston, replaces Bill Massey, who was fired after a 6-4 season.

“I expect him to produce a disciplined and consistent football program,” Johnson said. “To me, the issue is not whether you win or lose, but how you perform in winning or losing.”

Barnes, 32, was an assistant coach for one season at his alma mater, Gonzalez Tate. He also coached two seasons at Williston, six at Baker and two at Fort Walton Beach, where he was the offensive line, junior varsity and weights coach. He came to Spanish River for the guidance department job.

“I had applied for six head coaching jobs at reputable schools up there but hadn’t gotten any of them,” Barnes said. “But then Dr. Johnson called, and I had an offer to come to this area. There was no mention of football. I felt I had gotten that out of my blood.”

Barnes said he looks at the Spanish River job as a challenge.

“I don’t feel good or bad about the situation. I’m just going to dive in and give it 100 percent,” he said. “I’ve never had any problem with any kid at Spanish River since I’ve been here, athletes or non-athletes.”

Spanish River has won state title in several other sports, a fact Barnes said will help the football program.

“Spanish River is a very competitive school,” he said. “If not, they wouldn’t have state championships in all the sports listed on the front of the gym. I believe we have the kids here to do well in football, too.”

At Class 1A Baker High, Barnes was offensive coordinator for a program that went 70-7 and averaged 30 points a game en route to three state championships and two second-place finishes.

Barnes played in high school for Carl Madison, whose Pensacola Pine Forest team won the Class 5A championship this year. He played linebacker at Division I-AA Alabama State and made Little All-America one year.

“He’s a very principled man,” Johnson said. “He has an outstanding background in football and is a strong disciplinarian. He gets along with the kids, and every place he’s been he has made a difference.”