COURTLAND—One of Littleton Parker’s former players will take over the helm as head football coach for Southampton High School.

Wes Griffith, who was last year’s head junior varsity coach, will replace Parker, who retired in November after a legendary 22-year career as the Indians’ head coach.

“Southampton is well known as being a football powerhouse,” Griffith said Wednesday. “I will have a huge task to fill.”

Southampton Principal Allene Atkinson says Griffith is up for the task.

“We’re expecting great things from this young man,” Atkinson said. “In the past, he was our JV coach. He leads these kids with great integrity. He’s a great role model.”

A 2000 graduate of Southampton High School, Griffith teaches history at his alma mater. During his five years with the school, he has also served as assistant girls’ basketball coach and head varsity baseball coach.

As a student at Southampton, he played wide receiver on the gridiron for the Indians and pitched and played third base for the baseball team.

The Indians football team was 4-6 last fall in the Virginia High School League’s AA Southside District.

Griffith expects good things this fall.

“We have a lot of returning players and I’m very comfortable with the guys we have on the JV team, who are now on the varsity. The rising seniors will be well supported.”

Alfred Charity was named head junior varsity football coach. Charity had been an assistant coach for the squad.

Parker continues to work as the high school’s assistant principal and athletic director.