Allatoona hires Loganville’s Smith to replace retiring Varner

Allatoona on Tuesday announced the hiring of Brad Smith as football coach to replace the retiring Gary Varner.

Smith has been Loganville’s coach the past three seasons and led the Red Devils to a 9-2 finish last season, their best record since 2016.

Smith’s team got national attention last season after its opening game against Monroe Area, a 45-39 victory won with an over-the-shoulder touchdown pass.

Loganville, Smith’s alma mater, had won 10 games in the three seasons before Smith came to Loganville in 2020.

Smith had been Calhoun’s running backs coach for one season when Loganville hired him. He’s also been on staffs at North Murray, Dalton, Flowery Branch, Chestatee and Sonoraville.

Smith will be Allatoona’s second head coach. Varner started the program in 2008 and won four region titles and the 2015 Class 5A championship. Allatoona was 6-6 last season.

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