The Mark Pemberton years for the Rhea County High School football program are sure to be remembered fondly.
With an old-school, smashmouth style of offense, the Golden Eagles successfully leaned on the run and scored more than 40 points in 33% of their games in Pemberton’s 11 seasons as head coach, a tenure that came to a close Friday in Evensville.
The 63-year-old Pemberton resigned at Rhea County and shortly after was announced as the next head coach at Campbell County, moving from one TSSAA Class 5A program to another. With a career record of 250-113 as a head coach — including 87-45 with the Golden Eagles — he ranks third in wins among active coaches in Tennessee prep football.
“I have spent a third of my coaching career at Rhea County. Thirteen years in total, with two of those as an offensive coordinator,” Pemberton said. “This is a great place to teach and coach, and a wonderful community that loves their football.
“With that being said, I am excited to get going at Campbell County. They really want a big-time winning football program. They are building a $2 million indoor practice field and weight room. Their commitment to athletics really blew me away.”