Bratcher steps down from Ashford post

Citing a need for a change in the program, Lester Bratcher resigned from his duties as head football coach at Ashford High School Wednesday.

Bratcher, however, maintains his role as teacher of athletic weight training and as the school’s athletic director.

A 10-year head coaching veteran of the Yellow Jacket football program, Bratcher said he has not made any decision about future plans.

He did not rule out a return to coaching football again or coaching other sports. Bratcher, who has been at Ashford 24 years, had previously coached boys basketball and softball teams at the school.

“Right now, I want to finish this year as athletic director then see what opportunities are out there,” Bratcher said. “I will sit back for several weeks and see what develops.

“I just feel we need a change in football. I was not pressured into this decision. We have gotten into a little rut and I feel it is the best thing for the program to make a change.

We haven’t been as successful the last two years. We have been close and competitive, but we couldn’t get over the hump.”

In Bratcher’s 10-year run as Ashford’s football coach, the Yellow Jackets were 52-52 with four playoff teams. The tenure was highlighted by nine-win seasons in both 2002 and 2003 and Ashford’s first playoff win in 28 years during the 2002 season.
Last year, Ashford went 3-6 under Bratcher, but all six losses were by nine or less points, a total of 33 overall. Of his last 12 losses in the last two years, 10 were by nine or less.

“I want to thank everyone who has supported me and for their support (of the program) in the 10 years,” Bratcher said. “I want to thank the many players, the coaches who have been loyal as four of the five have been with me almost the entire 10 years.
“I also want to thank our administration, especially Ms. (Shirley) McArdle and Mr. (Bubba) Odom, the principals. They have been good to me.”

A graduate of Georgiana High School and Troy University, Bratcher began his coaching career at Fort Dale Academy in Greenville as head boys basketball coach and assistant football coach. He spent two years there before coaching four years at Lakeside School in Eufaula, holding the same two roles there.

He came to Ashford in 1985 as the boys basketball coach and assistant football coach. Bratcher directed the boys basketball team for 14 years and took over softball duties in 1992. He gave up both when he was elevated to head football coach in 1999.
As coach of Ashford’s girls slow-pitch softball team from 1992-99, Bratcher led the Yellow Jackets to back-to-back state titles in 1996-97 and to state runner-up honors in 1994, 1995 and 1998.

He also directed a state title in boys basketball at Lakeside in 1985.

Though the Jackets have struggled the last two years, Bratcher feels the program has a good foundation for the next coach.
“The program is in pretty good shape,” Bratcher said. “Whoever comes in will have a good football team. I really believe things are in good shape and the facilities are the best they have been. The kids are excited and ready for next year.”