Block High School has a new head football coach.

After an extensive search, Josh Loy has been tapped to head up the football program in addition to serving as its athletic director at the Jonesville-based school.

“He brings a lot of excitement, and he’s willing to build a program. He understands it won’t happen overnight,” Block principal Jeffrey Odom said. “We have hard-working kids here in Jonesville, and they will work for someone who cares about them.”

Loy spent last season as the offensive coordinator at Natchez High School. He previously served as the head coach of Delta Charter School and Trinity Episcopal, leading the Saints to a 13-0 state championship season in 2013.

“I’m excited about the opportunity. Head coaching opportunities don’t come around often,” Loy said. “This will be my third time as an athletic director, and I’m looking forward to helping strengthen all the programs and build a solid athletic program at Block.”

Loy replaces Bo Sproles, who resigned the position at the head coaching position at the conclusion of last season. Block finished 1-10 in 2016 and lost in the opening round of the LHSAA Class 1A playoffs to East Beauregard, 38-0.

“Traditionally, Block has had some very good football teams,” Loy said. “They’ve been down a little bit recently. But they have had a lot of athletic kids and some big, quality lineman, so they have the right mixture to build a good program.”

Odom said he chose Loy over several other “serious” candidates, citing Loy’s family values as a key reason for the selection.

“He wants to bring that kind of atmosphere to our kids in Jonesville,” Odom said. “He wants to see the kids perform well in the classroom, and he has experience in other athletic programs.”

Odom said Loy is a successful offensive coach, one that will keep Bears’ fans on the edge of their seats come Friday nights in the fall.

“He runs a different style of offense that’s going to be something exciting for the people of Jonesville and the kids at Block,” Odom said.

Block will open the year Sept. 1 at Buckeye.

“With the community’s support, with it being the only school in town, they can really get behind the school, and I think you can do some great things at Block,” Loy said.