The Selma Times-Journal

The vacant football coaching position at Southside High may soon be filled.

The search to fill the job was narrowed down to three candidates, according to Donald Willingham, administrative assistant for the Dallas County School System.

Monday at 6 p.m., the school board will recommend and vote on the top candidate during its meeting at 429 Lauderdale St.

One of the candidates is retired coach Lemuel Jones. The two others were not identified.

“We have three good candidates,” said Willingham. “One is a former employee, one is a present employee, and of course Coach Jones has been in our system for years.”

Jones is anxiously anticipating a phone call confirming his nomination for the post.

“I’m just sitting here waiting to go to work,” said Jones. “I’m sitting here waiting on the call to go to the big dance.”

The new coach will replace Christopher Raymond, who compiled a 35-45 record in eight years as coach of the Panthers and led them to two postseason appearances. Raymond took the job as football coach at LeFlore, where he graduated in 1998.