Purvis named VDN’s 2023 Head Football Coach of the Year

Porter’s Chapel Academy completed one of the program’s best seasons in 2023 which led to Blake Purvis being named VDN’s Head Football Coach of the Year.

A 12-1 season forced all eyes to be on the Eagles as everyone on their roster saw plenty of playing time which left Purvis excited about the 2023 year.

“We had a great year and it was an exciting ride and a very special season,” Purvis said. This team set goals for themselves and came to work every single day to put themselves in a position to achieve their goals. I’m proud of this team and this coaching staff for all that we were able to accomplish this season.”

PCA had some major accomplishments in 2023, which included an undefeated regular season, district championship and defeating Sharkey Issaquena Academy who eventually won a state title. Although those things were huge for the program, Purvis beating undefeated Riverdale 26-18 in double overtime in week four was a true turning point in the season.

“That game really gave us so momentum and was a defining point in our season,” Purvis added.

Under Purvis’ leadership, PCA went from being 5-6 in 2022 to 12-1 in 2023 where Purvis testified that his team played unselfish football and that they came to practice every day ready to work.

“We always talked about being unselfish and having mental toughness,” Purvis said. Football throws a lot of adversity at you through the course of a long season and you have to be able to move past it and play the next play. I wanted our guys to know that if they played for each other and were mentally tough that they could play the next play and overcome any adversity that came their way.”

Purvis not only was the head man in charge, but he also serves as the team’s offensive coordinator where they averaged 47 points per game while scoring a total of 614 points which is the most in school history. Under Purvis’ play calling, quarterback John Wyatt Massey broke the county record by throwing 40 touchdowns while Jase Jung broke the school record of having 25 rushing touchdowns. Thomas Azlin also broke a school record with 16 receiving touchdowns.

Purvis inherited the losing program in 2016, he now has turned things in his favor and built what is now a championship caliber team that he has been with since the seniors were in seventh grade.

“I’m just proud of this team and this coaching staff,” Purvis said.

They have worked year after year to get better and put themselves in this position. Our program is strong and the foundation that was laid over the last 5-6 years is now producing results. I’m proud to see the players that have bought into the program and stuck with it get rewarded for their hard work.”

Purvis is now the fourth coach to ever receive this honor and he didn’t hesitate to thank those who stuck with him along the way.

“This was a fun and exciting season that brought a lot of accolades to our team.,” Purvis added. This award is just another accolade for our team. We talk about being a team and it takes everyone on the team for the team to be successful. “

“Without the entire team, there would be no records broken or individual accolades. I am honored to receive this award but the credit should go to our team, our coaching staff, our administration and my family. My coaching staff (Chris Simms, Billy White, Daniel Slayton, and Darrell Purvis) helped put together a game plan and prepare this team weekly to be successful. In a game where it seems like points are scored at a record pace, Chris Simms defensive scheme held our opponents to just 16 points per game which was an incredible feat for our defense.”

“Our players were coachable and took our plan and went and made the plays on the field. Our administration and Mr. Chris Williams supported us every step of the way on and off the field. And last but certainly not least is my family. I’m thankful for my parents who instilled values and the work ethic to be successful and then have supported me along the way.  Coaching is a very demanding career in more ways than one, and having a strong support system at home is key.”

“My wife, Shelby, holds everything together during football season. We have a 3-year-old daughter, Leighton, and an 8-month-old son, Elliott, that she had to take care of a lot of days and nights without me because of the hours. Not only did she do that and handle all the other day to day things of a family of four, but she went above and beyond to support our players, cheerleaders and coaches. Without the sacrifices, love, and support at home I would not be able to do what I do let alone have a chance to be successful.”