![](\"https:\/\/www.13thregionmedianetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/img_7494-1-1024x765.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"LONDON \u2014 John Hines isn\u2019t a stranger in building a team into a district, region and state contenders, and even state champions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He hopes to accomplish all three during his stay as head coach of the South Laurel Cardinals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After spending 25 years as head coach of the Pulaski County football program, Hines resigned this past winter and took over the reigns at South Laurel where the football program hasn\u2019t reached the Class 5A playoffs since 2018, and hasn\u2019t won a playoff game since November 11, 2005.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThings at South Laurel have gone extremely well since I accepted the job back in January,\u201d Hines said. \u201cI am extremely pleased with the support of the administration, the fans, parents, and most, especially the coaching staff and the players. It has been a real treat for me to see what we can possibly do here at South Laurel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur goal at South Laurel will simply be to achieve our potential each and every season,\u201d he added. \u201cI believe there\u2019s incredible potential here to have an outstanding football program over the long term. Is it possible to win district, region, and state championships? We all have to believe that that\u2019s the case. If it can happen at Pulaski County, it can happen at South Laurel.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hines said the Cardinal players have adjusted well with him taking over as head coach, and he\u2019s excited with what he has seen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe players have adjusted very well,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m very excited about what we found when we came in here back in January, and it continues. What we found was a great hunger in the players. The hunger to be successful in football. A hunger to do the work that it takes to be successful. Regardless of what we have brought aboard, they are accepting of it and ready to dive in.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not only are the coaches and players are excited about the season kicking off soon, but Hines believes Cardinal fans will like the brand of football South Laurel will bring to the table this fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think the fans will enjoy watching this cardinal team play,\u201d Hines said. \u201cI think they\u2019re gonna play with a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of excitement and a lot of confidence. I think the fans will truly enjoy each and every Friday night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n