Pate takes the reins at Sonoraville
Former offensive coordinator replaces Kremer
A new era began for Phoenix football on Thursday as Sonoraville officially named Denver Pate as their new head coach.
Pate takes the place of Jim Kremer, who resigned on April 21 after three years on the job. Pate served as offensive coordinator under Kremer the past two seasons, but has also previously served as an assistant at Chattooga, Cedartown, East Paulding and one year on the college level at Berry College.
Pate said he is excited to get the chance at his first head-coaching job and is hoping to continue to build on the foundation that was set under Kremer.
“This is the first head coaching job I’ve every interviewed for and I don’t know if you’re ever truly ready until it happens, but you won’t find someone who will work harder than I will here,” said Pate. “I care about this community and program, and I’m dedicated to the task at hand. We’re still in the process of building this thing up and we’re aiming for success here. We’re going to do the little things right and hold each other accountable. That’s what it will take to get to the next level.
“Coach Kremer brought me in here to help continue to build this thing up, and I’m very thankful to him for doing that. Now it’s my opportunity and job to build off what he’s established. “We’re going in the right direction, we’ve just got to continue working hard and putting forth the effort in the classroom, weight room and on the field and hold players and coaches accountable.”
Sonoraville High principal Bruce Potts said in an email to others interested in the job on Thursday that they thought Pate was the right man to lead the program going forward.
“We have spent many hours since last Friday in planning and discussing the direction of our program and who could continue the successes that Coach Kremer has provided the program over the last few years,” said Potts in the email. “Last evening, we held an internal interview for Coach Denver Pate. He sat before a panel of parents, administrators, a school governance representative and rising seniors. After a three-hour session, the panel affirmed the thoughts of Sonoraville High School leadership and made a motion to approve the recommendation of Coach Denver Pate as the next Head Football Coach of Sonoraville High School.”
Pate was a 1998 graduate of Pepperell High where he played quarterback, and he graduated from Jacksonville State University in 2002 with a degree in Health and Physical Education. He also has master’s degree in Administration from Jacksonville State.
Pate met with his players on Thursday morning after the decision was announced. He said his players and the Sonoraville community can expect him to give everything he’s got to continue and build on the success the Phoenix have achieved the last few seasons.
“The kids know I’m a hard worker, and I’m passionate about the game,” said Pate. “I take a lot of pride in coaching, whether it’s a certain position or a system, no matter what, I want to put forth maximum effort.