Junior Graham Retiring from Eupora, Will Join Winston Academy

EUPORA, Miss. (WCBI) — After eight years on the sidelines with the Eagles, a legend is moving on.

Junior Graham confirmed with WCBI Monday morning that he will retire from Eupora High School effective January 30th and join Winston Academy as their head football coach and athletic director.

(Starkville Daily News)
After eight years on the sidelines at Eupora, Junior Graham will retire as head coach and join Winston Academy.

Graham spent the last eight years as head coach of the Eupora High School football team. He helped lead the Eagles to their first State Title appearance in 10 years back in 2012.

A graduate of Ethel High School, Graham has been a head coach in Mississippi high school football for 15 years. His first head coaching job was with the Weir Lions taking over for legendary coach Joe Lynn Gant.

Graham helped lead the Lions to their sixth and last State Championship in 2003. He led the Lions to three State Title appearances in his seven years as the head coach.

He joined Eupora as head coach in 2007, taking over for Lance Pogue. His 79-23 overall record in eight seasons with the Eagles also includes eight playoff appearances, with only one year ending in the first round.

Graham’s 161-35 overall record is one of the best marks in Mississippi high school football history. In his 15 years as a head coach, he’s never missed the playoffs and his teams have won at least nine games in 13 of those 15 years.

“I wouldn’t dare to try and start listing names of who to thank,” Graham told the Webster Progress Times following his 150th career victory. “There have been so many players, coaches, administrators, friends and fans that have been a part of this. It’s just been such an honor and a joy.”