Story and photo by Marco Clark, exclusive to the Times
Brandon Helms officially took over as Lakeview’s head football coach Jan. 30. Helms originates from Arkansas. His coaching career began as a graduate assistant at Southern Arkansas University. His career took him to Northwest Arkansas, Christian Academy, West Ouachita High School, Ouachita High School and most recently, at Natchitoches Central as the offensive coordinator for one season under then-coach, Benjy Pierce. After that season, Pierce was let go and Helms applied for and received the head football coach position where, over a nine-year span, he accumulated a win-loss record of 37-48 while reaching the playoffs six of those nine seasons.
Unfortunately his last season he went 3-7 and the powers to be felt it was time for a change. After being let go, Helms continued to live in Natchitoches and working at Natchitoches Jr. High as a teacher and athletic administrator while still supporting Natchitoches Central and the Chiefs.
When the opportunity to coach at Lakeview opened up, he said he was excited about a chance to get the job. When he was notified he got the job he was overcome with joy.
“The opportunity to get a fresh start at a school like Lakeview was a an opportunity I could not pass up. The community is all in for supporting their school and athletic program so I am looking forward to getting started coaching a good group of young men now, and in the future. I don’t want this school to be a stop or stepping stone to another job. I want this to be my last stop,” he said.
