Chiefland hires Adam Gore as new football coach

New Chiefland head football coach Adam Kilgore stands between De'Shamar Shepherd and Wyatt Hammond.
New Chiefland head football coach Adam Kilgore stands between De'Shamar Shepherd and Wyatt Hammond.

The Chiefland football team has a new varsity head coach.

Adam Gore has agreed to return to the sidelines two years after finishing a two-year stint as Chiefland head coach for the 2017-18 seasons. 

“I thought I was finished coaching, but God opened the door for me to come back,” Gore said. “It wasn’t something I was working for. It just happened.”

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In his final year in 2018, Gore led the Indians to a 10-2 record and a spot in the Class 1A region final, where they lost to eventual state champion Madison County. It was Chiefland’s first playoff appearance since 2004.

Gore’s first team in 2017 finished 6-5 to give him a two-year record of 16-7.

He also served on the staff under former head coach John Palmer for one year in 2019.

Palmer reluctantly stepped down in December due to health concerns. He guided Chiefland to a 9-13 record, including a 2-2 mark in two playoff appearances.

Although he only helped Palmer for one season, Gore’s been around the program for the past two years.

“After stepping down at the end of the 2018 season I helped Coach Palmer in 2019,” he said. “I didn’t really have a title, but I was on staff. I just wanted to help with the transition. In 2020 I didn’t coach at all. I was a dad in the bleachers watching my kids.” 

Although unexpected, Gore felt the need to help fill the void left by Palmer.

“There was a need and I love the school and the community,” Gore said. “I felt like if God wanted me back around kids that he would open that door.”

Having a familiar face will also make for a smoother transition.

“I actually know them pretty well,” Gore explained. “Most of them played JV football when I was head coach a couple of years ago. I also know them because my son is a sophomore on the football team and my daughter is a freshman cheerleader on the varsity cheer team. I’ve been around a lot of these kids.”

Gore, who played football for Chiefland and graduated one year before the Indians won their last state championship, takes over an Indians team which is projected to return 18 starters in 2021.

“We just want to make the school and the community proud,” Gore said. “Play tough, physical football. This year and every year our goal will be to make the playoffs.”

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