PREP FOOTBALL: Lowe accepts Central job

PHENIX CITY — Woodrow Lowe will be the man to replace Ron Nelson at Central, according to the Columbus (Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer.

Lowe, a Phenix City native and former Alabama and NFL star, was an assistant coach at UAB after spending three years coaching Central rival Smiths Station, compiling a 12-19 record.

He led the Panthers to the Class 6A playoffs for the first time ever in 2006, then was fired after the 2007 season.

He accepted the job Tuesday.

“This is a dream come true,” Lowe told the Ledger-Enquirer. “This is where it all started for me. This is where I learned to be associated with the great game of football. It’s a dream come true. I’ve been there as a student-athlete, then as a coach, and now I’m probably going to finish out my career here. It’s something very special for me.”

According to the Ledger-Enquirer, Lowe will begin teaching and coaching at Central on Jan. 11, but must still be approved by the Phenix City Board of Education at its Jan. 26 meeting.

Lowe was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame earlier this month.