Varsity Football

Coach Downes is a 1985 graduate of Catholic High. He earned three varsity football letters at CHS. He was a main stay on the offensive and defensive line. When, then head Coach Cliff Little, needed a few yards, he always ran behind Jeff, who played guard, and his brother, Greg, who played center. Jeff was named to first team All City as offensive guard.

Jeff graduated in May 1985 and began his coaching career that August as an assistant. He was enrolled at Auburn and coached until classes started in September 1985. Jeff then drove approximately 50 miles back to CHS every afternoon to fulfill his duties as assistant coach. After practice, he drove back to Auburn to study and prepare for the next day’s classes. The only days he missed were the days prior to a big exam. When most of his buddies were attending fraternity rush parties, Jeff was rushing to attend football practice. Jeff continued this grueling schedule until he graduated from Auburn.

Since 1985, Jeff has coached almost every position. From 1985 until 1992, Jeff coached the varsity defensive line, offensive line, special teams, and receivers. When coaching the defensive line, Jeff has produced at least one All City Lineman each year. In 1989, Jeff was instrumental in that teams drive to the State semi-finals. That year he coached the defensive line and receivers.

In 1993 Jeff became the first head coach of the junior high team. In this position, he has mentored and trained over 90 percent of the players that came to the varsity. The varsity benefited from his abilities, as all the players that moved to the varsity were well schooled in the fundamentals of football. Jeff served in this position until 1999.

In a realignment of the staff, Jeff has relinquished the reins of the junior high team to come back to the varsity as the defensive coordinator. Jeff has been studying films and scouting reports in preparation for the coming year. In addition to running the defense, he will also coach the linebackers. On offense, he will train the receiver corp, which consists of the ends and flankers.