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Randolph-Henry High School’s (R-H) varsity football team has a new leader. Ray Conner is the squad’s new head coach, according to R-H Director of Athletics and Assistant Principal Christopher Holt’s Monday, April 27, statement.

“We would like to welcome Coach Ray Conner and his family to our Statesmen family,” Holt said.

Holt noted Conner has been coaching football for more than 16 years, including 15 in Appomattox County.

“He brings with him a track record of success both as a mentor of young men and on the football field as well,” Holt said. “Coach Conner has a genuine love for football and mentoring students. We are incredibly excited to see the path Coach Conner and his staff pave for the future success of Randolph-Henry football.”

Zach Orlando, who had been head coach of the Statesmen for the past three seasons, resigned in November, and he and his family will be moving closer to home, Holt said.

The Statesmen have struggled on the gridiron in recent years, winning no more than two games per season since 2015, when they went 5-5.

See next week’s edition of The Gazette for more coverage on Conner and his hiring.