Longtime Lafayette football coach Joey Pearson will join the Florida Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame. 

MAYO, Fla. — A fixture on the sidelines at Lafayette High School, Joey Pearson has been part of the Hornets’ football program for more than 30 years. 

It started as a player when Pearson suited up from 1985 to 1987. He returned to LHS as an assistant coach in 1991 and then took over head coaching duties in 1999. In 19 seasons as a head coach, Pearson has compiled a 147-64 record, won six district titles, led his team to 14 playoff appearances and was the 2007 Dairy Farmers Class 1A Coach of the Year. 

Now, Pearson is headed to the Hall of Fame. On Thursday, he was one of six coaches named to the FACA (Florida Athletic Coaches Association) Hall of Fame Class of 2019.  

“It’s nice to be recognized for the consistency and hard work,” said Pearson, who also coached the LHS track team to five district titles and six individual state championships. “Twenty-seven years I’ve being doing this. It makes you reflect back on all the people — players, coaches, fans and especially family — who have been a vital part of the success.”

Even after all the accolades, Pearson doesn’t appear to be slowing down. He’s averaged eight wins per season during the last 10 years and led the Hornets to the playoffs and a 9-2 mark just a year ago.    

When looking at Mayo and Lafayette High football, there is a tradition of winning and great players. Pearson is continuing that legacy in his hometown. 

“Mayo is a special place. To stay in the same place for 20 years is a rare occurrence,” Pearson said. “The school system and the people of Mayo have supported me and allowed me to coach for so many years.”

Pearson will join another Lafayette High coaching great in the Hall of Fame. Taylor McGrew was inducted into the FACA Hall of Fame in 2011.   

According to its website, the Hall of Fame Award is the highest honor presented by the FACA. It is designed to recognize FACA members for years of coaching tenure in Florida high schools, for dedicated service to the FACA and for outstanding coaching accomplishments. A maximum of seven coaches will be honored each year.  

Joining Pearson in the Hall of Fame Class of 2019 are Paul O’Halloran (Lincoln), Merrill Worden (Astronaut), Gary Drose (Maclay), Richard LaBounty (Pensacola Catholic) and Marty Lee (First Coast). The FACA Hall of Fame ceremony will be held Jan. 12 in Daytona Beach.