Even though high school football season is nearly four months away, the sport has already suffered its first significant loss of 2016. The affable Ed Pilcher stepped down as Berrien’s head coach this week because of health issues, ending, at least temporarily, an illustrious 44-year career on the sidelines.

Without question, Pilcher is one of the top coaches in Georgia history. His career record is 250-116-1, including 169-54-0 during 17 glorious years at Thomas County Central (1991-2007). He led the Yellow Jackets to the 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996 and 1997 Class AAA championships and his 2002 squad lost to Thomson in the final.

Pilcher had a knack for rebuilding moribund programs. Two years after landing his first head coaching gig at Early County in 1986, he guided the Bobcats to a 12-2 record. They played 14 games again in 1990, losing to eventual Class AA champion Pepperell 21-20 in a heartbreaking semifinal. Early County fumbled at the Pepperell 1 on the final play of the game.

At Central, Pilcher’s magic continued. He took the Yellow Jackets to their first state title in his second season with them. That feat came on the heels of a miserable 1-9 campaign the year before he took the Jackets’ reins.

Bainbridge qualified for the postseason four times in his five years (2008-2012) there before he closed his career at Berrien (2013-2015). It took him just two seasons to get the Rebels into the postseason for the first time since 1991. In addition, he directed Berrien to its first victory over Thomasville in 22 tries since 1960.

Sports writers everywhere will miss Pilcher badly. Many of his quotes are legendary. He used humorous phrases like “The University of Thomasville, “He’s a boy dog” and “If a frog had wings, he wouldn’t bump his butt every time he jumped.” He also never went more than two sentences without inserting a “Dadgum” for emphasis.

His comical comments and victories are just a part of his resume. High school football has never had a greater ambassador. He was always quick to tout the work of his players, assistant coaches — even worthy opponents — to anyone who would listen. He also handled victory and defeat with equal aplomb, setting an example for everyone associated with the sport.

With that in mind, we say, “Hurry back, coach. The sport is going to miss you. You are one of the dadgum best to ever roam the sideline.”