More than two months after Brian Dameron resigned as the head football coach at Cherokee High, school officials today announced his replacement.

Josh Shaw, a defensive coordinator and assistant head coach at Etowah High who has helped lead the Eagles to three regional championships and six consecutive playoff appearances, inherits a varsity football program that went 1-9 last season.

Cherokee principal Debra Murdock and athletic director Jack Wallner said in a joint statement that Shaw is ready for the challenge.

He emerged as the top choice in a field of 80 applicants because of his demonstrated ability to build stellar football programs.

A three-time recipient of the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association's Assistant Coach of the Year Award and a two-time recipient of the Cherokee County Gridiron Club's Defensive Coordinator of the Year Award, a number of Shaw's protégés have gone on to successful collegiate programs.

“Coach Shaw’s combination of leadership, knowledge of the game and great enthusiasm make him the perfect choice to lead the Cherokee Warrior football program,” Murdock said.

Shaw said he's excited to start work at Cherokee.

“I look forward to working with the administration, coaches, faculty and students as we develop a first-class program of which everyone in the Warrior family can be proud,” he said. “It will be an honor and privilege to be part of the rich traditions of Cherokee High School.”