The Forrest Rockets have parted ways with veteran head football coach Eli Stephenson in a move which was announced early Monday morning. Stephenson, who inherited the job after the departure of then coach Brent Johns prior to the 2018 season, compiled an overall mark of 40 wins and 30 losses in his 6 year tenure. Stephenson will leave with a playoff record of 5-5. He guided the Rockets to the quarterfinal playoff rounds of both the 2019 and 2021 seasons which both ended in close losses to Decatur Riverside in Chapel Hill. The last two seasons have seen the Rockets go a combined 7-14. They missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008 after dropping 7 of their last 8 games in 2022 and finishing at 3-7. This season, despite a 4 game win streak, they dropped their last 6 games and finished at 4-7 after a first round playoff loss at the hands of Smith County on Friday. The opening should generate a lot of interest as the Rockets have the facilities, booster club, fan support, and roster that would be attractive to potential applicants. The Rockets lost their 3 region games this season by a combined total of only 18 points. Despite the loss of 13 seniors, it will be a roster with plenty of potential and upside for the incoming coach.