School: Alexander Central High School
Location: Taylorsville, N.C.
Career Highlights: After missing the 2008 playoffs, Harper has directed the Cougars to their best start in 26 years with wins in their first seven games of the season.
Community Service: Harper created the Cougar Athletes for Reading Excellence (C.A.R.E.) program, wherer football players and other student-athletes to suit up in their uniforms and read to elementary students.
Quote: "Our players are more to me than just football players. They have always been an extension of my own family. I consider them my sons and I am not afraid to let them know that I love them. My philosophy has always been to know our players as people first and to establish relationships for a lifetime."