High School Football Coach Charged with DUI. Joey Kirby, the head football coach at Section High School, was arrested around 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning and now faces charges that include reckless driving, having an open container of alcohol, illegal possession of an alcoholic beverage, and driving under the influence.  Troopers are still investigating and say subsequent charges remain pending.

An Alabama State Trooper stopped Kirby in the Rosalie community after he was clocked traveling 91 miles per hours in a 55 mile per hour zone on Alabama Highway 71.  State Troopers found him to be in possession of an open alcohol container and took him into custody after Kirby refused a field sobriety test.

According to Superintendent Kenneth Harding, this is the first infraction he’s had with Kirby since he was hired by the school system nine years ago.  “He made a poor choice, made a bad decision,” said Harding. “I’m sure he regrets it. We hate it; certainly not the image that we want to portray for our people. I’m sure it’s not what Coach Kirby wants to portray for his.” Harding plans to meet with Coach Kirby as soon as possible to discuss the charges.

Kirby was booked into the Jackson County Jail and held in custody for 24 hours.  Although, he was released after 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday night.

Joey Kirby began his coaching tenure at Section High School in the fall of 2011.  His brother is currently an assistant coach.  Section’s football team had a record of 6-4 in 2013.