One of East Texas' longest-tenured and most successful high school football coaches is on the move.

Texas High head football coach Barry Norton is leaving the Tigers to join crosstown rival Arkansas High, according to a report from the Texarkana Gazette on Tuesday.

Norton, who has been head coach at Texas High since 1999, compiled a 156-52-1 record with the Tigers, including a state championship in 2002.

Texas High qualified for the playoffs in 17 of Norton's 18 seasons as head coach. He orchestrated the best five-year run in school history from 2002-06 when the Tigers posted a record of 58-8.

Norton has coached future NFL players during his tenure, including quarterback Ryan Mallett, receiver Cobi Hamilton, and cornerback Nathan Vasher. He's also coached several future Division I college players.

Texas High finished 10-1 last season, its first perfect regular season since 2006. The Tigers were eliminated by West Mesquite in the first round of the Class 5A Division I playoffs.

Arkansas High, Texas High's oldest rival, finished 3-8 in 2016. Todd Ledford resigned as Razorbacks head coach last month after six seasons.

ETSN.fm could not reach Norton for comment.

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