Advertise on podcast: Beyond the Lights: Football Across Texas

Kenneth Gilchrist, head football coach and athletic coordinator for Prosper Richland, has coached in some of the top programs in the state. From Cameron Yoe and Whitney to Lake Travis and Duncanville; from small country towns to the big city, each of these schools has added to his knowledge of kids, cultures and athletes, and helped prepare him for where he is today.  Prosper ISD is one of the fastest growing districts in Texas and even though Richland high school is only in it's first year to be eligible for the playoffs, Coach Gilchrist plans on the Raiders fighting for a spot in the post-season.

Danny Youngs, head football coach and athletic director for Brenham ISD, has had some very influential figures around him throughout his career.  Each of these coaches and each town he has worked in have helped mold him into the coach he is today.  From the big city to small country towns, Coach Youngs has coached in every type of program to prepare him for Brenham, where he has already won 35 games in his first 4 years in charge.  With a philosophy of "do what you do every day", the Cubs will continue to get better and better and will remain a force to contend with at the 5A-2 level.

Brent Finney, head football coach and athletic director for Clifton ISD, found his way home after several years in one of the states top programs at Cameron Yoe.  He is a firm believer that what you can learn from athletics is more important than the game itself.  Pushing his athletes to be better people, not just better players has definitely had a positive impact on the community, but also on the athletic program.  The Clifton Cubs have been in the playoffs each of his 4 seasons as the head coach and are off to a 3-0 start this year.   With a tough 3A-2 district ahead, the Cubs are ready to meet the challenge as the beginning of district play approaches.

Jared Shaw, head football coach and athletic coordinator for Bastrop Cedar Creek, practices what he preaches as far as the importance of education goes.  Already having obtained his masters degree, he is currently pursuing his doctorate and has future plans for a superintendent certification. This desire for learning crosses over into athletics as well, through clinics, conventions and even athletic director podcasts.  He hopes to transfer his commitment to excellence to his players as the Cedar Creek Eagles look to change the culture in a very tough 5A-1 district.

Jarrod Smith, head football coach and athletic director for Troy ISD, made a few pit stops on his way back to his hometown, but in the process, he made some valuable contacts and learned a lot of football to get him where he is today.  Having the opportunity to work under some great coaches, he learned how to do things right, and he is bringing that same standard of excellence to the Troy athletic program.

Jason Haddock, head football coach and athletic director for Wharton ISD, is a strong believer in growing the right culture within your program.  His program is intentional with this development, resulting in being awarded one of the Texas Way Districts of Distinction for the 2025-2026 school year.  Focusing  not only on athletics, but academics and serving the community, the Wharton Tigers are excelling in the game of life.  They are dropping from 4A-2 to 3A-1 and will be a new team making an impact at the 3A level.

Rashard Colquitt, head football coach and athletic coordinator for Sam Houston High School in San Antonio, doesn't make a move without a purpose,  and each of his moves through the coaching ranks have helped prepare him for where he is today.  Combining purpose with a strong work ethic and learning everything he can from the coaches around him, he has arrived in the big seat for the first time.  Coach Colquitt has high expectations for the Hurricanes this season as they look to repeat as district champions in a tough 5A San Antonio area district.

Tommy Koch, head football coach and athletic director for Paradise ISD got his seat at the big desk early in his career, but that's because he did not take anything for granted along the route he took to get to where he is.  Working hard, taking ownership of every role and spending a lot of time improving his knowledge of the game are just a few of the reasons he was prepared for this role.  He is a firm believer that he and his staff are where they are to do more than just coach kids and it is apparent when you talk to them that they have a greater purpose.  With "TLJ" showing up in more places around the campus, the Panther athletic program might have a little extra help in their corner as they step onto the field!

Brian Cope, head football coach and athletic coordinator for the West Fork Gators, is no stranger to young football programs.  Having started the program at Lake Belton, he now comes into the West Fork program which is only four years old.  Not looking to erase everything that has been started with the Gators, Coach Cope has kept much of the staff and parts of the system that he feels are positive and productive, making the transition smoother for all involved.  His expectations are high for the Gators this season and his early entrance to the program in February has given them the opportunity to hit the ground running this week, with much of the learning curve already surpassed.

Keri Timmerman, head football coach and athletic director for Marble Falls ISD, has put in more than his share of hours over the years preparing for the position he is in today.  Many moves with his family and a lot of time spent learning from the best have shaped him as a coach and influenced him as a person as well.  Starting year 3 at Marble Falls and the program advancing on the principles of the “Four Square Life”, the coaching staff and athletes are working hard to be a force in a very tough 4A division one district.

2026 THSCA coaching convention is over and this episode just takes some comments from some the attendees.

A passion for kids, that's the number one thing head football coach and athletic director for the Holland Hornets, Phillip Gibson,  is looking for when he has to hire a coach.  But be prepared to get on the whiteboard and talk football too!  He understands the importance of Xs and Os but his priorities are in order.  With most of the Hornet staff returning, Coach Gibson was able to make the transition a little easier for himself and the coaches, making the Holland Hornets excited to rise up as a contender in district 13 of 2A-2.

Don Hyde has been in La Vega ISD for over 20 years.  This is a rarity in the coaching world, but he wouldn't have it any other way.  He has put together a staff that focuses on family and they have expanded their family to consist of the entire community.   The La Vega ISD administration understands the importance of athletics and they are willing to make the investment into the program so their athletes will have the best opportunities and something to be proud of.  With a great staff and a long-term investment in the people of the community, the La Vega Pirates plan on continuing their history of success on the football field under the leadership of Coach Hyde.

From the resort community of Marble Falls to the dirt roads of Dawson, Logan Simmons and his family are making the move back to small town Texas.  Both he and his wife grew up in Little River so small towns are nothing new, but running a program is.  Coach Simmons has his first head job as the head football coach and athletic director for Dawson ISD and he has had to hit the ground running.  Getting a late start at end of April, he  had to hire most of his staff, get to know the athletes, start implementing his offense and defense and move his family!  But his excitement for what's going on at Dawson far outweighs the heavy load he will carry for the next few months.  The Bulldogs and their staff are excited for big things to come in Dawson!

Jake Griedl has worked in some of the top programs in the state and has taken what he has learned in each of those and put it all into practice at Bastrop High School.  He values his coaches and their input, believing every coach plays a significant role, whether they are in year one or year twenty.  Not only does he push his players to continually get better, but he expects the same from his coaches, implementing professional development strategies he learned from one of his mentors.  As coaches and players continue to get better, his program will continue to thrive, working to become a powerhouse in central Texas.