Advertise on podcast: Beyond the Lights: Football Across Texas

Uvalde head football coach and athletic director, Wade Miller, has coached at almost every level of Texas high school football, but he has found that kids are the same regardless of the size of the school.  If you hold them to a high standard and have consequences, they will surprise you.  As the Coyotes work to meet the high standard set for them, they learn the more important lesson Coach Miller wants them to learn, and that is "hard work doesn't always mean success".  You will have failures in life but in the long run, hard work pays off.

Blane Ellis, head football coach and athletic coordinator for Champion High School in Boerne, is preparing his athletes for the path, not the path for his athletes.  This is an important distinction for him as he and his staff work to build champions in their program.  The roots of this preparation are his core pillars, leading with gratitude and anchored in toughness.  These are just two of the Chargers core pillars that lead this program as it continues to be one of the most competitive  overall programs in the state.

Creighton Reed, head football coach and athletic director for Randolph Field ISD, made his mission clear from the start: prepare champions for life- spiritually, mentally and physically.  From the football field to FCA work and back to the football field, Coach Reed puts Christ first in his family and his job and Randolph Field has embraced this philosophy.  For a school located on a military base, developing all aspects of an individual carries extra weight as the families of these young people sacrifice for our country on a level many of us can’t understand.  With the mindset of being the “first to the fight”  the Rohawks will continue to excel on and off the field as they “Defend the Base”- literally!

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.