Byline: Chuck Thompson
SILER CITY – The head football coaches of Chatham Central, Northwood Jordan-Matthews, Seaforth, and Chatham Central High Schools held a joint press conference at Jordan-Matthews High School on Tuesday, Aug. 15, bringing together all four coaches before the battle of Chatham began with all four schools in the same conference.
Chatham Central’s Derrin Little, who just gained the reins as head coach in July, took to the podium first, emphasizing that he’s focused on getting his players to work together, taking baby steps towards improvement.
Little reflected upon his mom, giving her credit for her advice as a role model to him. She attended Chatham Central, and Little said she is very proud of him. Little is proud of his players, and with some playing their last year this coming season, he said, "I have a really good group, and I wish I had them a few more years."
Little acknowledged that Coach Ryan Johnson’s Jets are a very good team, and the clash will come head-to-head on Sept. 8, when Central faces off against Jordan-Matthews.
When asked what his five-year plan is for the team, he replied, “If five years from now we can say that we have a functioning JV (junior varsity) team, I will have accomplished that goal.”
Coach Little was credited by his players in attendance for helping them play together as a team, and they're fortunate to have him as their coach.
For many players at Chatham Central it’s a family tradition, where fathers, and grandfathers wore the uniform before them, which brings a sense of honor and pride to those that get to wear the Central jersey.
Northwood High School Head Coach Mitch Johnson, also in his first season, plans to focus on improvements through defense.
“We just need to continue to do our job and work on our defense,” said Johnson. “Every week, we just have to be prepared and treat each game like it’s the Super Bowl and give it our best.”
Seaforth head coach Terrance Gary is currently in his third year at the helm – and Seaforth’s only head coach, so far, being the newest high school football program in the county.
From a freshman team, in more than one way, to coaching the freshmen that started with him in the beginning that are now seniors, Coach Gary has worked hard to establish a foundation for Seaforth’s football program.
“I don’t care about your skill level or height, as long as you put in the effort I will coach you,” Gary said to those in attendance about his players.
Gary is known for giving everyone a chance and putting the focus on effort through hard work. He is most proud of the last few years as he builds a team from freshman to know – which has also been his biggest challenge in the program, with sophomore players going up against seasoned, hardened, teams, and yet the held their own, considering the circumstances.
Gary tries to instill leadership and unity in the team to help them play better together.
His players complimented Gary on pushing effort to drive them to do their best to make them a stronger team by giving 100%.
“I’m just trying to win,” Gary said in conclusion.
Jordan-Matthews head coach Ryan Johnson wrapped up the event.
“I was very successful where I was, but when this position became open I jumped on it because this is my city,” Johnson said of Siler City and why he took the position.
Johnson is currently in his third year as head coach at J-M.
Coach Johnson has had several players walk onto the field without any previous experience in football – which is not uncommon since Jordan-Matthews does not have a JV team, and this year, there will not be a rec league team in Siler City.
This dilemma makes building a foundation – even at a school such as Jordan-Matthews – challenging and encouraging at the same time.
“It’s hard when you’re not winning, but not quitting is an achievement in itself,” Johnson said, encouraging those players in attendance, listening to him speak.
Johnson relies heavily on his faith, saying that, at times, it can be more important than your work history and skill level.
A guiding force in his player’s lives, through inspiration, he doesn’t force anything on anyone, but allows the players a chance to go to F.C.A. camp with him every year, if they want to go.
He coaches his players to not only learn to play together, but to be part of their community, and a community among themselves.