Bossier coach Gary Smith talks about the 2023 Bearcats
Bossier coach Gary Smith talks about the 2023 Bearcats during the Bossier Lions Club coaches’ dinner
Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times
Agreeing to a self-evaluation can be one of the toughest things anyone is asked to do. It can be even more difficult for high school coaches who often have their teams and performances critiqued weekly on social media.
But six Northwest Louisiana football coaches who will be starting their second seasons at the reins in a few weeks, delivered in a big way. Gary Smith, Gary Cooper, Reagan Smith, James Bradford Jr., Byron Keller and Mike Green weigh in on their teams ahead of the 2024 football season.
Bossier – Gary Smith
“We didn’t do a whole lot that was ‘good’ last year. But, by the end of the season the program was in a better place and the players and coaches were all pulling in the same direction. We had a successful offseason. We got a lot stronger overall. We had nine seniors and six juniors last year, so we are still battling the numbers game, but with big young classes that will get better. We have all the underclassmen back and the entire coaching staff remained, so that will definitely help going into the season.
“We must do a better job with turnovers this year. That was huge issue last season, and we have to be much better in that area. We’ve had a productive summer and hopefully that will lead to a successful fall.”
SPRING RENEWAL: Here’s what the Shreveport area football coaches said about their teams in the spring
BTW – Gary Cooper
“I would evaluate my decisions in year one as a ‘B.’ I’ve had the opportunity to work for some really good head coaches, but I also have very experienced head coaches on my staff. Those guys have been very valuable for me as I grow as a head coach.
“I think I did a great job of overall management of the program. I was also very organized and detailed. I again give credit to the coaches I have had the privilege to work under for allowing me to learn from them. Along with the experience I have on staff with me, I’ve been blessed to be in the situation I am in. I think I need to improve on the emotional part of the game. There were things I would do as an assistant that I definitely cannot do as the head coach.”
Glenbrook − Reagan Smith
“Obviously, I feel pretty good about my first year as head coach at Glenbrook. At the beginning of my first season, I was naturally a bit more hesitant in my decision-making. As the season progressed, I feel I definitely improved in that process, but there is still room for growth in that regard.
“In my 14 years of coaching, each season has brought new lessons. This first season as a head coach reinforced the importance of delegation and empowering my coaching staff. Trusting and relying on their expertise has allowed us to build a stronger, more cohesive team.
“Moving forward, my focus will be on enhancing our collective effort, focus, and execution. I aim to take a much more proactive role in ensuring that every moment we spend together as a team is maximized for our growth and success.”
Green Oaks − James Bradford Jr.
“Year 1 was very eventful. We started the season with a roller coaster of emotions. We grew up each week on and off the field. My first year was full of learning all the extra responsibilities of the head coach. I’m usually my biggest critic so took a lot of time looking at ways to elevate the program.
“I was proud of the offensive adjustments we made to our running game last season. This year, I’m looking forward to us playing four complete quarters week-to-week. This spring and summer our guys have recommitted themselves to getting stronger and faster. We’ve raised the expectations of our program and I hope this translates to the field and in life.”
Red River − Byron Keller
“Season one was a good year − we achieved a few of our goals and fell short of a few goals as well. It was a good starting point for developing our team culture and philosophy. We made significant strides in the weight room with implementing our strength and conditioning program.
“Yes, everyone has their set image of what they would want their program to look like, and I feel we took steps toward that.”
Southwood – Mike Green
“I definitely think in season one we built some team accountability. Southwood football has not been good for some time now. The kids know it, their parents know it and our opponents know it. I’m happy to be working with a group of young men who want to be the reason it changes. It won’t happen overnight, and there will be plenty of obstacles, but these kids are accepting accountability. And that will make a big difference in year two.”
Jimmy Watson covers Louisiana sports him for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.