GLENCOE SENIORS. Pictured, kneeling, from left: Caleb Chapman, Taylor Wescott, Nolan Fairley, Christian Prater, Garrett Gaskin, Koleman Loggins. Standing, from left: Joshua Kanaday, Gavin Bray, Baylor Langsdale, Bennett McLantoc, Judge Daugherty. (Chris McCarthy/Messenger)
By Chris McCarthy, Publisher/Editor
Glencoe expects the third time to be the charm for its football program.
As the school’s third head football coach in as many years, Scott Martin brings 36 years of experience to the Yellow Jackets. For a program in search of stability, Martin looks to be just what the doctor ordered for a team that is 10-50 over the past six seasons.
“Being a head coach for 30 years, you learn to adapt to not only the (school) that you’re at but the type of athletes you have,” said Martin. “Everywhere I’ve always been, it’s been an opportunity to rebuild (football) programs, and I love the opportunity of being at a place where they’ll tell you that you won’t or can’t be successful. Then you’re able to turn that program around while having an impact on these young men’s lives. I look at the potential these young men have, and their work ethic is what I‘m going to judge them by. Wins and losses don’t always determine whether you’re successful or not.”
As far as a blueprint for a successful high school football program, Martin said that consistency is at the top of his punch list. At Ohatchee from 2014 to 2020, Martin guided the Indians to a 29-16 record, four playoffs appearances and two region championships.
“I’ve always been kind of an adapter for what the newest things are, but I’ve also been an adapter for what my guys can do,” said Martin. “Everything we’re doing is geared toward turning around this program expediently. These guys are laying it out on the line every day, and we’re challenging them probably more than they’ve ever been challenged.
“All of the puzzle pieces are there; we’ve just got to put them together.”
Top returnees include senior quarterback Nolan Fairley, sophomore linebacker Aaron Mann, senior tight end/defensive end Garrett Gaskin and senior kicker/punter Gavin Bray.
Along with the weight training, Martin pointed to conditioning as a key to having the competitive edge late in a game.
“I know how much these guys can withstand, and I know they can go a lot further mentally than they think they can go. Our whole mantra during conditioning this summer was to be uncomfortable, because you’ll never get any better if you’re in your comfort zone. And they’ve responded.”
The Yellow Jackets’ Class 3A, Region 6 schedule includes Hokes Bluff, Westbrook Christian, Piedmont, Geraldine, Plainview, Ohatchee and Sylvania.
“It is a tough region and we do have a tough schedule, but we’re just basing it on one game at a time,” said Martin. “Our goal is to build win after win until you get into the playoffs. So August 26 against Weaver is the only thing we talk about.
“With change comes excitement. From coaching at Ohatchee for so long, I know what the Glencoe community is like, which is second to none. They’re very supportive of the program, and all the facilities and resources are in place for success. There’s nothing like coming out on the sidelines at a home game and seeing a full house on your side of the stadium. We’re looking forward to that.”