Weight room reopening served as turning point
By Dan Guttenplan, FNF Coaches Editor Mike Ludwig didn’t feel like much of a football coach in the spring despite the fact that his talented Laurel squad had eight or…
Finally … a state title after being so close
By Dan Guttenplan, FNF Coaches Editor Rick Nelson had encountered several near misses in his quest for an Iowa state championship during his first five seasons as the Ankeny High…
Discipline paved way for dominant season
By Dan Guttenplan, FNF Coaches Editor Marist had an undefeated 13-0 season, outsourcing opponents by an average of 33 points per game. With 24 seniors on his roster, Marist coach…
Coach kept players on task in short season
By Dan Guttenplan, FNF Coaches Editor Tony Grandinetti led the Wall High football team to an undefeated (7-0) season and New Jersey Shore Conference championship in 2020. Over the last…
The Coach Who Went for 2 and Won Big
By Dan Guttenplan, FNF Coaches Editor Drew Causey was faced with a decision every coach dreams about as his Oak Grove High Warriors (Hattiesburg, Miss.) battled Oxford in a 6A…
Missouri state champion coach shares tech, apps that helped him win
By Dan Guttenplan, FNF Coaches Editor In December, Brent Eckley led the Jackson High (Mo.) football team to its first state championship in the program’s 125-year history. His squad bounced…
Overcoming adversity is theme for first-time state champion coach
By Dan Guttenplan, FNF Coaches Editor The Souhegan High football team faced adversity in the NHIAA Division II championship game when the Sabers found themselves trailing 21-20 with 5:29 remaining.…
Pennsylvania coach reveals how 2019 disappointment led to 2020 triumph
By Dan Guttenplan, FNF Coaches Editor Central Valley High (Pa.) coach Mark Lyons didn’t need to put a slogan on a t-shirt to remind his players of their mission this…
Texas coach on program’s first state championship: ‘It’s supposed to be fun’
By Dan Guttenplan, FNF Coaches Editor Jim Ned High (Texas) third-year coach Matt Fanning never set a goal of winning a state championship for his staff and players. With all…