Interview on Coach Lewis

By: Austin Malenich

Now that students are a month into the new school year , they’re still making adjustments to their new grade level. Even though this year may be stressful due to the lingering pandemic, Friday night football games give the students and even the staff a hiatus from academics. I had the pleasure to sit down with head football coach, Jerrod Lewis, and interview him about the current season. A little backstory on Mr. Lewis, he is currently the middle school principal and this is his 11th year as head coach of the varsity football team. He is a very determined and headstrong man who will lead his team to a successful season. One of Mr. Lewis’s main goals is to take the season week by week, and focus on the current upcoming opponent instead of focusing on teams later in the season.

1. What are your goals for this season in the Heritage conference?

Each week, the coaching staff makes sure the players are confident and successful in the position they’re playing at.

2. What are you most excited for about the 2021 season?

The fans 100%. Now that fans are allowed to spectate in the stadium, the atmosphere of Friday nights feels welcoming. The fans, cheerleaders and marching band are fantastic contributing to the atmosphere.

3. What type of feelings do you have on Friday nights?

The nerves can be overriding, but with the team's preparedness and confidence, players become comfortable during the football games.

4. If you had to describe the 2021 football season with one word, what would it be and why?

Family… This set of athletes has been one of the tightest groups I’ve ever coached. They will do everything they can to look out for each other through the thick and the thin. They’re very supportive of each other and that's their ticket to success.

5. What do you look forward to coming into football practice everyday?

The interactions with the coaching staff and athletes. Coming from the very beginning of the season and watching everything come together while the season progresses is just a humbling experience. Also the growth from athletes freshmen year to senior year. Even the growth of players who joined half way through their high school career.

6. What is the biggest difference from the Laurel Highlands to the Heritage.

There really isn't a difference between both conferences. The mashups are both equally challenging and the teams in the conferences are all equally talented.

7. What advice would you give to kids who want to play football?

Just try it out. I’ve never had a player say they have regretted playing football. It’s an experience like no other and the support from your teammates and the community makes the experience even better.