Harris County High School has a reputation for producing some stellar athletes. Their football program is noted for turning out collegiate players who do well at the next level. The 2016 season may give fans a look at some up and coming talent but it looks to be a rebuilding time for the Tigers.
One of the best things about Harris County’s athletic programs is found in the continuity of players being able to move up together from middle school to high school. It is the only high school in the county so it stands to reason the football program has 87 players. This year, most of those players are young and haven’t experienced much time on a varsity team.
It seems to be a recurring 2016 theme around the Columbus Valley for high school football teams. Young players and new coaches. For the Tigers, the good news is there are five offensive starters returning and two defensive returning starters. The other good news is a new coach has taken over the program but he isn’t really new to Harris County football.
Zac Howard accepted the position of head coach in March. Promoted from within the school’s football program, he has 11 years of coaching experience at Harris County, the last nine as defensive coordinator. It was the third coaching turnover in recent years but Howard brings both a new approach and stability for the 2016 season.
With Howard taking control of the football program, he needed a new defensive coordinator. Randy Grace, whom many local football fans will remember from his coaching days at Pacelli High School, was hired to fill the position. Tigers’ offensive coordinator, Jamie Fox, remained with the team.
The 2015 season was more than just disappointing for the Tigers. Their record of 2-8 (1-5 region) was a far cry from the previous years’ successes as the 2012 and 2014 1-AAAAA Region Winners and co-winner in 2013. Last year’s team had talented athletes but those guys are gone and Howard is counting on some younger players to step up for the 2016 season.
Howard has the benefit of having seen the rising talent. He is making some changes as the new head coach but mainly has a desire to take what is available in the talent pool and utilize it better. Perhaps bringing some excitement to the program is the plan to take advantage of additional players who made the team this season.
“We have more wide receivers so we need to spread the field on offense,” he says and notes they will also play fast.
Setting the example for the underclassmen will be returning starters like Trevon Hudson (FS), Hays Slaughter (LB), and Trey DeGarcia (TE). Also returning are Chris Hardaway (OL), James Moore (OL), Landon Kirk (OL), and Connor Wills (OL). Howard considers the returning OL to be the team’s greatest strength.
As for his defensive strategy, Howard keeps it simple; don’t give up the big play and make them drive the field.
Fans should look for these four athletes, Tyrese McPhatter, T.J. Chiles, Jordan Griffin, and Xavier Gonzalez to make big contributions to the team. They are considered the team’s early college prospects.
It’s hard for a new coach to make predictions. Experience is the best teacher and Harris County is fielding a young team. Howard is playing his cards close to the vest but has set major goals of continuing to compete, win the close games and make the playoffs.
The Tigers will face Smith Station High School for their first game of the season on August 19 in Smiths, Alabama.
Harris County Tigers
Harris County Football Will Be Young But Capable
Written by Beth Welch
Photo by George McDuffie
