HS Program Philosophy
HS Program Philosophy
The Academics First agenda will be used to remind players about the
importance of academics and will attempt to tie in any football and/or
strength and conditioning rewards with the school’s academic standards.
High expectations in regards to in the classroom and on the field conduct will
be set and enforced by all members of the football staff during the year.
Team member progress will be monitored through the use of Periodic Grade-
Progress sheets. We will closely monitor players with grade, or behavioral,
problems and will be available for the teachers to discuss and correct these
situations. The teachers will have the coaches’ support in dealing with our
players on these issues.
1
Gallup Bengals Football
OVERVIEW
My belief in setting high expectations, both in the classroom and on the field, is the
best way for our athletes to be successful in school and on the team. Responsibility
is then to give them the tools to be successful. Establishing a sense of pride –
Gallup and Bengal pride – is the primary step for their success. Once a sense of
pride is established, tradition and loyalty fall in line. These three factors – pride,
tradition and loyalty – are the driving force behind any successful athletic program.
PRIDE
TRADITION
Tradition is developed through hard work and sacrifice. Striving to educate our
athletes that what they do now will be part of who they become, is a tremendous
responsibility for all coaches. If student-athletes set high goals and expectations,
working hard to achieve them, they will leave a lasting legacy for those behind
them to follow. This growth process will prepare them for their futures and will
become a model for all that follow to emulate. The younger students and players
will naturally look up to them and strive to achieve beyond their predecessors.
LOYALTY
2
YOUTH FEEDER PROGRAMS
For any program to be successful it must develop its philosophy early in the
development of its players. Strong youth programs are the essential building blocks
for a strong high school program. With our successful TDFL and Junior High school
teams feeding our school, the potential pool of talent should remain strong and
consistent. As high school coaches we need to make ourselves visible, and
available, to those players and coaches. A great way to do this is the use of the
Future Bengals Football Camp and to hold coaching clinics for the area youth
coaches. A sincere effort in attending as many games and practices as possible is
required to build a solid and lasting relationship. Showing these coaches, most of
whom volunteer, that we really care about them are and what they do is not
“beneath us” will create a strong sense of loyalty and cooperation.
There is no doubt that our high school student-athletes are very visible role models
for these younger student-athletes. It is important to involve our student-athletes in
these camps whenever possible. We want these younger student-athletes to
experience what it is like to be a part of our football family. By inviting them to our
games and practices, as well as using the “ball boys for the game” and “recruit of
the week” programs, these student-athletes will see how fun it is to be a part of our
program. They will know that Gallup High School cares for them.
3
COACHING PHILOSPOHY
“A coach can only be as consistent in working with people if he has developed a philosophy
that is based upon his own personality.”
- LaVell Edwards, former Head Coach, Brigham Young Univ.
As a coach and educator, I believe that there are five principles to any philosophy in
order for it to be effective in the classroom or on the field. I believe that for any
program to be successful there needs to be a level of consistency to how things are
done, a sense of responsibility, a passion for learning (in the classroom and on the
field), the ability to maintain the proper perspective, and a total commitment to
doing what is needed in the school and for the team. There are no favorites, or
agendas, and in turn each player is expected to show proper respect for their
teachers, coaches, team members, and fellow football players, regardless of who
they play for. In order for any program to be successful, each member of the team
and staff must strive to achieve the same goals. The general aim of the
interscholastic football program is to contribute as much as possible to the general
objectives of education. To be a successful athletic program, the following must be
adhered to:
Players give you exactly what you expect of them, nothing more nothing less. If you
expect them to be a good player for you, they will be. It is up to the coaching staff
to teach all players to their potential by any means necessary. You will have to roll
up your sleeves and coach them on how you want them to play.
We will be a physical, relentless football team that will be known as the hardest
hitting and working team in the league. You play as you practice. Our practices
will be the hardest part of the week’s preparation and we will be fundamentally
sound in our techniques and skills. Our staff will leave no stone unturned in regards
to our game planning, thus giving our student-athletes the opportunity to play at a
high level.
4
Gallup Football Practice and Teaching Philosophy
1. Our goal is to out practice our opponents.
a. Practice harder, (guiding)
b. Practice smarter, (teaching)
c. Practice at game day intensity (motivating)
2. There are three principles that must be adhered to before one can achieve
victory. They are:
Guiding your players along the proper path both in academics and in life.
Teaching your players the proper fundamentals of their position and the
game.
Motivating your players by being positive, allowing their strengths to show,
and
By setting the proper example as a role model.
4. Have a philosophy and sell it to the players. Improve your schemes constantly.
8. Coach 100% effort on every play. Coach toughness, coach toughness, and coach
toughness! Pay attention to the details and reinforce those principles through
repetition.
9. Coach hard work on the field, whether it's practice or the game. You must coach
every play. No standing around, no hands in your pockets, and absolutely no arms
folded across your chest. You need to be where the action is and be teaching the
whole time. All players and coaches are required to jog/run while on the field. NO
EXCEPTIONS!
5
10. The best coaches in the country take their players performances personal.
GALLUP COACHES TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN THE PERFROMANCE OF THEIR PLAYERS!
6
OFFENSIVE PHILOSOPHY
The offense will have the following goals going into every season:
3 Critical Keys
5 Offensive Goals
1. Win
2. Score 66% red zone touchdowns.
3. No Turnovers!
4. 45% on 3rd down conversions.
5. 55% run efficient (4 yards a carry).
7
DEFENSIVE PHILOSOPHY
Bengal football will employ a flexible, attack-oriented 30-40-6 Stack defense that
will focus on alignment, tackling, aggressive pursuit, covers, and blitzes. We will
take away what the offense does best and dictate to the game to them by playing
on their side of the line of scrimmage. This defensive concept is very solid versus
both run and pass, and allows us to move to an 8 or 9 man front while maintaining
proper pass coverage. The use of the 30-40-6 Stack allows us to use faster and
more athletic players closer to the line of scrimmage, and when coupled with our
blitz/cover/stunts package we can exploit offensive weaknesses and tendencies
more efficiently. This defense is flexible enough to meet a variety of offenses during
the season with very little adjustment as to alignment and assignments. It is our
belief that this type of attack will dictate the tempo and flow of the game. We will
be able to adjust our defense each year based on personnel and allows us to best
utilize our players to obtain maximum results.
Then Bengal Defense, aka the Wrecking Crew, will be an aggressive defense where
those that “RUN AND HIT” will play. We will emphasis an aggressive, fast style of
defense. We will place a premium on those players that “RUN AND HIT”. We will be
the meanest, nastiest, hardest hitting legal players on the field.
The foundation to our success as a defense will be built upon the execution of the
following three building blocks.
Fundamentals
Fundamentals will be the key to our success as a defense. Focus on tackling,
being in the proper position, and executing our assignments with efficiency
and precision. We will practice our fundamentals each practice and will set
the standard of “the more we sweat in practice, the less we bleed in the
game.” The fanciest of schemes in all of football does not mean a thing if we
cannot execute our fundamentals.
Communication
Communication will be the key to our success as a team defense. It is
imperative that we communicate from player to player, player to coach,
coach to coach, and coach to player. We will recognize things the offense is
attempting to do because of our exhaustive film study. It will be important for
us to communicate things we see pre-snap, during the play, and post-snap.
Discipline
We will be a well disciplined team defense. We will not commit stupid
penalties. We will be disciplined and will do the job that we have been asked
to do. To be disciplined, you must trust your teammates, your coaches, and
yourself.
The Wrecking Crew believes that there are three underlying principles to our
success as defense – tackling, turnovers, and third downs. In order to win the game,
we must strive to win these three areas every game.
8
Tackling
If you cannot tackle, you cannot win! Daily emphasis will be placed on
tackling for all defensive positions. Each position will practice the types of
tackles it will likely see during the game. The team will also practice tackling
as it applies to the “force principles” in our defensive scheme.
Turnovers
In order for a team defense to be considered successful, a team defense must
be well versed in the ability to create turnovers and positive situations for the
Bengal team. Each defensive position group will also emphasize creating
turnovers in each practice. If the opponent does not have the ball, they
cannot win.
Third downs
As a team defense, we must win the battle over third downs with our
opponents. We must strive to force every series into a “three and out” for our
opponent. If they cannot sustain a drive, they will be forced to give up the
ball in favorable territory for our offense. Force the punt by winning all third
downs!
9
SPECIAL TEAMS PHILSOPHY
Special teams play must be our top priority for our program. We feel we must
dominate this area year in and year out for our program to achieve high levels of
success. A commitment of practice time each practice to special teams, at all levels,
is mandatory. Developing great special teams players must begin at the lowest
levels. Our special teams will consist of our most disciplined and driven athletes and
it will be an honor for them to be a part of the “SPECIAL FORCES!” The special
teams will allow us to dictate and maintain favorable field position in order to
ensure our continued success.
The importance of special teams cannot be overlooked and should be the most
important factor in the game. Specific emphasis will be placed daily on the proper
execution of various special team groupings. Gallup Special Forces will be a
respected and fear unit within our district and the state.
All Gallup High School football players will be required to participate in the BFS
Training program. The BFS workouts, off-season conditioning, passing league, and
Bengal Football Camp participation are all part of the Bengals 80% Club Qualifiers.
These are the only players that will be allowed to participate on varsity events and
will be one step closer to earning their tiger paws for their helmets.
10
11
Gallup High School
10 Steps to a Successful Season
Bengal
Football
1. ALWAYS BE POSITIVE.
The more trying the times, the more positive one must be.
4. BUILD SELF-ESTEEM.
You have to feel good about yourself to succeed.
5. THRIVE ON PRESSURE.
Pressure can bring out extraordinary accomplishments.
8. BE FEROCIOUSLY PERSISTANT.
Persistence, more than anything else, keeps us great.
12
Gallup Football 80 Percent Qualifier Rules
One of the most visible rewards a football player can have is the emblem, or
sticker, on the side of their helmet. The "Bengal Paw" is a sign of great pride
and accomplishment and should be seen as such. It is only given to those
that have truly earned the right to be called a Bengal Warrior. The pride, and
responsibilities, associated with the wearing of this symbol are great and
requires those that are willing to sacrifice for this cause. The path a Bengal
Warrior must take is that of the 80 Percent Qualifier.
Off-season workouts
A Bengal Warrior must be able to attend no less than 80 percent of all off-
season activities and workouts. These include, but are not limited to: passing
league, football camp, Future Bengal Camp, Bengal Warrior Camp, off-season
weight training and conditioning, fundraising activities, the Bengal Mile and
the Bengal Combines.
During the off-season the weight room will be open 4 days a week (except
Spring Break) until May 31st, the last day of school. That is 60 opportunities
to attend and improve on their core muscle strength and improve on their
conditioning. A player must attend no less than 48 sessions and may not
miss more than 3 consecutive sessions, or more than 5 sessions within a 30
day period, without a verifiable and proper excuse.
Players are also to achieve specific new goals as they progress through their
workouts. New maximums and a noticeable improvement in their speed are
also required to qualify. The needed improvements will be based on each
player and will coincide with grading material consistent with the Husker
Power development chart for each position.
Our goal is very simple when it comes the weight training aspects: we want
strong, fast, and healthy players that are able to compete on the field, in the
classroom, and in life. We will use the 2-3-4 principle in our weight program.
We are looking for all players to bench press 200 pounds, power clean 300
pounds, and squat 400 pounds. These three core lifts are imperative to the
success of a player on the field where strength and stamina help determine
13
who wins the battle. These minimums will increase as the overall strength of
the athlete, and the team, increase and grow stronger.
Flexibility and speed training will also be incorporated with the strength
program and will allow us to field a team that is in shape and able to
compete with the best of teams in our state. Use of the University of
Nebraska Metabolic Speed Training system allows for the most individualized
of programs, as well as, having a consistent and well-designed program.
Passing League
All skill position players (QB, RB, WR, TE, C, LB, DB) are required to
participate in 80 percent of all passing league activities during the summer.
It is important that the skill position players attend as many of these as
possible in order to accelerate the learning process associated with this
offense.
Fundraising
During the whole year, the players will be required to participate in all
fundraising activities. These activities will be used to supplement the football
budget and will be used toward the betterment of the team. These activities
will be run through, and in conjunction with, the Bengal Quarterback Club.
The Bengal Mile is a timed run that takes place on the first practice of two-a-
days. Skill position players will have 7 minutes to finish the run. Linemen will
have 10 minutes to finish the run. Should a player not finish the run in the
prescribed time, they will have to run a timed mile after each practice until
the end of pre-season practice (usually 2 weeks). If the player should break
the required barrier, then they will have fulfilled their requirement for it.
The Bengal Combines are a series of events used by the National Football
League used to test potential draftees. The events will consist of a timed 40-
yard dash, shuttle drill, 100-yard dash, and bench-pressing a specific weight
for the highest number of repetitions possible.
Football camps
All players are required to attend the Bengal Warrior Football Camp on the
week before the start of two-a-days and are designed for the high school
athlete. This camp is used as a conditioning tool and allows the coaches to
evaluate the effectiveness of the off-season program, as well as starting
instruction on the basics of the year's schemes.
14
The Future Bengal Warrior Camp is designed for youth football players in
grade 4 through 8. The Gallup High School football staff and the Varsity
football players will run the camp. A focus on fundamentals will be taught to
ensure a common vocabulary and way of teaching the fundamentals. Local
youth football coaches are invited to attend and assist at the Future Bengal
Warriors Camp.
It is also recommended that players try to attend at least one college football
team camp. This is not mandatory, but will be a great tool in the
development of the player. Team camps, preferably outside of New Mexico,
are of the highest priority, due to the fact, that the player can participate in
contact drills, which are not allowed in New Mexico. Should a player decide
to attend one of these camps, they should talk with their position coach, or
the head coach, to ensure that equipment can be handed out.
RECAP
1. Attend no less than 48 weight lifting sessions by the end of school (May
31st)
2. Attend 80 percent of all off-season passing league/lineman activities.
3. Participate in all fundraising activities during the year.
4. Complete the Bengal Mile in the prescribed time and participate in the
Bengal Combines.
5. Participate in the Bengal Warriors or Future Bengal Warriors Football Camp.
Upon earning this honor, the player will be allowed to wear the Bengal Paws
on their helmet. Only Varsity players that have qualified for this honor my
wear the Paws.
15
TOTAL PROGRAM OUTLINE
I. Academics
A. Priority
B. Accessibility to Teachers
C. Grade Progress Reports
D. End of Year Grade Check
E. Summer School
i. Student Attendance
ii. Grade Progress Check
II. Administration
A. Communication
B. Special Events
i. Inter-squad scrimmage
ii. Homecoming
iii. Pep Rallies
iv. Parent’s Night
v. Senior Night
III. Parents
A. Communication
i. Meetings
ii. Letters
iii. Newsletters
iv. Calendar
B. Pre-season Parents Meeting
i. Program Overview & Philosophy
ii. Rules & Regulations
iii. Coach-Player-Parent Contracts
C. Accessibility
IV. Faculty
A. Support
B. Accessibility
C. Positive attitude
D. Teacher recognition
V. Support Personnel
A. Building / Grounds crew
B. Campus Monitors
C. Support
D. Recognition
VI. Recruiting
A. In School
i. Winter/Spring/ Summer sports athletes
ii. Recruiting meetings
iii. Player recruiters
B. Junior High School / Youth Programs
i. School / team visits
16
ii. P.E. teacher correspondences
iii. Winter/Spring athletes
iv. Baseball – Senior leagues – Little League
v. GJHS/ TDFLfootball
vi. AAU
1. Baseball
2. Basketball
3. Track
VIII. Fundraising
A. Community/Business Contacts
B. Poster/Calendar/Schedules/Team Apparel
C. Team Fundraising
i. Lift-a-thon
ii. Product sales
D. Newsletter/ Website development
17
IX. Feeder Programs
A. Middle School
i. Program Continuity
ii. Coaches Meeting
iii. Attendance at Practice/ Games
B. Youth / TDFL/ GJHS programs
i. Coaches Clinic
ii. Attendance to practices/games
C. YMCA / NFL Flag Football
X. Football Camps
A. Future Bengals Camp (4th -9th grade)
B. College football team camp (9th-12th grades)
XII. Players
A. Individual Interviews
B. Team Meetings
C. Leaders
D. Seniors
i. Captains
ii. College Recruiting
1. Information/Correspondence
2. Game Tapes/cut-ups
3. Recruiting Log
4. Visits
a. In home
b. Campus
XIII. Media
A. Accessibility
B. Stats / Max preps.com
C. Seek recognition for players
XIV. In Season
A. Practices
B. Games
C. Scouting
D. Weight Training
XVII. Tapes
A. Cut-ups for recruiting
B. Organize and Copy
19
Head Coach Organizational Timeline
OFF SEASON (November – May)
20
Summer (June – August)
21
Pre-season (August)
22
23. Intra-squad scrimmage/ family BBQ night
In-season
23
Coaches Expectations
24
Player Expectations
25
Coaches Guidelines
Approach to coaching
1. Be your self.
2. Be consistent.
3. Be responsible for yourself, your position players, and to your team.
4. Have a passion for learning for the game itself.
5. Be totally committed to the development of the student, the
athlete, and the program.
6. Maintain a proper perspective by taking time to remember that this
is just a game played by kids. Take some time away for yourself to
make you a stable role model for the players.
7. Know where you belong, be waiting for the players.
8. Utilize your time before and after practice efficiently.
9. Stay alert for player injuries, heat related injuries and dehydration.
Refer to the trainer.
10.Strive to make your group the best on the practice field and in the
game.
11.Be fair.
12.Be available.
13.Know your players’ abilities:
a. Physical
b. Mental
c. Temperament
d. Personality
e. Significant medical history
14. Care for your players. Show them that you care about them beyond
their football abilities.
15. Show them, explain it to them, have them practice it, and then
show the big picture once again. BE REPETATIVE.
16.Know your coaching responsibilities in practice and in the game.
17.Breed confidence in your team. Always be organized.
18.Work with all players in your group, not just the starters. Do not let
them go unnoticed.
19. Practices will be physically tough and demanding; do not hold a
clinic on the field. Talking is for the meetings/chalk talk. WE
PRACTICE LIKE WE PLAY, AT FULL SPEED!
20.Have fun. Be human around your players and fellow coaches.
Approach to drills
26
1. Cover considerable ground in a short period of time
2. Be progressive in nature.
3. Be well planned and administered.
4. Pertain to the skills needed in our style of football.
5. Be known to the players by name in order to eliminate the need to
constantly repeat how they are run.
The preparation for the drills must be made in full detail before hitting the
practice field. The coach must see that the proper equipment and field space
is prepared in advance, including equipment such as balls, cones, hand
shields, etc. This preparation will save precious practice time.
Nothing is more important to the success of our program than the time we
spend on the practice field. This is our classroom and it is important how we
utilize our time. All practices are structured with the intent of creating
maximum number of quality reps, position by position, to meet specific goals
each day, week, and season. Practices will be very organized, with flexible
time built into the schedule, and will strive to maintain an efficient use of
time. A sense of urgency must be placed on the development of our team,
position, and player development, as it pertains to the overall program goals.
Judgment will be made, in case of unforeseen circumstance, and will be deal
with them on a case by case basis. We will do whatever is necessary to meet
our goals, but not at the expense of our players’ safety. It is expected that
ALL football players and coaches jog from station to station. Walking on the
field by any member of the staff, or team, will discouraged at all
times.
27
Our practice sessions are the time for our staff to develop the warrior
mentality it takes to be a successful football program. We will outwork, out
hit, and out hustle every team we play. We will build a fundamentally sound
and mentally and physically tough team. Frequent reminders of the fact that
other teams we play do not believe in this philosophy can be a great
motivating technique.
28
4. Will help develop offensive, defensive and special team game plans
each week.
5. Will help break down opponent and self game films to look for
strengths, weaknesses, execution, and tendencies.
6. Will help with the issue, inventory, and storage of all equipment.
7. Will suggest equipment replacement or purchase.
8. Will evaluate players in their charge (position group) as to their
strength, weaknesses, personality, and agility before, during, and after
the season.
9. Will have locker room responsibilities.
10.Will have weight room responsibilities.
11.Will assist in taping and training duties.
12.Will attend all scheduled coaches meetings.
13.Will attend all freshman games
14. Will attend at least one 8th grade game.
15. Will attend at least one non-school feeder program (Pop Warner, etc)
game.
29
5. Will assist with equipment distribution/check-in and inventory.
6. Will have locker room and weight room duties.
7. Will assist in taping and training duties.
8. Will attend all scheduled coaches’ meetings.
9. Will try to attend at least one 8th grade game.
10. Will assist in varsity scouting duties.
30
Discipline
The following will be our basic guidelines for discipline on and off of the
field:
We feel that by being fair and consistent with our applications of these
guidelines, the players will have the best opportunity to succeed on and off
the field. “What you tolerate, you encourage.”
31
Player Development
There are four points that all players can improve on as they progress
through our program. They are never ending and can always be worked on by
the individuals to ensure success as a program. This gives the players a
sense of ownership of the team by being responsible for their own
development, and is universal from the starter to the newest of players.
1. Attitude: We will never be out hit or out hustled in any game. You can
talk the talk, you can do it for a day, or a week, but for it to become a
way of life it must be constantly worked on. A positive, hardworking
attitude is required and must be developed and cultivated. Our team
is greater than the sum of its parts.
32
Player Recruitment
The key to any program’s success is recruiting athletes. Our efforts must be
diligent in nature to let all neighborhood young men know that we want them
attending our high school. Our neighborhoods must become UNTOUCHABLE
to all prospective recruiters.
33