Tag: Nick Cotner

JHS plays at Seymour tonight

by Austin Bainbridge

The football team takes on Seymour on the road after getting defeated 67-20 by Lawrence Central in their first contest of the season last Friday.

The Red Devils go into tonight’s contest at Seymour expecting a tough match-up.

“Seymour’s a good team in my opinion. We’re going to have to play good football to win. If we go there and don’t play our best, we will lose,” said head coach Nick Cotner.

A new face on the varsity team, junior running back Jaylen Howard, picked up steam against Lawrence Central in his first varsity start and looks forward to more against Seymour.

“For my first varsity start, I thought it was really good. I had like 80 yards with a touchdown, so pretty good. I’m ready to do even better against Seymour, though,” said Howard.

Senior Jomall Owens defends for senior Cordell Thomas against Lawrence Central last Friday. The Bears defeated the Red Devils in the season opener 67-20. JHS plays Seymour tonight. Photo by Parker McCloskey.

One of the main components of the loss to Lawrence Central was special teams giving up 21 points, and Cotner isn’t ready to let it happen again.

“This loss is on me. Twenty-one points on kickoff alone is unacceptable, and that’s on me for not preparing us. Even with me coming into the job late, we need to be better. We’re going to be more in-depth in practice to be ready for Seymour,” said Cotner.

The team has identified some other parts of their game that need to improve as well.

“The d-line and special need to be better; along with that linebackers just couldn’t fill holes,” said sophomore linebacker General McLain.

The Red Devils have spent the week preparing for the Owls.

“We need to watch a lot of film and get better so we know exactly what we’re doing out there,” said junior Brayden Bachman.

The theme of better practices throughout the week is echoed by other players.

“Staying focused in practice is essential. If we do that, we’ll come out with the win,” said junior linebacker Cooper Spaulding.

The team has addressed their faults against Lawrence Central and are ready to take on the rest of the season, starting with Seymour.

“I think we did a lot of good stuff on offense through the air and ground game,” said Cotner. “If we could be a little more consistent, we definitely would’ve had a closer game. I think we can take a good week of practice and come out with a win.”

by jhshyphen

Head coach Nick Cotner leads Red Devils into new season

JHS will face off with Lawrence Central tonight

by Austin Bainbridge

New JHS football coach Nick Cotner came into the position in mid-July, five months later than every head coach in the area after former head coach Doug Preston resigned. However, he still feels ready for this season.

New football coach Nick Cotner. Photo by Malachi Conrad.

“We haven’t felt rushed since most of these guys have run spread before; they know the formations. It’s all just a different name. I feel like we’re ready,” said Cotner, who previously coached at Scottsburg.

Cotner knows that coming in so late means he still needs to find a connection with his players to lead to success.

“Players don’t care what you know until they know you care. So I make sure everybody knows I’m here to stay and I want what’s best for them,” he said.

Players said they feel how much Cotner cares and wants success for the Red Devils.

“He really wants to win here and not quit on Jeff. He really wants to build a program here where we can win every year,” said sophomore linebacker General McLain.

The players can also feel the trust their new coach has in them.

“Cotner really helps me to be the best player, he believes in me even though I’m undersized for my position,” said junior center Jacob Fifer.

Junior Darien “DD” Williams rushes with the ball while facing Madison in Friday’s scrimmage. Photo by Parker McCloskey.

Cotner wants to be a mainstay at JHS and the local community.

“I’m here to stay. I want to build a real program here. I’ve been to a couple of the middle school practices so they can know who I am. I’ve lived here since 2020, so I really feel like part of a community,” he said.

Even with most doubting the team with Cotner at the helm, the players still have confidence.

“He’s (Cotner) just such a great guy. He really keeps us in check, and I even think with him we could go 9-0 this year,” said junior tight end and defensive end Tristan Newby.

Even in his short tenure as head coach, Cotner has already gained respect from his team.

“He’s really stepped in like a good leader. Everyone has to earn reps, and he often says that small things lead to big things. I think that really helps us stay focused, especially at practice,” said freshman lineman Collin Kenedy.

Cotner still tries to relate to his players to understand what they are going through and how to get them to perform better.

“I think I’m a detail-oriented coach; we hold our players to standards. I think being a young coach –  I’m only 36 – they can still see that I’ve played the game, and I feel like they know I care,” said Cotner.

The players don’t have blind confidence in their coach, but also because they’ve seen his success.

“Scottsburg has won sectionals, which we haven’t done. And he’s bringing a winning mentality. Along with giving everyone goals,” said McLain.

Even with all the expectations surrounding the team, Cotner still takes time to reflect on his success.

“Ever since I was 16, I’ve dreamed of being a head coach. So this is truly a dream come true, even if it’s an unconventional way of getting the job, I’m grateful,” said Cotner.

The Red Devils play at Lawrence Central tonight.

by jhshyphen