Jim Hill Looks Impressive With Win Over Callaway

When I talked to Jim Hill head coach Henry Blount before tonight’s game with Callaway, he felt very confident in his team’s abilities, especially coming off a giant 34-0 win over Bailey last week.  And his team proved powerful on the rain soaked Newell Field, downing the Chargers 24-19.  But more impressive to me was Coach Blount’s confidence in his team off the field. 

I’ve met a lot of coaches in my time in television, and when you meet coaches who genuinely care about the players before themselves, it’s quite an honor.  Well tonight was a huge honor for me.  In talking to Coach Blount, I realized that he has truly put his players before himself on the field, and their futures off the field before his. 

I found out something very interesting about what keeps Blount motivatied.  Is it a giant salary?  No.  Is it tons of prestige and media attention?  No.  Is it a massive self-serving ego?  No.  Simply put, it’s this man’s love for Jim Hill High School that has kept him here in Jackson and with the Tiger football program for the last 14 years.

At 40 years old, and in his 3rd season as the Tigers’ head coach, Blount believes in his team now more than ever.  And he believes in his mission with his teams year in and year out.  And that mission is to make fine young men out of these boys 1st, and fine young football players out of them second. 

But seeing the way he interacted with his players during halftime tonight, as his team was down 13-6 to the Chargers, truly connecting with and talking to them, rather than talking down at them, I think he’ll have no problem achieving both goals quicklly and successfully.  The players trust him, and he trusts the players, making a strong and cohesive unit that the Tigers hope will continue to lead to success this season.