Rookie Head Coach Makes Playoffs

Although Jody Burnett did not know that much about six-man football, he did not let it stop him from becoming the head football coach for the River City Believers Academy Soldiers.  Burnett spent all of last summer researching this different style and networking with other six-man coaches. Burnett learned everything about the sport and by the time football season started he was ready.

In late June, Burnett started out with a clipboard, nine new players and a dream of coaching. Now, with the 2013 football season over, Burnett has a little more than just a clipboard. He ended his rookie season with a winning record of 6-4, a first time playoff slot, second place in the district coach of the year race, several of his players made all district and or all state and lasting relationships with players and coaches.

Photo Credit: Jody Burnett

Coach Burnett has improved the Soldiers football program drastically.  This was just the fifth season the school has fielded a football team.   Burnett improved on the previous record of 1-8, creating an offensive playbook and developed defensive plays along the way.  He has hired an assistant coach and some alumni helpers to help with the program.

“My favorite part of the season thus far has to be the relationships I have made with the members of the team and with my assistant coach, Jon Short,” Burnett said. “We have learned a lot about each other and from each other.”

“This season has us way ahead of where we were last year,” Burnett said.  "Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine making the playoffs in my first season as head coach,” he added.

Burnett and his team accomplished some first time achievements this season, such as, first winning season, first time placing players on All-District team, first time placing players on All-State team, and first time making the post season playoffs in school history.

Jody Burnett and team
Photo Credit: Natalie Newton

Players that made All-District first team are linebacker Chris Brauchle, wide receiver and kicker Chris Cottingham, and spread back Jacob Luna. Players that made All-District second team are running back Michael Cottingham and defensive end Chris Cottingham. Tyreek Hill, John Hanlan and Brandon Burnett received All-District honorable mention for offense and Justin Mittel and David Pool received All-District honorable mention for special teams. Players that made All-State second team are kicker Chris Cottingham and defensive back Jacob Luna.

Although Burnett and his team only made it to the first round of playoffs, he and his players are more ready than ever for next season.  Burnett will continue to work on improving the academy’s football program.  This will start with the team having a true offseason which will include cardio, weights and classroom study sessions.  Coach Burnett's rookie season is under his belt and he is looking for better things next season.

“We will be better, we will go back to the playoffs,” Burnett said. “We will win state!

That is a bold statement from a coach that has come a long way and already proven a lot of doubters wrong.

by Natalie Newton
Lone Star Gridiron Intern
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