Alvis Johnson: It's a Hog, Not a Wildcat

The rest of the world calls it the “Wildcat.” At Mason County, we call it “Hog” and it’s variations are “Henry,” “Jack”, and “Venus”. One of the most popular trends in football right now is a form of the old fashioned single wing. No one runs the single wing today as well as Alvis Johnson’s teams did at Harrodsburg High School back in the 70s and 80s. Harrodsburg and Mercer County merged school systems in 2006. But, when my dad went to Mercer, and then when I played and coached at Mercer, the Harrodsburg “Hogs “ were our rival- and they were very good. Coach Johnson’s teams were unique on both sides of the ball. Offensively, it was the single wing. Defensively, it was an even front with man coverage and lot’s of blitzing. On our schedule, the two best teams were Boyle County and the Hogs. I still remember a lot about both of those teams from when I was a player. As good as the Hogs were, Coach Johnson made the biggest impression on me in how he treated me as a player and a coach. 

 Henry Parks was the best HS football player I had ever seen play the game until I came to Mason. And, I would still have to say, I have only seen two or three guys that might have been as good or better. The first time I saw him play he made an impression. I was on the sideline with my dad in 1975 when Mercer was playing at Harrodsburg. On the opening kickoff, the Mercer return team opens up a huge hole and our returner has probably 15-20 yards on anyone else on the field. I see this #25 coming across the field like a freight train. He didn’t tackle our ball carrier- he ran over him! 

 In high school, I played defensive end against the Hogs’ Single Wing. It felt like every play was an off-tackle play and half the town of Harrodsburg was coming to kick out the defensive end. My senior year of high school, 1982, it was a big deal when the Hogs put in some offense that required a QB. 

Excited to meet Henry Parks, on HIS field in NOVEMBER (2018), when he was our "Hog" 

 Jack Robertson was an outstanding offensive lineman at Harrodsburg High and then we coached together at Mercer. Later, Jack was back on the staff at Harrodsburg after I came to Mason. Jack has been a great resource for me as we have incorporated some of the single wing concepts in our offense. “Hog” is our base single wing set. “Henry” (Parks), “Venus” (Meaux- another great Harrodsburg player), and “Jack” (Robertson) are the variations that we also use. We have blended those ideas with our base offense and it has been very good for us. 

 Still, it was Coach Johnson’s defense that affected me the most. My senior year, we played the Hogs the week after we played Boyle. Although we had lost, our offense had enjoyed quite a bit of success moving the ball against a very good Rebel defense. Boyle played a 6-2 defense and did a great job with it. But, there were opportunities to throw the ball against that defense. Like most defenses in that time period, it was heavily geared toward stopping the run. As our QB, I knew there was really only one blitz that we had to be concerned with and one simple audible handled that the only time they ran it. 

 The Harrodsburg defense was completely different. They blitzed our passing game all night. The facemask of one of their linebacker’s was usually about 3 feet from my facemask before every snap and they were fast. Our offensive line made a good effort to pick up those blitzes but we were outmatched. That was the most beat up I ever got in a game. 

 Between the white lines, Coach Johnson made life tough. But, what stands out more to me was how he treated me. He was always very nice to me and complimentary in person and in the media. It seemed like he went out of his way to do that and I thought it was first class. We struggled my senior year of high school football and I was especially appreciative of the kind words. 

 The only time I got a bad vibe from Coach Johnson was in the fall of 1987. We were playing the Hogs in the opener for both teams. Coach Johnson and Coach French had one heck of a game of cat and mouse that summer hiding when we would each scrimmage. It felt like he stared a hole through me when I made that long walk down to what is now Alvis Johnson Field to scout their scrimmage. Supposedly one night a couple Harrodsburg coaches were sitting near 127, waiting for our bus, to follow us to our scrimmage. Coach French had us take the back roads out of town. We won that opener in overtime that season. The Hogs and Dogs had some great games. 

 The Saturday before Stephanie and I were married, we traveled to a school in western Kentucky that offered me their head coaching job. Before they interviewed me, they had already offered me the job, and it was from Coach Johnson’s recommendation. The single wing and that defense were impressive. But, Coach Johnson was always first class to me and I will remember that the most.

Mindset: Turning a Football Program Around

Down 17-0 @ half/ 24-12 with 5:41 to play; 27 yards rushing.... and WON

This time of year, most KY teams are getting into district play. In some of those districts, the teams at the top seem permanent. Those looking up at them can feel like they are facing insurmountable odds to get over the hump and beat those teams. And, the feeling is understandable. Beating those teams, some times, for the first time ever, is TOUGH!

When we got started at Mason County in 1996, there were three really good teams in our district... Russell, Newport & Erlanger Lloyd. Mason County had never beaten any of the three.  I definitely picked up on this mindset.... everyone else on our schedule, we can beat. Those three.... never and no way. 

Confidence comes from preparation and hard work. Without those pieces, the chances of success drop dramatically. 

But, in addition to the physical work, the proper mindset goes a long way in doing things that have never been done before. 

One day in the locker-room, I asked a scary question that no one wants to truthfully answer. "How many of you believe we can beat ______________ (Russell, Lloyd, Newport...fill in the blank)?"  They tried to look through the tops of their eye brows, but heads pointed down, and a few hands, slowly went up, because they thought that was the right thing to say.  A few were honest and never started to raise their hand. 

I said, "Ok forget that question. How many of you think we can win ONE play?"  They sat up and looked straight ahead. You could tell the wheels were spinning. Eventually, slowly, all hands up. All heads up. It was unanimous.... the answer was, YES!

 I told them, "Great. Don't even think about winning the GAME. That is too big for us. Just focus on winning, one play at a time.  After we win that play, get ready, and let's win the next play.  If we can keep stacking plays together that we win, the rest of it will take care of itself. "

The other phrase that I used with them often, I told them, "We are going to MAKE you do it right, over and over again. Some night, no matter how hard you try to screw it up, we are going to win ANYWAY!" 

I thought that perspective was important. I KNEW that even when we would finally win those big games, we were going to do some dumb stuff during the game. I wanted the thought to go through their mind, "Coach said we would screw up, but we are still going to win."

And, I wanted to give them some CONTROL of the situation. When you face teams that historically are much better than you, there can be a feeling of hopelessness that no matter what you do, you are going to lose. By saying that we are going to do what we do, over and over again, they now know there is a direct link between their effort/reps in practice everyday and winning on Friday nights. 

In some of those early, big wins, it would look like we were trying to throw the game. Our guys, at times, were overwhelmed by the moment and they lost their focus on doing what they were coached to do. But, eventually, the overwhelming amount of reps kick in and your guys begin to execute. 

Why do some programs turn around and others don't?  The ones that turn it around are stubborn and they keep doing what they do. They get good at what they do. Are adjustments and tweaks part of the process? Absolutely. We had several of those that paid off big time. But, the overall plan, the base offense, defense, etc. remain a strong foundation. 

In 1996, we lost to all three of those good teams. In 1997, we beat every one of them in tough, close, ballgames. There are no quick fixes (legal ones, within the rules). But, the proper mindset will get you on the right track. And, that mindset will pay off for them as adults over and over again because they will no longer view any task or problem as impossible. 

After we won those three games, our guys never doubted that they could win. Now, that brought on a whole other different set of issues.  But, I'll sure take that over the alternative. 

The right mindset can go a long way in helping anyone do something they have never done before, no matter how big the challenge. 

The LAST Third Down

Ernie, Stephanie & Trosper celebrating the 2011 victory over Tennessee from section 232

My father in law, Ernie Trosper,  has been a UK football and basketball fan his entire life. For football games, he spent almost 50 years of Saturdays in Section 232(before the renovation & now, Kroger Field) of Commonwealth Stadium. The 232 crowd could get pretty vocal when things were not going well.  He would get just as angry as anyone else. 

When my father in law got frustrated, he started making bets on 3rd down. He would always bet a quarter and he would bet that the CATS would not get a stop or they would not get a 1st down. Now, he was FOR the CATS and wanted them to win. But, when he would hit the wall, he started making those bets. He would get out his quarter and smack it down on the ledge right in front of his seat.  

This past Saturday turned out to be his last UK game, but we were watching it on TV. I am not sure how much he was aware of what was going on, but the best we could, we were trying to do normal things, and watch the UK football game together. The CATS were facing a 3rd & 7 on the Youngstown State 16. Sitting next to him, I said, "Coach, I will bet you a quarter they get it. " Sure enough, Will Levis hit Tayvion Robinson across the middle for a 1st down. I told him, "Coach, not only did I win the quarter, they almost scored!"

That turned out to be one of his last 3rd downs. He died just a few moments later. He has had a rough road but fought a great fight. My wife Stephanie made every 3rd down taking care of her Dad, and he knew that. He never bet a quarter against her. 

I am not sure how heaven works, but I can picture him and my mother in law eating Kettle Corn and watching the 2nd half from 232, Saturday afternoon. No more smacking quarters on the ledge. 

My Father In Law, 1st All American @ Union College... great shooter

Early Season Struggles... why?

Often times when the season starts, especially with a loss, the common question for everyone is what went wrong? I've been there too many times to count. 

Here are some common issues to early season problems:

1- Their legs are shot. During those hot August practices, we over did it, and our guys have not recovered. I hate to admit this, but I have cost our teams wins in the early part of the season because we didn't have our legs under us. And back in the old days, to make it worse, we said, "our guys are not in shape!" and we ran them some more!  Once you hit August, if your guys give a solid effort in practice, run to the ball full speed, block the sled full speed, run drill work full speed, etc. I am not sure how much "conditioning" you need after that. 

One week at KY All Star, as our coaches(from all over the state) were sitting around talking, comparing notes, we all realized we were killing our kids for those early season games and needed to do better.

It took me 5 years to figure out how to navigate the two bowl games on Saturdays at Mercer. The final plan...during the bowl weeks, Thursday was a stretch, walk through, lift, hydrate, video day. Friday was a normal "Thursday" practice... on script and fast... a simulated game. Once we went to this format, we played MUCH better in the bowl games. 

The Monday after bowl games, going into the Anderson game, was also a walk through, lift, hydrate, video day. Tuesday was normal. Wednesday was our first 6 am practice of the season which was BIG in helping us play better. First of all, 6 am in September is much cooler. Our practice was much more productive. Extreme heat leads to fatigue. Fatigue leads to injury. Plus, your guys get an extra 12 hours of recovery for their legs and bodies from the last contact practice of the week.  2019, we do NOT upset Anderson County or CAL without the Wednesday morning practices.  

2- Relationships. If a team gives a poor effort, or acts like they don't want to play, I question the relationships we have as coaches with our players. One time after a very uninspired performance, my staff said our guys are not tough and they are not in shape. Can we be tougher... sure! But, I would notice the other team played their tails off for their coaches.  As coaches, we can be quick to blame the kids.  Whenever things go wrong, my first look is in the mirror.  No coach WANTS to own a loss. But, you sure do grow more as a person, leader, and coach, if you hold yourself accountable before anyone else gets blamed for anything. 

3- Dehydrated.  We became more intentional about extra Gatorade after practice and making sure everyone got one about an hour and a half before game time.  

4- Special Teams Details. We start every practice, all season, with special teams. The first thing we do on July 10... snap, kick, punt, and catch punts. If I had a nickel for every time Seth Faulkner said on a Thursday or Friday, "You never know when one point will win or lose you a game," I would be a rich man.  Preseason, you have to evaluate your special teams daily, just like you would after a loss. 

Early season games are stressful because we are never sure what to expect. If we can protect our kids bodies, keep them hydrated, build relationships, and be meticulous with special teams details, our chances of success improve dramatically. 

Making a Significant & Positive Impact as a Parent: Three Simple Steps

This morning I had a QB workout with Paul Briney & Kamden Morley at Nelson County HS. It was my second workout with Kamden and third one with Paul. They have both continued to work and do the drills. Their improvement really stood out. I am proud of both young men.... they are workers and well on their way to being good HS quarterbacks.  

Paul is right-handed. Rolling to his right, he struggled a little with some details. We got those things ironed out pretty well. When it was time to work the left side, I told him, "Today is my Dad's birthday. He always told me, 'right handed quarterbacks throw better when they roll to their left because they have to get their shoulders square when they go to the opposite arm.' " Sure enough, Paul works bootleg to his left three times, all three passes are right on the money.  I had to smile and it felt like my Dad was having a chuckle as well. 

Even after seven years since he passed away, my Dad's words and actions absolutely live on in my heart and mind. Why is that?  

He did these three things:

1- He was present.

2- He did the right thing. (Most of the time)

3- He said the right thing. (Most of the time)

He had to work long hours, often. But, if he could be with me, he was. Or, he found a way to take me with him. His example was big. As I got older, he let me make most of my decisions.  Because I wanted to be like him, most of the time, I could figure it out.  His example had a much bigger impact on me than any list of do's and don'ts. I have tried to be the same with my own children. 

If we want to make a lasting, positive impact on our children, we need to be present when we can, do and say the right things. Not sure what to do or say?  Get out our Bible! 

When our kids are adults, and they hear our voice and remember our example, lets make sure the content will help them be the very best version of themselves and all that God has called them to be!

The Way I Heard It... Bear Bryant and Adolph Rupp

Pikeville QB Camp, 2022- If you want to find a QB, head to the mountains of eastern KY

It has been so long, this is either a first hand story or second hand. I do know this, the KY HS Assistant Football Coach in this story was a good friend of my Dad.... so he may have very well told me himself.

Here is the story...

A KY HS Football staff is on a campus visit with Coach Bear Bryant at Alabama, for spring football practice. Coach Bryant's staff meetings start at peculiar times, like 5:03 am, etc. This young assistant coach does not want to show up late for the Alabama football staff meeting. He gets to the meeting extremely early. He ends up sitting in there with Coach Bryant. Somehow, Adolph Rupp comes up in conversation.

In so many words, Coach Bryant said this.... He had no problems with Coach Rupp or basketball. In fact, says they were friends. He said the problem with Kentucky was that during his time, there were so few KY High Schools playing football, therefore, there were so few KY HS football players. He said it was tough to compete with the best of the best with such low numbers. He did NOT say KY HS Football was bad... he just said there are not enough guys. 

For what it is worth, I believe this story and believe this is what Coach Bryant said. 

Coach Bryant left UK after the 1953 season.  President Eisenhower did not begin the Interstate Highway system until 1956. Not only were the football numbers low, it was tough to get somewhere in a hurry, especially in the state of Kentucky. The shape of the state and the terrain make that tough. And, of course, communication was all mail, telephone, or telegraph. There was no internet, cellphone, or email. 

I think it is safe to say, Coach Bear Bryant would be pleased and impressed with the current state of UK football in regards to on-field performance, coaching, players, facilities and the commitment from the administration & athletic department.  I also believe he would be pleased to see the quality of HS football in this state. We have a bunch of good players and coaches.  I would think our numbers are much better now than during his tenure. 

Tonight and this fall, we will see some awful good football played under the lights across the Commonwealth, as well as at Kroger Field on the Saturdays coming up.

Go CATS!

2005 KY All Star Coaches hat- we kicked Tennessee's tail 

Things I wish I had done differently: #1 - Handling Finances- Spend more now, Save for the future less

For the first time in my life, I do not have a football team this fall. Even before I played and coached, my Dad's teams were my teams. I remember well the 1969 Boyle County Rebels (4 years old), passing out equipment, the first game at Greensburg, the big win over Danville, the team Christmas Party at our house... and much, much, more.

 After 30 years as a head football coach and a lifetime of HS football, it has been a huge adjustment... for everyone in our house. The morning after I resigned felt like I had landed on new planet... where in the world was I?  The offseason was tough, the preseason has been even tougher and more so than I had anticipated.

In hopes of having a team in 2023, I am using some of this time to learn, reflect, and improve as a coach. Through QB workouts, consulting, video analysis, staff meetings, visiting other programs, practices, scouting, etc. it has been fun and beneficial, already, to see some different approaches to the game.  Over the next few weeks, I am going to take a hard look at some of the stuff that our programs did in the past 30 years. I will also look to new coaches and new ideas that will make me better. And, as already has happened, much of what we did at Paris, Mason County, and Mercer County ... it has been confirmed (at least to me) that we did some awful good things for our kids and program.  Things I wish I had done differently, things we did well, changes for the future... I will share those periodically in this blog. 

The first light bulb that has come on for me, that I wish I had done differently.... I did not spend enough of our money on the teams I coached and I was too concerned about leaving a healthy bank account for the coach that would replace me. I was way too concerned about "spoiling" the kids by spending too much money on them whether it be gear, food, trips, etc. "Entitlement" is the evil monster that all of us well-meaning adults are battling in the 21st century.  It has really bothered me that I didn't do more with them. Now, to WIN, every dime was spent that would help us win. But, I wish I had spent more time on fun and fellowship. 

For 30 years, overwhelmingly, the kids I coached did what we asked them to do. And, most of them gave a good effort in doing so.  They showed up for practice at 5:45 am. 

Before the heat index rules, they practiced in full gear  when it was very hot. They accepted me and our staff pushing them to be their best. They were the recipients of constructive criticism, that at times was too harsh in delivery. They were exceptional young men that had the discipline, patience and the toughness to deal with me as their head coach. Now, everything we would do was in their best interest. But, were there times that I was too confrontational, over the top.... and how often did I overreact?  A bunch!

What saved me?  My kids knew I loved them and they were good young men. But, some of those times were not much fun. Bottom line, I wish more money had been spent. When the guys would get new gear, their eyes would light up. They would be appreciative and say thank you. Sharing a meal was a great time, whether we talked about football or not. 

Along these lines, I spent way too much time worried about the next coach and the program after I was gone. Is the future important and do we need to leave football program finances in great shape... absolutely!  But, I definitely think I shortchanged the guys I coached to make sure things would go well for the players after us.  I wish I had spent more on my guys. They poured their guts, tears, blood & sweat into Greyhound, Royal, & Titan football. An extra perk here and there would have been more than earned & justified. 

My next team, if we have money, we will spend more of it. We'll still save for the future, but it won't be life or death to leave a big balance of funds. 

I'll tell you this... I've coached some awful good young men the past thirty years and each day that passes, I appreciate them more and more. They were really special. I am very much a blessed old coach and the guys I coached.... they were the BEST!

#FindAWayToWin