Pritchett out as Westlake football coach
Westlake has made a change at football coach after the first 0-10 finish in school history.
Stanley Pritchett, a former NFL player who was 21-19 while at North Atlanta and Washington before taking the Westlake job this season, is out. He will remain at the school as a social studies teacher, said principal Grant Rivera, who announced the coaching change.
Westlake is known for its history of players in the NFL, including Cam Newton. In 2005, Westlake had six of its graduates on NFL rosters.
Westlake has not won a playoff game since 2006, when Newton was a senior.
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79 comments Add your comment
only a matter of time
December 17th, 2012
11:24 am
sorry to hear that. it’s not cool when any one loses their job. hopefully they can get a replacement in there and get the program headed in the proper direction. I do know there is a great deal of talent in that area. keep your heads up Westlake I got a feeling you’ll rebound quickly.
www
December 17th, 2012
12:26 pm
they should have offered $180,000 for the best players.
works every time.
Willie Dee
December 17th, 2012
12:54 pm
Hire Rodney Hackney!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Warrior Pride
December 17th, 2012
1:01 pm
Bet they miss Coach Allen now.
swd grad
December 17th, 2012
1:01 pm
the should go get the asst. offense coach from GAC Josh Crawford.
Hiram Abiff
December 17th, 2012
1:17 pm
you had to have Pritchett….just had to….You let go of Minnis…bottom line is your talent isnt what it used to be and Langston Hughes has a better coaching staff. Rivera you let the booster clubCam’s dad and co.) make a decision you should have made as a leader….The politics of education will usually ruin education
Old School Coach
December 17th, 2012
1:23 pm
This is a prime example of a High School that makes a Quick Hire of a Football coach without considering if that coach is the best Football coach for the program.When we Hire names instead of good coaches then the student that play Football are effected.Hire the best coach that fits the program ,community and that have the best interest of the students in mind.Coach Allen did a good job while he was the Head Coach at Westlake.
Clueless
December 17th, 2012
1:55 pm
You people asking for Dallas Allen to be rehired are clueless. He might be a nice man but he has no concept of how a program as large as Westlake has gotten needs to be run.
A head football coach at a successful AAAAAA program has to be a CEO. Coach Allen does not have that skill set. Programs like that need to be run similar to a small college. Practices need to be scripted and timed to the minute. A daily, mandatory study hall has to be implemented, as should a meaningful, productive, in-season and off-season strength and conditioning program. Additionally, there needs to be a detailed process for attracting and engaging college recruiters from all levels — BCS conferences to Division III, NAIA, Juco or prep school. That process should also include a program that makes sure the student athletes take the ACT and SAT as early as possible and that they properly register with the NCAA Clearninghouse.
Coach Allen is incapable of putting together a program as comprehensive as this. Westlake needs a young, intelligent, articulate, personable, energetic head coach who can attract quality assistants, and then the school and the booster club need to come up with the resources that will help the new coach hire some quality assistants (many of whom will have to be community coaches).
And there is still loads of talent in the Westlake zone. The kids and their families are just opting to send them elsewhere these days. If a new coach can come in and show that the program is heading in the right direction, the players will come home.
Best of luck to Dr. Rivera on the search!
Old School Coach
December 17th, 2012
2:09 pm
Wow is sounds like you need to hire yourself also to get the type of Coach that you discribe you better offer a better pay scale than whats offered in the Fulton co. school system,Talent has never been an issue at Westlake i look at teams like MLK,Tucker,Lovejoy and other do you really think that those Head coaches have all the things on your wish list they still have a successful Football programs.
classof2013
December 17th, 2012
2:23 pm
Bring back Coach Hill. We all wanted him the first time so hopefully we get who we asked for.
RDW
December 17th, 2012
2:26 pm
Pritchett is a great coach with experience. Our students have to have the heart and the dedication to play the game. The students also have to want to be coached. He wasn’t given the chance/opportunity to make a difference. You can’t prove that in a season nor can you breed winners in a season. IJS
Clueless
December 17th, 2012
2:26 pm
To Old School Coach: In a word, “Yes.” Every school you listed — MLK, Tucker and Lovejoy — have all the items I listed. If you are going to be successful, meaning play for region championships and win more than one or two games in the playoffs, having all of those things is a MUST.
No disrespect to you, but that “old school” philosophy doesn’t work anymore — not if you want to win and win consistently.
bh
December 17th, 2012
2:42 pm
Firing Pritchett was the worst move Westlake could have made. He was not giving a chance to be successful. i really feel for the kids in the class of 2015. They will have their third coach in three years. Let’s not forget about all the talent that left because of the previous coach. Westlake was in a rebuilding stage, it would have been a miracle for them to be competitive in AAAAAA this year. I wish Pritchett the best moving forward. A good guy was done wrong.
Leftfor money
December 17th, 2012
2:45 pm
All their good players end up in Alpharetta playing for big dukes. Funny thing too, they all. Live in same complex.
2015
December 17th, 2012
2:59 pm
Coach Pritchett was not given
a chance to suceed,He had a team with 3 or 4 starting senior, Jr varsity was 5-0, freshman team was 5-0 these kids needed stability. while i do agree some changes needed to be made in some staff postions ie off cord. I think pritchett was taking this team in the right direction.
bh
December 17th, 2012
3:17 pm
I totally agree with you 2015. Pritchett’s biggest mistake was being loyal to friends who should not have been on the staff. Westlake was moving in the right direction. I think Rivera was a good move as the principal. The AD and the Booster club president were questionable. I think they had been replaced also. It is a young team with SOME talent with more talent coming. Pritchett was fighting an uphill battle from day one dealing with the different clicks. As hard as he tried, he couldn’t keep the parents out of HIS program. The parents of Westlake need to step back and let the next coach do his job.
biggest problem
December 17th, 2012
3:25 pm
well…no sense in crying over spill milk…..so who is the front runner for the JOB …lets get the rumor mill going?
Stone
December 17th, 2012
4:33 pm
@biggest problem…how about Nick Saban…..lets start a good rumor…haha
fan
December 17th, 2012
4:39 pm
he must have kept the same def. coach he had at washington
Mighty Mighty Wildcats
December 17th, 2012
5:46 pm
get a white man…..they can usually clean up these messes.
kb
December 17th, 2012
6:37 pm
what about Kelvin Pope
E LOVE
December 17th, 2012
7:55 pm
I like the Rodney Hackey suggestion also. He is a WINNER
question_asker
December 17th, 2012
8:43 pm
What about Creekside’s old coach from the past couple of years??? I noticed that he didn’t coach this year, what’s the deal with him?? Could he be a good fit at Westlake?
I'M KEEP IT REAL
December 18th, 2012
12:10 am
Olten Downs Riverdale….. has turn the Raiders around. Will have at least 4 D1 player on defense in the 2014 class. I would’ve said Dell McGee of Carver Columbus….. but he be at MAize.
Dexter Copeland of Baldwin prove he can win with less.
Robert Edwards is looking for a job.
Charles Flowers is 8th grade coach in Smith Station in ALA.
Jarrett Law of Drew….. don’t know if he would take the job after being turn down last year.
Chris Beal from Arabia Mountain….. Last time Westlake was winning he was the Asst. Coach. He was there with Cam.
Ronnie Millen from Grady…. that good look.
Brian Montgomery from Shiloh…. He teaches BC Calculus….
It goes without saying Michael Carson…… it called morale clause.
jaytrae
December 18th, 2012
12:14 am
Westelake need to remove those dads from Sandtown park that’s on the booster. No matters who they hire , they will not do well until they leave the daddys at Sandtown Park. This Coach and the last coach let the community dads ruin them. My son stays in the community, he will never step a foot in Westlake until they hire Coaches whom will not let dads influence them. This is sad for such a great Community. Who ever would have thought daddy ball in High School Sports.
Countryboy
December 18th, 2012
12:44 am
I personally think that they should have given another year to change up the staff and bring the best unknown Offensive Coordinator in the state of Georgia Tony Scott. I know for a fact this guy Coach Scott brings a unstoppable Offense that will be fast break basketball in football. The best guy for the head Coaching position is a Sleeper and his name is Phillip Hale who is Archer Defensive Coordinator. If he wants the job he will have all star staff to work with. Nobody needs to bring up MlK Coaaches they suck and purely have been winning on talent alone. It’s been proven over last few years. Rodney hackney is a good Coach he needs to stay where he is. You need a Gwinnet County Coach are somebody from down South are out of the State.
43cov2
December 18th, 2012
4:34 am
People lets not forget when Rodney Hackney had an 0-10 campaign also. When you speak of a replacement lets face it Georgia has a talent pool of accomplished Coaches. Being a Coach myself I submit you can be the best schemer in the business, but its all academic if you dont have Jimmys and Joes on your team. The perfect fit for Westlake would be Kevin “Bull” Jones that is if hes willing to walk away from Lovejoy!
sportsnut
December 18th, 2012
9:49 am
Coach Jones is possible the next H/C at Lovejoy. I don’t think he would leave Lovejoy for Westlake. To much to work with.
classof2010
December 18th, 2012
9:58 am
Im a former player from the class of 2010 when the last time we went to the playoff back in 2009 I just want to know who the uck is this program going to do now that all the talent is transferring to langston
classof2010
December 18th, 2012
10:00 am
@sportsnut lovejoy used to be soooo sorry back in 2009 when we would play them maybe coach jones can come rebuild westlake cause seems like lovejoy had to rebuild in it went well
WestalkeALum
December 18th, 2012
10:27 am
I like Coach Derrick Jackson who last coached wide recievers at Ga State. He was also assistant coach 10 years ago at Alabama power Robert E. Lee. He has coached college at Alabama ST, Morehose, and Ga ST just last year. he is young currently works at Sandtown and has the tools in place to run a succesful program. He knows capapble assistants from the college ranks to high school. Its a no brainer!!!!
Old School Parent
December 18th, 2012
10:27 am
I don’t get this blame game with the Administration and the Parents (Dad’s). They don’t hold summer conditioning practices, they don’t call plays, they don’t put the best kids on the field, they don’t put the worst kids on the field, they don’t hold strength and conditioning sessions, they dont make or fail to make adjustments during the games, they don’t build up the kids mentally or tear they down mentally. The truth is Pritchett made poor choices on and off the field, had poor communication on and off the field. He should have stood up to his friends (coaches) whom obviously no clue what they were doing. He watched the game film every week and he could not see what was going on?
The administration and the parents were supportive. Every team has fans or parents who think they could have done a better job from the stands, but the head coach on the field has the ultimate control. The 0-10 was not what got him released, it was the attitude, lack of communication, off field stuff (personally), and lack of a plan to execute.
LMAO
December 18th, 2012
10:52 am
I’ve got to agree with Clueless, Allen wasn’t the right choice. He’s right a CEO type is what’s needed.
In releasing Pritchett Dr. Rivera made a tough decision, but it had to be made. He’s going to have a hard time filling the position with a great coach and most of all a quality leader. Folks forget coaches are invited guest in our communities. We turn our kids over to them and expect them to have their best interest at heart. Sometimes that’s not the case.
As for the Sandtown Dad’s running the program according to @jaytrae that’s BS! Most of the kids at Westlake want to be there because they want to compete against some of the best available talent. Others choose not to come cause they can’t compete and some leave because they can’t compete. The last group that left 8-10 D1 prospect got out because their parents had differences with the coaching staff.
Westlake is shaking off the last few administrations that focused heavily on the Science and Math Magnet programs to the detriment of the rest of the student body including athletics. The kids were brow beat into submission and no spirit. Those administrations left the athletic program in shambles with little support. Dr. Rivera is trying to rebuild the school’s spirit and he knows a winning football program is the catalyst to accomplish that.
I also wish Dr. Rivera the best.
westlakefann
December 18th, 2012
11:02 am
what happen to that coach that was suppose to coach at morrow and he was from Alabama he didnt come to morrow beacuse it was a money thing he can come to westlake but I dont think anyone want to come to westlake
Westlake Fan
December 18th, 2012
11:04 am
The way Miller Grove beat us in pre – season add Damien Wimes to the list
Westlake Fan
December 18th, 2012
11:05 am
Damien Wimes Miller Grove
teacher
December 18th, 2012
11:07 am
westlake is a basketball school now last time westlake went to the playoffs in 2009 the crowd looked like an jv game
Westlake Fan
December 18th, 2012
11:11 am
Corey Jarvis at Duluth also
I love westlake bball
December 18th, 2012
11:41 am
All of you guys sound crazy. Yes they have talent in the area and have produce a GREAT player in Cam Newton guys in the NFL etc, but its not an elite program. You guys are talking about bringing guys from out of state are you serious. If you compare the south side of Fulton County athletic facilities to the north it looks like a girls and boys club down there. Why would coaches like Jarvis who has every thing he wants in Duluth come to Westlake just because they have talent. Talent doesnt go 0-10 I dont care who is coaching them.
Reggie
December 18th, 2012
1:27 pm
Bring in David Talton! He was a beast when he coached at Therrell!
no way
December 18th, 2012
1:38 pm
I have been a coach for 12 years in Georgia and coaches talk just like everyone else. I have played Westlake and they have always seemed together but the word through the coaching circles is the parents at Westlake makes the job of a HC almost impossible because they overstep their bounds way to often. Many HC’s are going to smaller towns to coach because of this problem. The kids are not the same but football is football when it comes to kids. The largest problem is the overbearing parent who wants their child on the field despite whats best for the team. Do I think Coach Pritchett is a good coach yes, but Westlake seems like a loose loose situation. Westlake has gone through Minnis and now Pritchett in the course of like 4 years. It is time for the parents and whoever the AD is to look at themselves and see what they are doing wrong. Maybe you guys need a yes man like Jason Garrett is with Jerry Jones in Dallas because no coach want to put up with that. Just an opinion not a fact
bh
December 18th, 2012
2:39 pm
It doesn’t matter who they name as the Head Coach if he only gets one year to turn it around. No matter what we think of Pritchett he needed more than one year. I guaratee the next coach won’t turn it around in one year. I hear that Cofield is the next man up. I hope that’s not the case because that means the coaching carousel continues. How about some new blood.
countryboy2295
December 18th, 2012
3:50 pm
Coach Cofield? Who is he were does he Coach at? Just curious. He better have a good Offensive Coordinator to score points because he will be out to. It’s sad but I think not to many people want that job at all. The AD Bethea at westlake dont know crap he should be fired to. He’s one of the issues.
Nasty Que Psi Phi
December 18th, 2012
4:42 pm
It is comedy to read some of the statements in this post. As a veteran Georgia High School Administrator i can tell you that Westlake will NEVER get it right. The “athletes” that you guys are speaking of don’t exist over there today. The Pac Man Jones and Key Fox’s are not in that building. I was able to catch a few of the Lions games this season and i’m here to tell you there was a definite LACK of talent. Those kids didn’t have near the size of other programs and the vibe from the stands was one of NEGATIVITY!!!!!! Why would any coach in a decent program come to a school that has bickering between the AD and staff, coaches do talk around the city and the word is Westlake is a TRAP!!!!!! Good luck with finding a successor to Pritchett, it takes TIME to build a program and obviously the people in South Fulton don’t get that, Pritchett will get another job and i’m almost sure that Westlake will still be STRUGGLING as he leads a program into the playoffs
Ben
December 18th, 2012
7:57 pm
Whatever happened to the Lakeshore coach from the mid-80s? Would he be interested? Sure had some good teams….ahh, he’s probably too close to retirement. Good luck, Westlake.
SouthSIDE
December 18th, 2012
8:15 pm
Westlakes Needs 2 Hire Coach Ronnie Blackmon from Sandy Creek….Plenty of Coaching Experiance & He’s From a Winning Program….
Westlake Property
December 18th, 2012
8:28 pm
Cecil Newton & Bethea (The AD) are in large the problem at Westlake… Newton Promised The Boys New Uniforms & Didn’t Deliver because they didn’t win or weren’t winning any games….Its sad He’s not a man of his word but that doesn’t suprise me… Dr Rivera allows the parents to dictate the program…This Fulton County School Needs 2 Be Investigated By The Board of Education… Corruption is running rampet in this place….THE SCHOOL NEEDS A OVERHAUL… I Hope Linda Bryant Looks Into This Matter….
countryboy2295
December 18th, 2012
9:05 pm
i heard all the comments and i agree with some. To be real there is alot of coaches in Georgia and 75% can’t coach a lick. I believe alot of the Coaches in Georgia are at High places because of who they know and not what they know at all. I believe a head coach is only good as his Assistants. I dont care who you are if you dont have good coaches you not Crap. You take away Nick Saban coaches and give him some dump trucks he want be nothing. I also hear alot of people say that there is no talent at WEST LAKE BULL CRAP. They have enough to win games and make playoffs. See alot of guys consider themselves a good Coach then why complain about not having talent. A good coach will coach them up and make them what he want them to be. I heard Coach Phillip Hale at Archer in Gwinnett County would definately make that program something. They need somebody that can coach not no dump truck
countryboy2295
December 18th, 2012
9:10 pm
@ Westlake property that’s crazy man that Cam Newton dad still has his hand in the program. Cecil Newton the scammer needs to Concentrate on his son needing grow up man. Thats so lame bout the uniforms
Lions pride
December 18th, 2012
9:21 pm
Good luck to Coach Pritchett. After watching Westlake play this season, they have the talent to compete with everybody in the state. The stats don’t lie. Check the stats either thy lead at half time or down no more than 7 points and got handled every second half. PPPPPPP. Proper planning prevents piss poor performance. They were not a properly prepared team. They were in all their games in the first half, lost all the games in the second half. You can’t blame the players for what happens with your team, like the daddy in the house saying its the kids fault. Go on with that shiggity. Needed a better staff around him, friends are not always the best people to hire. Westlake is deep in talent that is why all the coaches in the A don’t mind taking these transfers because they know they are getting student/athletes that can play. Hopefully and playfully Westlake will get a coach who has knowledge about football. Westlake has 4 o lineman coming back that are 2 year starters, going on 3rd year, plenty of weapons on o and d. Talent level is thru the roof. Right coach, and hello 2nd round of pay offs for sure. Need a coach with N and G, to make it do what it do. Next 3 years is a cake walk for a good coach with the kids in the program, loaded loaded loaded. Pow.
W-LAKE
December 18th, 2012
9:23 pm
Please the only reason R Blackmon would take the job is to bring his son in to play QB. That would be the biggest joke ever,
oldplayer
December 18th, 2012
10:54 pm
so I used to play for westlake from 06-09 when we still had a little bit of talent and my lil brother goes to langston and that team has so many transfer and talent from westlake ….westlake has no talent at all hopefully westlake can rebuild like tri-cities who went 0-10 some years ago and o yeah back when I was at westlake we used to get transfers from all over the place mays,tricities,north clayton,mundys mills banneker and we still went 7-4 that year but if some of the talent would have stayed with westlake they prob would have went 5-5
go westlake
December 19th, 2012
9:45 am
HIre Cofeild….Discipline, structure, results!! On and off the field.
biggest problem
December 19th, 2012
10:02 am
Wow when I said lets start a rumor mill …I didnt kno people would go as far as bringing David Talton back…although I think Coach Talton would be a great addition…I played for Talton when he coach at Washington and I dont think he would come out of retirement … he loves Golf to much lol….but its worth a try…
Well here is my short list of Top 10 Black coaches in the area, who can get it DONE at Westlake in this order …#1 being the best fit and hire…
1) Kevin Whitley @ Stockbridge…. true winner and has won in the south fulton area before
Johnny White@ former Creekside HFC….great Defensive Mind…knows the area and kids
2) Rodney Cofield @ Douglass …losing right now but could turn Westlake around
3) Damien Wimes @ Miller Grove….he beat Stephenson enough sad…
4) Rodney Hackney@ Washington…Sound coach and with a proven record..to win right away
5) Dallas Allen @ Therrell …best shot…I hear he wants to come back anyway
6) Jasper Jewell @ former MG HFC…a long shot but hey he might …take a package deal ( AD/HFC)
7) Dominic Calloway @ Mays….I heard he not wanted at Mays anymore anyway…could be a good fit
9) Olten Downs@ Riverdale …one of the top coaches in CCPS
10) Rodrick Moore@ DC at Columbia ….he has alot swagger that Westlake needs
PO NO NO
December 19th, 2012
10:15 am
Wow when I said lets start a rumor mill …I didnt kno people would go as far as bringing David Talton back…although I think Coach Talton would be a great addition…I played for Talton when he coach at Washington and I dont think he would come out of retirement … he loves Golf to much lol….but its worth a try…
Well here is my short list of Top 10 Black coaches in the area, who can get it DONE at Westlake in this order …#1 being the best fit and hire…
1) Kevin Whitley @ Stockbridge…. true winner and has won in the south fulton area before
Johnny White@ former Creekside HFC….great Defensive Mind…knows the area and kids
2) Rodney Cofield @ Douglass …losing right now but could turn Westlake around
3) Damien Wimes @ Miller Grove….he beat Stephenson enough sad…
4) Rodney Hackney@ Washington…Sound coach and with a proven record..to win right away
5) Dallas Allen @ Therrell …best shot…I hear he wants to come back anyway
6) Jasper Jewell @ former MG HFC…a long shot but hey he might …take a package deal ( AD/HFC)
7) Dominic Calloway @ Mays….I heard he not wanted at Mays anymore anyway…could be a good fit
9) Olten Downs@ Riverdale …one of the top coaches in CCPS
10) Rodrick Moore@ DC at Columbia ….he has alot swagger that Westlake needs
Really?
December 19th, 2012
10:21 am
I love it! A coach fails and it’s the parents fault. Really? You guys are idiots. Coaches need to coach on the field parents don’t call plays, set the lineup, run practice, prepare the game plan. Westlake couldn’t score a point in the second half. Check the stats. That’s the parent’s fault? No adjustment were being made at half. That’s the parent’s fault? Hiring your friends who didn’t know what they were doing. That’s the parent’s fault? Playing your girl friends son. That’s the parent’s fault? Failing to institute a real strength and conditioning program. That’s the parent’s fault? Really?
classof2010
December 19th, 2012
11:48 am
@Really? when coach all was coach I used to hate strength and conditioning I wonder what the kids do now
classof2010
December 19th, 2012
11:49 am
@Really? when coach allen was coach I used to hate strength and conditioning I wonder what the kids do now
countryboy2295
December 19th, 2012
12:56 pm
Coach whitley is A great choice but not with that ole fashion ass offense.You can’t win running wing t triple option offense in high school.
PO NO NO
December 19th, 2012
1:42 pm
@countryboy….Ppl that dont know HS football always say that…. and it sounds so dumb when u have teams like Camden Co…Marist, Woodward , North Clayton, Ridgeland, Tucker to name a few … who all run the wing t and all stay in the playoffs….it would seem to me I wouldnt care what they run as long as they win….westlake tried the whole spread no huddle thing with Minnis Remember they went 3-7 and 4-6…..so ummm Stockbridge was 2-8 team before Whitley took over…now they made to the playoffs the last three yrs in a row and they dnt have half as much talent as Westlake…. STOCKBRIGE played MARIST in THE 3rd round OF THE PLAYOFFS …. something Westlake has never done!
Larry Walker
December 19th, 2012
1:44 pm
They need to Hire Coach AL Hollie….Great defensive coach, great character, Good for students…just needs a chance!
classof2010
December 19th, 2012
5:31 pm
can people stop naming these big name high school coaches all these coaches they are not coming to westlake, Westlake is not going to be ish until they talent thats in the area stop transferring to other schools
Sandman
December 19th, 2012
9:18 pm
@ CountryBoy you obviously don’t know football nor have you ever coached a down because as Po No NO said and I want to add to it theat Grayson won the State title running the wing-t. St. Pius and Marist would beat the breaks off Westlake running the Triple Option because dumb A*(* like you would’nt know how to stop it. I go a step further I will add in a team like Riverwood that runs the triple option and turned that program around even beating Blowing out Grady last season. Also everyone is naming all these coaches that would be great for Westlake, Well truth is the word is out on the lake and the principal there adn many coaches are gonna stay away. Everyone know that as soon as a complaint is made to him the next coach is gone too. Now for everyone feeling sorry for Coach Pritchet he will be fine but he was warned before he took the job that things are done different here unlike the way the are done in APS but he still came in and did some things that were questionable and thats what got him dismissed. Finally it funny how everyone talks bad about Minnis but I can tell you this that team this year under Minnins would not have gone 0-10 and despite those that left players were still ready to transfer in and play for him. Funny thing is that no one here is mentioning the players that left when Pritchet came in and the players that were ready to hit the exits if he was returning.
WESTLAKErealness
December 19th, 2012
11:04 pm
@sandman- the fact of the matter is Westlake had there best two players leave because their dads were not allowed to step foot on the field and coach. Keenan Humphrey who was a quarterback and Todd Rahming who was the receiver. Both sophomores and their dads did not want their boys to ride the bench or handled like they were the year before under Minnis. They knew that some booster agents were going to make issues about playing time because their kids were seniors. Where I come from the best plays, age and grade doesn’t matter.
@really- you “really” should be REAL with yourself assuming you’re a parent. The booster club, Sandtown dads and parents had way too much power. That is a problem. No coach can build a successful program behind that crap. I’m sure they stressed the hell out of those coaches.
@noway and @nasty que psi phi….. I agree with you both!!!!!
@oldschoolparent- how do YOU KNOW WHAT GOT HIM RELEASED? You’re awfully adamant about him having support. You can’t be serious. That man did not have the support from administration, a blind man could see that. You must be one of the parents who got him fired for you to say what you said. No one else on here cared to know that. We want to know who our kids coach is going to be next year! Period!
Old School Parent
December 20th, 2012
12:03 am
@Westlakerealness – Homegirl, I have to respond to you because there is a HUGE misconception about parents and boosters powers at Westlake. If parents had that much power at Westlake it would be a whole lot of teachers without jobs. A parent (unless they are the principal or higher) has no authority to fire anyone. Yes, like @Sandman said, life at Westlake is different because parents and administration have not learned to work together for the best interest of Westlake. My kids are gone from Westlake and the same old stuff still exist. I stand by my comments.
countryboy2295
December 20th, 2012
11:10 am
Sand man you just let you know i been Coaching in ACC powerhouse for last few years. Nuff said
bh
December 20th, 2012
11:32 am
I hope that Westlake doesn’t make the same mistake that Creekside did and hire a Head Coach from Teach For America. An unexperienced HC at that. A HC that didn’t even show up to a coaches meeting to vote for the all region teams. A HC that missed almost the whole week leading up to their play in game with Drew. Forgive me if I’m wrong, but I thought that Teach For America teachers only taught for 2 years before returning to corporate America. How can you name a HC that doesn’t even intend to see his Freshmen graduate. Creekside still finished 7-4 despite not having a REAL HC. So, Westlake it’s not as bad as it seems just hire a HC that actually wants to be there instead of someone who will give you a half @$$ 2 year commitment. Oh I forgot, Westlake only gives a 1 year commitment. So Teach For America might be the way to go. Good luck.
Sandman
December 20th, 2012
8:45 pm
@Countryboy if you indeed are coaching at an ACC power then I am going need you to get that English together just a little bit better. “Sand man you just let you know i Coaching in ACC powerhouse for last few year. Nuff said”. Now let’s say in together the correct way ” Sandman, Just to let you know, I have been coaching at an ACC powerhouse for the last few years. Enough said.” I really hope you are not recruiting kids sounding like that.If so, whatever program your claiming to be a part of won’t be a powerhouse much longer, and let’s be honest no one in the ACC is currently a POWERHOUSE! FSU was the only team worth a pull pork sandwich and I know you are not with their staff. Also coaching at an ACC powerhouse could be simply a grad assistant or video coordinator that doesn’t mean you have a prioritized staff position i.e OC/DC/ WR’s/DB’s. Finally if you are really coahing an ACC powerhouse then why are you on here worrying about a HS coaching position when your focus should be on recruiting athletes?? Oh yeah almost forgot to mention,the triple option ran by G-Tech was never stopped and was at the top of all the major categories in the conference so my point is proven that you don’t know how to stop it.
WESTLAKErealness
December 21st, 2012
4:10 am
@oldschoolparent- HOMEBOY!!! riigghhttt…. I’m sure you’re kids are gone. Please! It’s not so much about the authority parents have, it’s the persistence of complaining and politics. Plus, if your children are no longer there, again how would you be so adamant about support the coach had and his reasons for firing. It really doesn’t matter. But, many of us parents with juniors and seniors see this firing as a huge problem. The men (dad’s) that got him fired did so for the wrong reasons. Period! Now some of our children are looking to go to Tri-Cities or Langston Hughes because of you “Sandtown” Dad’s that had a point to prove, which was out of spite. Every parent wants to see their child with a scholarship, but lets be clear. WESTLAKE did not have any outstanding upperclassmen football players. It is what it is. Get over it. Nobody wants to be honest about how sorry or average their son is. The coach gave some of you all the reality check that was needed and you’re upset. Be blessed…
go lions
December 21st, 2012
7:51 am
0-10 is unacceptable @ westlake, period!!!
Old School Parent
December 21st, 2012
9:06 am
@WESTLAKErealness – Again, I do not have any kids at Westlake, my son graduated last year and played under Minnis. The same thing happend under his leadership and the blame was put on the parents and administration. He too, did not accept any blame. From what I observed, I see no difference in the amount of support and complaints directed at Pritchett. This blog only hurts Westlake more by indicating to potential coaches that “complaining and politics” at Westlake will rule the day. However, potential coaches should also know that it was not always the case and does not have to dictate how they operate.. There will always be a handful of messy people (student or parent) on every team (ask tennis), booster, or even the PTA. A strong coach is what Westlake needs! One who has a plan and can execute, and most of all who cares about the students. It would also help not to come with a bag of drama. Why does Westlake not have any players on the rising senior team? Don’t say it’s because of lack of talent. Even Minnis would not have done that! At least we knew he cared about the kids. Good Luck Westlake.
WESTLAKErealness
December 21st, 2012
2:53 pm
@old school parent- we can agree to disagree. For every parent that says he didn’t care you have 10 saying he did. So, it is what it is. What bothers me is the main parents who complain and hate on the coaches take no ownership of it. Yes, a future coach does need to know that he will have some “Dad’s” that will think they can coach from the bleachers and run his program. That is a fact dear “oldschoolparent”. But after this drama from WESTLAKE we will be taking our talents to Langston Hughes. My child’s dad said he’s had enough of people not understanding their position. It’s unfortunate to the kids!
Show nuff
December 21st, 2012
3:20 pm
What i dont get is that all these parents on here complaining about things but they wanna take their kids to another school for what. If your son isnt good he gonna be same at any other school and that is a bench warmer straight up. You cant run from a problem, my solution is to make it better. Want you see who they hire first and the assistants that come along with the new coach before making a choice to go else where. I did my research on the guy name Phillip Hale at Archer from somebody name Countryboy mention. Everyone has said he is a great coach capable of turning things around. We will be staying at WestLake
countryboy2295
December 21st, 2012
3:30 pm
@ sandman you freakin cornball, ignorant coon ass dude. You dont know crap you talking bout. Dont hide behind this internet blog like you some kinda tough guy grammar police. For your info i do Coach a position on Offense in the Acc. Also while being disrespectful i wil be in town tommorrow visiting my family in Camp Creek how bout me and you meet in person like some grown men. I’m on this site because my folks move to Camp Creek area and my nephew is one of the top talents at that school. I want to know perhaps who they were considering. Besides you probally cant ven make any kids at all dump truck. You have no voice at all sucka. Besides we are done in recruiting for the year stupid ass. You are a waste of time for me acknowledgeing you. You right i dont have time for you are this but guess what i enoy what i do. By the way holla@ me hater
W-LAKE
December 21st, 2012
6:07 pm
Show nuff I agree with why transfer? Do they think langston hughes is without drama. Their is plenty of blame to go around regarding Westlake from overbearing dads to moms thinking their babies are not getting enough time to coaches bringing in friends instead of proven coaches and a principle who in my opinion did not give Coach P enough time to turn things around. But with that being said I want my son to learn to fight through adversity don”t just pick up and run, that is whats wrong with High School sports now Kids don’t get the starting job so instead of fighting for it mommy and daddy tell him that coach don’t know what he’s doing lets transfer to another school that coach will see how good you are, and guess what you won’t start over their either.Have some pride in your home school and if it’s not working help fix don’t just bail out. WE STAYING.
Show nuff
December 21st, 2012
9:23 pm
So i feel good in my spirit bout this and we will see how many kids comeback and stay because of this. stay tune folks and I cant wait to find out who we hired as head Coach but doesnt even matter if we can seal the deal with the Scott guy
Shownuff
December 21st, 2012
9:34 pm
I hear that Coach scott is a awesome young Coach that is respected by many Coaches. They say he is Offensive masterminnd that will score a tone of points. He reached out to Coach P this year and Coach was gonna bring him aboard
Shownuff
December 21st, 2012
9:36 pm
Also heard that he has strong relationships with alot of major college programs with recruiting exactly the person we need. Hear he wants to be Offensive Coordinator while he finish his degree. These Coaches spoke highly of him. So no matter who we get we need this guys to help turn us around and keep these kids ALSO. hE’S GONNA COME JUST WATCH
Sunshine39
December 21st, 2012
11:25 pm
I can’t believe you guys are over looking the best coach in the metro area. He hasn’t done anything but win on a consistent basis; not to mention the numerous players that have gone to college because of him. I’m not going to mention his name because we don’t want to lose him. So go ahead, keep over looking the BEST coach.