First-Year Head Coach Making Positive Changes
by John Hunt
posted August 20, 2008
E.K. Slaughter is only 31 years old, but he has gained a wealth of football coaching experience since he graduated from UTC in December 2000.
He got his start at Soddy Daisy in 2000 when he did his student teaching there, but since has had stints at Northwest Whitfield, Notre Dame and Hixson.
He spent his last three years as the offensive coordinator for the Red Bank Lions where he built one of the more productive offensive units in the area.
The Lions dominating Region 4-4A with championships the last four years, including the three when Slaughter spearheaded the offense.
Red Bank averaged 38 points per game last year when they went 12-1 for the second straight fall.
When legendary coach Tom Weathers decided to resign at Soddy Daisy at the end of last season, Slaughter was eager to apply for the job.
It didn’t take long before he had secured his first head coaching position.
Soddy Daisy football has fallen on hard times in recent years as the Trojans won only three games in the last two years.
That didn’t seem to deter Slaughter’s interest in the job and he feels like he’s where he needs to be at this point in his coaching career.
“This is a great situation and a good place to get a start as a head coach,” Slaughter said one afternoon last week before practice began.
“I’m very fortunate to have this opportunity and I have a lot of good people helping me. My assistant coaches have made the transition very smooth.
"I spent a lot of hours with football when I was at Red Bank, so I’m used to doing that. The time is a little more intense now, but this is more than just a job for me. It’s something I really enjoy doing,” he continued.
“We’ve only been practicing for six weeks and I predict that we’ll be better than people think. We’ll surprise some folks before the year is over.
"Our goal right now is to win football games. I think we’ll be okay. We have about 90 kids out and we have a few good ones among that group,” he added.
The Trojans have been known as a running team in years past, but Slaughter is going to a spread offense this year.
Junior Scott Parrott is the man at quarterback while P.J. Hubbard is another junior who’ll see plenty of action at tailback in addition to defense. Hubbard transferred from Tyner and has plenty of big-play potential.
“We’re gonna sling it around this fall and see what happens. We’re struggling on defense, but our offense has come around faster than I expected.
“The kids have bought in to what I want and they want to win. They are willing to do what it takes to get the job done. I’m very fortunate in that regard,” he praised the dedication of his team.
“I don’t have to chase them down or wonder where they are because they aren’t on time. They’re early most of the time, but they really enjoy being around each other,” he said matter of factly.
While Parrott will be the trigger man at quarterback, Craig Smith, Bubba Haney and Donovan Barnes are three seniors who are capable receivers. They will also serve in the defensive secondary.
Me J. Richmond, Zack Stephens and Justin Cross are three guys who will anchor the offensive line.
Soddy Daisy doesn’t play this week, but they open the season next Thursday on Aug. 28 with a trip to Red Bank.
What a way for a young head coach to start his career.
“It will be a playoff atmosphere the first week. That’s a fun game to be part of, but it will be different for me.
"Kenny Cobble is the defensive coordinator for Red Bank and I’m the offensive guy for Soddy Daisy, so we’ll get to match wits in that game.
“I really got to be close friends with those coaches at Red Bank and I still care a whole lot about them. I wish I didn’t like them so much.
"It would be much easier to play the game if the situation was different,” Slaughter concluded.
Ooltewah has been picked as the team to beat in Region 2-5A this fall.
Soddy Daisy has been picked to finish seventh out of the eight teams.
The Trojans play their first three games on the road, including trips to William Blount and Rhea County the weeks following the Red Bank game.
Their first home game will be on Sept. 19 against the Bradley Bears.
Soddy Daisy is looking for bigger and better things from its football team this fall. Coach Slaughter says he’s the man to get the job done.
It won’t be long before he finds out just how well his plan works.
(Email John Hunt at tnmoose2002@aol.com)
| Dining Out | Business | Movies | Focus | About Us |
| Church | Living Well | Memories | Outdoors | Real Estate | Student Scene | Travel |