Derek White knows that building a program is a process, and that if a winning culture is put into place, winning football will eventually follow.
His previous teams’ achievements are well-documented, but none of it happened overnight. Patience is key as the foundation for sustainable success is laid. That’s his challenge at PCS, and it’s something he’s embracing as the architect of the program.
“It will take time,” White said. “You gotta get your weeds out to get the grass to grow.”
In the spring, White inherited a PCS team that contended for its first-ever state championship just two seasons ago under long-time coach Joey Hawkins. A lot has changed since then.
Hawkins has since retired and a bevy of talented football players are gone, whether because of graduation or their ability to transfer schools.
White estimates that if the 2018 season started today, 30-35 players, including only four seniors, would suit up for the team. It’s a group that’s impressed, at times, this summer.
“I got a couple of guys from the existing staff that say these kids have been pushed harder than ever,” White said. “We haven’t had a whole lot of attitude problems with the way we’re working.”
Still, those figures are not exactly ideal, especially playing in a league with heavyweight programs like Jackson Prep, Jackson Academy and MRA.
“It’s very concerning knowing you’re gonna have to play against teams that are single platoon and have a lot of depth. We don’t wanna catch the injury bug.”
Right now, White’s focus is on the things he can control, such as establishing the right culture. If they have to move younger players up to alleviate some of those depth issues then so be it.
“It will be baptism by fire,” said White. “Our 10th through 7th grade has a lot of kids in it that can help us play football, so the future looks bright. We may get a couple of kids in here, you never know with people moving around and transitions going on.
“But we got a long way to go.”
White’s Bobcats will open the season on Thursday, Aug. 16 at West Marion.
