CHAMPIONS’ LOCKER ROOM: #1 Ranked Team In Alaska, South Anchorage High School

Our newest CHAMPIONS’ LOCKER ROOM features the #1 ranked team in Alaska: South Anchorage High School

I have been reaching out to some of the top ranked football teams in the nation for this series, and you can find previous posts from this series below.

The South Anchorage High Wolverines finished the season as the #1 ranked team in Alaska in 2014 with an 11-1 record. They have also finished two other seasons since 2004 ranked #1: 2012 and 2006. Head Coach John Lewis has led his squads to a 77-34 record over the since 2004.

What does your football program do differently from other programs in your league, conference, state that helped you win a State Championship?

Our program is run like a small college, with a heavy belief in our Identity and who we are, the Dark Side. The kids love it.

What do you consider to be the most important aspect of your state championship?

Our kids play, practice, and train way beyond their limits to test how far they can be pushed.

What is one piece of advice that you would give to a coach wanting to win a state championship?

I can’t stress enough how assistant coaches make or break your program, their coach ability, their loyalty, and their willingness to tell you what they think. No kiss butts.

What kind of offense did you run?

Double tight end Fly Sweep.

What kind of defense did you run?

3-5-3

Which of the Special Teams was most valuable this year, and why?

Kick off team, in the end zone over 95%.

Do you incorporate some type of character development program within your football program? If so, what program do you use?

Do you incorporate some type of leadership development program within your football program? If so, what program do you use?

Nope

What is the number one obstacle you face in building a Championship caliber football program in your community?

No stadium, smallest weight room, and no money from the school.

Who do you consider to be your main mentor in this profession and what about that coach do you try to emulate in your program?

I played against and was first hired by the winningest coach in the state of Alaska, Bruce Shearer. He is the one I always try and resemble and improve.

Coach Fore highlights 108 teams from 42 different states in his book BUILDING CHAMPIONSHIP CALIBER FOOTBALL PROGRAMS. If you like getting insight like this from coaches, you will LOVE this book. Buy it now for just $19! Why not learn from the BEST coaches in the nation?!