LONDON — North Laurel coach Steven Nelson has hit the ground running since being named coach back in March, and so far, he likes what he is seeing out of his Jaguars.
“Things have gone great so far, we have a good team with great leadership and I am surrounded by a great coaching staff and administration,” he said. “The transition has been a great experience and I’m very fortunate to have a team who is very focused on being successful.
“My goals coming into North Laurel are to compete for a Region Championship every year,” he added. “I want to be the first ever coach to win a region championship in football at North Laurel High School. I 100 percent expect my team to be in the thick of things this year and the boys expect to be. They strive for excellence and have worked their tails off this summer.”
Nelson said he’s been pleased with his players’ adjustment to him coming in as their coach.
“The kids have adjusted really well,” he said. “I have came in and really pushed the players to be better versions of themselves, and to become mentally and physically tougher as a team. They have responded well and the leadership on the team have pushed underclassmen to become a physical team that will not be outworked.
“The type of team that we will put on the field will be one that is very physical,” he added. “I believe that is what North Laurel football is about. Fans can expect to see a well-balanced offense that will run the ball effectively and setting up our passing game. We will have a spread offense as well as many power sets. The defense will be very physical and fundamentally sound. We will have a base 4-3 defense and take away big play abilities from teams. The defensive line is a group of guys who are physical and will not be pushed around, with a secondary who will make plays on the football and get the ball back for our offense.”
Nelson expects his team to go out each and every game to out-physical their opponents.
“My expectations for our team this year is to always be the most physical team on the field,” he said. “Every man will do is job, and the team will be successful because of this. I expect us to compete for a district and region championship, and to grow up as individuals and players. It is my job to always have our players prepared so nothing surprises them and the players are ready to make our school and county proud.”
