Matt Vines
STONEWALL – “It didn’t feel like it did the first time.”
Christopher Wilson has the title “head coach” in front of his name once again, accepting North Webster’s top job earlier this week.
Wilson, who has been on Dennis Dunn’s North DeSoto staff the past two seasons, is getting his second shot at being a head coach after serving at Plain Dealing for two seasons.
Wilson is certainly still excited but also more prepared to step into a head role.
“It’s not as overwhelming,” Wilson said. “I think I know what the requirements are and what it takes.
“I’ve learned a lot about the power of communication, how to delegate responsibility and doing a better job of empowering my assistants and allowing them to grow into what they want to be.”
It’s something he’s experienced on Dunn’s staff at North DeSoto, as well as other accomplished coaches like Mike Green (former Mansfield High and current Southwood High coach).
Wilson went 5-14 at undermanned Plain Dealing in two seasons from 2020-21. The Lions haven’t won a game in the two seasons since Wilson, playing in a loaded district that includes Haynesville, Homer, Glenbrook and Arcadia among others.
North Webster’s road will be even tougher in District 1-3A against the likes of Union Parish, Wossman and Sterlington along with an annual meeting with Haynesville.
But the Knights have the horses to match as veteran coach John Ware put together a competitive team each year, going to the playoffs in 11 of 12 seasons with one semifinals and two quarterfinals appearances. Ware left for Lakeside High this offseason.
“North Webster is a gold mine,” said Wilson, a Byrd graduate who has served on the staffs of Green Oaks, Booker T. Washington and Mansfield. “You don’t battle with losing kids to other places, and the community is extremely supportive.
“We watched the North Webster-Minden game on Hudl as we scouted Minden, and the stands are full. You turn on the Sterlington game, and North Webster fans travelled well. The community support is visible, and I feel that being the type of person that I am, I can continue that supportive relationship with the community.”
Wilson served as the running game coordinator and offensive line coach for a North DeSoto team that advanced to the 2022 state championship game and 2023 semifinals.
This year’s North DeSoto squad had a pair of 1,000-yard rushers in Trysten Hopper and Kenny Thomas to go along with the Griffins’ explosive air attack.
Offensive lineman Gage Caskey will continue his football career at East Texas Baptist.
North Webster, which went 7-5 and won a first-round playoff game, returns 17 starters this coming season, Wilson said.
“I didn’t want to take a job where we couldn’t compete every week,” said Wilson, who added that around 20 kids dressed out each week when he was at Plain Dealing. “North Webster has been competitive and has had success. “These kids have good football under their belts, and they’ll be ready to go. I’m excited about the opportunity to meet the kids and the coaching staff.”