Five of the last six 5A state titles have been earned by this Kentucky juggernaut.
Video: Highlight vs. Pulaski County --- state finals
See Bowling Green in action, playing for a state title.Bowling Green (Ky.) went 15-0 to win the Kentucky 5A state championship in 2016, with coach Kevin Wallace leading the Purples (a very unique mascot, by the way) to 12 Top 10 finishes in the state since 2004. The last two seasons they have been the top-ranked team in their division in Kentucky.
1. What does your program do differently from others in your league, conference or state that helped you win a state championship?Any great high school program must have talented players who are committed to excellence, a supportive administration that will allow the head coach to put a talented and caring staff in place, plus a community that is willing to provide resources that will allow the program to have the equipment, technology and support that allows them to compete at an elite level. Bowling Green is lucky to have all of these components working for the continued success of our program.
2. What do you consider to be the most important aspect of your state championship? Bowling Green has won five of the past six Class 5A state championships. Even though most of our players had been a part of a state title, every senior group leaves their legacy with the results of their last season. The outstanding leaders in our Class of 2017 were deserving of championship status and to leave our program as one of the most successful groups in school history.
3. What is one piece of advice that you would give to a coach wanting to win a state championship? Players will never care how much you know until they know how much you care. This is a relationship business. The chemistry of a team full of positive relationships is a powerful mix that can allow a team to close in on their potential.
4. What kind of offense did you run? How do you feel that this offense gives you an advantage?Our offense is multiple but would likely be best described as "spread" in nature. Our hope is to get our best athletes the football in space so that they can use their talent to create plays. An offense is useless without great execution and effort.
5. What kind of defense did you run? How do you feel that this defense gives you an advantage?
BGHS uses a 34 base. We are a "movement defense" that will incorporate shades, slides, slants, etc., to give us the ability to show multiple fronts.
6. Do you incorporate some type of character development program within your program?We work with a local group (Hope House) to have a short character development presentation each Thursday. We also have community leaders speak to our seniors at our senior dinners that are held each week on the night before our game.
7. What is the No. 1 obstacle you face in building a championship-caliber program in your community?Complacency! We are 84-3 since 2011. We cannot become bored with winning!
8. 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?
BGHS has had two head coaches in the past 33 seasons. I was an assistant under Dan Haley before taking over in 1996. Coach Haley had a great impact on my organizational skills and reminded all of us constantly about the need to be attentive to detail. Little things always separate programs with talent.
Chris Fore is a veteran Head Football Coach and Athletic Director from Southern California. He consults coaches and programs nationwide through his business Eight Laces Consulting.
