The MaxPreps High School Football Coaches Podcast makes its debut this week with state and national championship head coach Jon Kay of
North Shore (Houston).
So what's the secret to a 16-0 state championship season?
Turns out, there is no secret but self-guided team leadership was a big factor for Kay and the Mustangs in 2018.
"We lost to a really strong Katy team four weeks deep into the playoffs in 2017," Kay said. "I think that was a really humbling experience for our kids to end like they did.
"It kind of catapulted us into the offseason. It helped the kids motivate themselves. As a coaching staff, that helped us mold them in the direction we wanted them to go, but it was all team-led. We had great team leadership this year."
See and hear the complete episode – including Kay on coaching in Texas, administrative support and athletics as the best at-risk program – in the video below.
North Shore's unbeaten season brought not only the Texas Class 6A-Division I state title but a final No. 1 ranking nationally from MaxPreps.
Kay was named head coach at North Shore in 2014 and has led the Mustangs to a 58-14 record in the five seasons since. Prior to being promoted to the top spot, he was the program's defensive coordinator for 15 seasons.
With the goal of being a go-to resource for coaches, check back each week as host Steve Montoya interviews those making a difference in the game.
Head coach Jon Kay instructs his North Shore Mustangs during a November playoff game with Houston-area rival Katy.
Photo by: Ambrose Alcoser