2022 With Head Coach Nolan Crabtree Lucasville Valley

Tagged under: Beyond The Keystone, News

David Burnworth | May 9, 2022

Name: Nolan Crabtree

Position: Head Football Coach

School: Lucasville Valley High School

I have read that you hope to get the numbers up as far as the team goes. Can you tell us how you will go about this?

I feel the increase in numbers starts at the lower levels. Interaction with PeeWee and Jr. High programs, as well as promoting what we do, along with our new indoor facility… All of these things should help create some excitement and spark the interest of some of our kids who are on the fence about playing.

What changes, if any, will you make now that you are in charge of the program?

There are some changes I plan on making to our offensive and defensive schemes, and a few subtle changes to our weekly schedule… As I mentioned before, we have a new indoor facility with top-of-the-line weight equipment and a state-of-the-art locker room. Having those things will allow our S&C coach to get the most out of our athletes and make for an easier or more efficient use of time when it comes to film, lifting, and practice.

You guys come in riding a five-game losing streak. How important will it be to post a win in week one?

Getting off to a good start is very important. But, it’s not an end-all. The final five games of last season have little to do with this year’s team. New scheme, new players, new workout regimen, players returning from injury… All of those things will be factors in our team’s success next season. Winning week 1 is very important, but the big picture is more important.

What are your thoughts on playing out-of-state opponents, and do you plan on getting any of them on the schedule?

We have played some schools from Kentucky in the past, but out-of-state opponents do not really fit with our schedule very well. We are the smallest school (by a good margin) in a very tough and competitive conference… So I have to be careful who I look to add in our non-league games. We have a large number of similar-sized schools within a 30-40 mile radius. Playing those schools seems to make more sense for us.

Can you tell the readers which offense is the toughest to prepare for and why?

To me, there are two types of offense that can cause a large number of problems: Any offense that goes fast and takes what you give is always tough. On the flip side, teams that can line up foot to foot and just wear you down on 3-4 yard carries can really drive you crazy.

What are your thoughts on the O.H.S.A.A. moving all playoff games to Friday for the first two weeks?

I think it’s great. I love staying on a regular schedule and playing on Fridays. It makes preparation easier and it keeps your kids in a good routine.

In your opinion, where should the state finals be played?

It would be nice if the finals were back in Columbus, but Stark County does a great job… I am also the baseball coach at Valley High School, and we were in the state tournament last year in Akron. Our boys and the community loved it. So there is something to be said for going to different parts of the state.

What are your thoughts on girls playing football on the boys’ team?

It’s not something that I have ever given much thought to… if a girl wants to play, I don’t have an issue with it, especially with the absence of girl’s football. There would be some physical considerations that may come into play, but other than that, I believe it would be a non-issue.

During your coaching career, which coach or coaches have you learned the most from?

My entire coaching career has been at Valley High School. I am following Darren Crabtree, who was the coach for 32 seasons… numerous conference titles, numerous playoff wins, and a massive presence in our community. The majority of what I have learned has been from him and his longtime assistants, Scott Rolfe and Jason Fell. There are others that I have picked things up from, but when it comes to running a program and preparing to win football games, there have been no better mentors.

Have you watched any of the USFL games?

I have only watched maybe a quarter or two… As a dad of a little leaguer and a dual-sport coach, the spring is very busy for me, so I don’t have a lot of time to invest in watching TV.

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