3 hours ago, FatNate said:

I am not familiar with Coach Rash and I have appreciated reading comments from those with more familiarity with him and his style.  I know he is an older coach and I get the impression he might be a little more ‘old school’ than the previous coach.   Which leads me to one question…

Will the team still wear the alternate black jersey at some point this season?  I believe they have been worn for one game each of the last few seasons.

HaHa. I think that you're embellishing your little familiarity of Coach Rash if you're going to ask a question like that.. That is a major tradition of Beechwood Football. As a player in the early 2000's, we were not even allowed to wear black socks in practice. 

Many would call him "Old School". But it's all about maintaining a culture and tradition of excellence. Every player and coach are equally responsible to the teams overall success, no one is bigger than the Paw Print.

I would expect and hope that some of the traditions that have been lost in recent years; make their return to the program. And hope that those black jerseys are donated or repurposed for a good cause! 

15 minutes ago, TigerKing said:

HaHa. I think that you're embellishing your little familiarity of Coach Rash if you're going to ask a question like that.. That is a major tradition of Beechwood Football. As a player in the early 2000's, we were not even allowed to wear black socks in practice. 

Many would call him "Old School". But it's all about maintaining a culture and tradition of excellence. Every player and coach are equally responsible to the teams overall success, no one is bigger than the Paw Print.

I would expect and hope that some of the traditions that have been lost in recent years; make their return to the program. And hope that those black jerseys are donated or repurposed for a good cause! 

I love it, no one is bigger than the Paw Print!

Additionally, I echo getting rid of the black (Ludlow like) jerseys, yuck!!

34 minutes ago, TigerKing said:

HaHa. I think that you're embellishing your little familiarity of Coach Rash if you're going to ask a question like that.. That is a major tradition of Beechwood Football. As a player in the early 2000's, we were not even allowed to wear black socks in practice. 

Many would call him "Old School". But it's all about maintaining a culture and tradition of excellence. Every player and coach are equally responsible to the teams overall success, no one is bigger than the Paw Print.

I would expect and hope that some of the traditions that have been lost in recent years; make their return to the program. And hope that those black jerseys are donated or repurposed for a good cause! 

What traditions have been lost recently?

I believe in traditions but I also think it’s a bit of a balancing act with each group.  Keeping the traditions alive, while allowing each group to be their own group.  
 

And of course I asked the black jersey question because I love the alternate look, once a year.  Plus I figured it would make for some fun replies.

2 minutes ago, FatNate said:

And of course I asked the black jersey question because I love the alternate look, once a year.  Plus I figured it would make for some fun replies.

Right, anyone that complains is going to get the "Sally Struthers" treatment.

5 minutes ago, FatNate said:

What traditions have been lost recently?

I believe in traditions but I also think it’s a bit of a balancing act with each group.  Keeping the traditions alive, while allowing each group to be their own group.  
 

And of course I asked the black jersey question because I love the alternate look, once a year.  Plus I figured it would make for some fun replies.

I wasn't in the locker room or at the school everyday under Coach Volker, so I shouldn't speak too much on it. And I think Volker did a great job of upholding the tradition of winning football games and becoming more modern, which helped expose Beechwood players to high level college programs. 

Like I said before, people may call it silly and I know that Beechwood is not the Vatican of HS Football. But the decision to go back to Noel and after we see his replacement in however many years. Will tell you the overall feelings lifelong Tigers felt. And that Beechwood will not be hiring outside the Coach Yeagle/Coach Rash lineage anytime soon. 

Both head coaches have been really good at Beechwood the last 3-5 years, BUT people are forgetting how good ALL the assistant coaches are with this program.  They are not just dedicated, they are very smart and extremely good at developing players.

I will just say— a fair amount of people are rather pleased that Volker has been replaced by Rash.

Volker is a fine coach, but he’s not in the same category as Rash.

”Category” can mean a lot of things there. 

I also don’t see the black jerseys making a comeback this year or in the future. I do think Volker did a great job maintaining the culture like keeping CSB (Commitment, Sacrifice, Brotherhood) as the motto which was installed under Rash. I also think he did a good job blending in some modern practices like embracing the “Darkside” which is what he called his defense by introducing the black uniforms. I think those uniforms did a great job keeping energy high and having something to look forward too towards the end of the season. But also at the same time this is Beechwood. Tradition is at the center of the program and Rash coming back is the best thing to happen for the 2026 Beechwood Tigers. I’ve heard 2-a-days are back, and the players are gonna be pushed harder than they have ever been pushed before this summer to give them the best chance possible to chase after #19.

On 5/20/2026 at 8:24 PM, Glider said:

Same stuff for sure but the pass play percentage will certainly drop. Rash has always won games playing defense, running the football and with special teams. That isn't changing.

The talent determines the balance of passing and rushing. I agree Rash will want an emphasis on rushing, but Volker did that as well. Arguably the number one item Volker will point to in his state championship season is the heightened focus on the rushing attack even with the school record holding QB Clay Hayden in his senior season. 

There were many seasons under Rash when the passing offense outgained the rushing offense because that is what the talent dictated. But I agree with you that Rash will work with Hergott to have a very concerted focus on rushing the ball - and Beechwood has the talent on hand for an explosive rushing game. 

Will Mercer be the next qb in line?

3 hours ago, MaddenCurse44 said:

Will Mercer be the next qb in line?

Why would you think Mercer? 

12 minutes ago, Voice of Reason said:

Why would you think Mercer? 

Seen a video on Facebook throwing to receivers.

50 minutes ago, MaddenCurse44 said:

Seen a video on Facebook throwing to receivers.

Interesting. I didn't know he played QB. He didn't play it any on the freshman team.

4 hours ago, Voice of Reason said:

Interesting. I didn't know he played QB. He didn't play it any on the freshman team.

I am not sure maybe they will develop him he has good size.

On 5/20/2026 at 4:53 PM, TigerKing said:

This roster may end up the most talented in Beechwood History. Based on college offers as an indication of talent level; this will be the greatest set of skill players in Beechwood history.

 

Do you think this team has more talent than 2024 state champs? Basically all the seniors on this team were sophomores. Add in the seniors on 2024 who were super talented - Hayden, Erdman, Cusick, Mattox Kelly, Flaherty, et al. That team was LOADED.