Head coach John Wright emphasizing toughness, fundamentals in return to Post football
There’s a new sheriff in Post.
Head coach John Wright replaces Michael Pittman, who resigned after eight seasons to take the same position at Crane. Wright, an assistant at Decatur before coming to Post, knows all about the Antelopes program after a stint as offensive coordinator under coach Tim James from 2003-07.
Wright wants to bring the “Bold Gold” tradition back to Post following a substandard season. He will prioritize fundamentals and hard-working attitudes over everything else. Toughness, technique and attention to detail will all be priorities.
In part because of Post's rural setting, Wright believes he has the players to form the physical team he wants.
“Down here below the (Caprock), it’s a special place,” Wright said. “These kids, a lot of them don’t get out of town. When we get done with our workout, they’ll go work on a field, or they’ll go work at a ranch. To me, there’s just a different caliber of kids here. It’s a one-horse town. We basically ride the brand here.”
Wright was named head coach July 12 and has spent his first weeks trying to rally everyone together. He’s done so by having his players work out with other Post teams, including the girls' side. Wright also wants the players to grow in their strength and tenacity in order to show the town how gritty his team can be.
He also wants to see steady maturation from his squad. Coming off a 5-7 season, Wright is focused on a “growth curve” with constant improvement each week. He believes the Antelopes can challenge for a district championship but admits this will be a “building year.”
“My goal is for us to improve every year,” Wright said. “Do I think our kids are capable of playing for a district championship? Absolutely. But we’re gonna have to beat good teams in order to do it. It's gonna be competitive, and we're gonna have to be ready for everyone each week.
“We want to continually move the bar. It doesn’t have to happen overnight … but we want to continually improve.”
On defense, Post will have sizeable shoes to fill.
Four-star defensive end and Texas Tech commit Isaiah Crawford won’t play this season because of a knee injury. He will graduate early from Post and in the spring attend TTU K-12, a state-approved online academic program run by Texas Tech.
Crawford provided the following statement to the Avalanche-Journal:
“I will be graduating early to get (to Tech) early and get used to things and a routine. I will not be playing (at Post) due to injury and not wanting to risk re-tearing my ACL.”
Despite the loss, Wright is confident in his 3-3 stack defense. Landon Hair and Steve Gonzales will play key roles at defensive tackle and linebacker, respectively, while Wright will rely on safety E.J. Jefferson and linebacker Samuel Walls to make plays alongside them.
Wright is impressed with Jefferson’s mobility, while Walls, who may also play quarterback this season, is regarded by Wright as one of the Antelopes’ fastest players.
“He’s really mobile and has a great attitude,” Wright said of Jefferson. “I think he’s going to be a good one for us. He’s a great athlete overall.
“And Samuel can do whatever we need him to. Look for him to be on the field defensively in more than one capacity.”
On offense, Wright will run a power spread that mixes passing with “20th century” running. He thinks it will take time for Post to adapt to a pass-heavy offense, so Wright will lean more on the run this season.
This means the Antelopes will rely heavily on the running-back duo of junior Jamarion Reed and Gonzales. Wright has been impressed with their commitment this summer, believing they’ll fit his “hard-running” style.
“Those will be the two breadwinners in our backfield,” Wright said. “We’ll count on those guys to get the ball moving.”
They’ll run behind an offensive line that includes tackle Hair, guard Sebastian Chapa and Wright’s son, freshman center Mason Wright. The seniors Hair and Chapa have played together for three years, and Wright thinks his son will find cohesion with them to form a physical and athletic offensive line.
“They’re good, strong and aggressive,” Wright said. “They’re stereotypical Post kids. They’re athletic and they love the weight room. Those are the things that get me excited about those guys.”
After two straight 15-1 seasons, Post wants to rebound in 2022. The Antelopes are hoping Wright, who already knows Post’s culture, can get them back to their winning ways.
Wright believes, with the right attitude, that his coaching style can do that for Post. He isn’t expecting an immediate turnaround but promises his team will be tough, physical and competitive against everyone.
“I have a lot of faith in these kids,” Wright said. “I have a lot of faith in their abilities. I think that they intend to win when they go out on the field. And with that said, I think we'll be competitive every week.”
Post Antelopes
Head coach — John Wright
2021 record — 5-7 overall, 3-2 in District 2-2A Division I
Base offense — Power spread
Base defense — 3-3 stack
Returning lettermen — 15
Returning off./def. starters — 5/4
Top returners — Sebastian Chapa, Sr., OL/LB; Steve Gonzales, Sr., RB/LB; Jamarion Reed, Jr., RB/LB; Samuel Walls, Sr., QB/LB; Landon Hair, Sr., OL/DL, E.J. Jefferson, Sr., RB/DB
2022 schedule
* — denotes District 2-2A Division I game
Aug. 26 — vs. Brownfield, 7 p.m.
Sept. 2 — at Forsan, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 9 — vs. Littlefield, 7 p.m.
Sept. 16 — at Abernathy, 7 p.m.
Sept. 23 — at Slaton, 7 p.m.
Oct. 7 — vs. Olton*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 14 — at Tahoka*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 21 — vs. Sundown*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 28 — at Floydada*, 7 p.m.
Nov. 4 — vs. New Deal*, 7 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Post football head coach John Wright returns to Antelopes
