2024 Interview with Westland Head Coach Trent Williamson

 Note: I have Westland on my schedule this season week 9 as they host Delaware

Trent Williamson

Westland High School

Head Football Coach 

West Virginia State University

Could you share with the readers your coaching career? First job to current job?

Defensive Coordinator at Washington Court House for 5 years.
Current HC at Westland HC

What are you going to miss from the 2024 class?

We had a very small senior class. (3 seniors) I always told those guys that even though they did not have the season they expected, I believe they will reflect and one day realize they were the class that started the culture change of Westland Football. That is something to be extremely proud of.

What did you learn about yourself during the 2023 season that you can use this coming season to be a better coach?

Adversity makes you a better coach. You have to learn from mistakes, fix them, and get better. I can’t wait to get back on the field with this 2024 team. 

When looking for non-league games, what do you look for in picking an opponent?

When looking for non-league games, we are always looking for quality opponents that are going to make us a better football team. We want to play teams that are going to get us ready for league play or the playoffs.

How important is it for the younger-level teams to run the same offense and defense as the varsity team?

Extremely important, we expect our JV players to know the scheme and playbook just as well as the Varsity players. This allows us to have a next-man-up mentality. Freshmen will run the same scheme, but the plays, calls, and checks are not as complex as the upperclassmen’s.

How important is it for the younger-level teams to play the maximum number of games allowed by the OHSAA?

You always strive for your lower-level teams to have a full schedule. Football isn’t a game that can be easily simulated. To get better at football, you have to play it. We always try to make sure those guys get in as many games as possible. 

If you could, what is the one thing you would change when it comes to Ohio High School football?

Nothing comes to mind.

Which coach or coaches have you learned the most from?

Definitely my dad (Chuck Williamson); we coached together at Washington Court House for 5 seasons. He taught me how to run an organized program. I wouldn’t be in the position I am in today without him. My brothers and I grew up around football, always being at practices and games wherever he was coaching.

John Pennington at West Virginia State taught me the importance of being on a tough football team. Being mentally and physically tough is such an advantage and something I am constantly preaching to our team.

As the head coach, what do you do to try and get more students to come out for the football game?

You need to find ways to make students want to be part of your program. We got the players new gear, renovated the locker room, and put in a new hydration station. We play modern music at practice. All that helps, but at the end of the day, players come play for you because of relationships. My staff and I try to talk to as many kids as we can in the hallway to give football a chance. If we get them to step on the field, they will typically stay and play for us. 

I have asked a lot of coaches and players this question. Do you think or feel that private schools have an advantage over public schools?

No, the game of football is played the same whether it’s played in private or public schools.

As the head coach, what will you do to aid your players in getting the chance to play college football?

I promote our players constantly. Whether that’s in-person networking or on social media, I send coaches player profiles with all of our players’s information so college coaches can get in contact with players they are interested in. I believe it’s part of my duty as the head coach to get players names out there and eventually help them choose the best fit for college. 

What will you do to see that your players are nominated to play in the all-star games at the end of the season?

The ultimate goal is to win football games. All-star games and post-season accolades will follow. The more you win, the more guys get the opportunity to play in those games.

This will be the first time I have asked this question in an interview. How come when a team is down by four to six points on their own side of the field with enough time to run one play, almost all teams run the hail Mary pass play and not something like the hook and ladder play?

That’s a good question! I am sure analytic experts will come up with the best strategy for that exact situation eventually. However, we won a game from a last-second Hail Mary when I was at Court House. So I may be a little biased about the Hail Mary. 

What is the best way to eat a steak?

Medium-rare Tough Street Style

What is your favorite college football match-up to watch?

Michigan vs. Ohio State, the greatest day of the year. 

Go Cougs
#Toughstreet