2025 Interview with Head Coach Jake Burkholder from Southwestern/Frewsburg (NY)

 

Name: Jake Burkholder

College: Washington & Jefferson College

School: Southwestern/Frewsburg

Position: Head Coach

Please post a small recap of last season with something like a big game you had, something about a certain game, something from a bus ride to or from the game, or something that sticks out from a

Last season had a lot of obstacles to overcome. We finished 5-5 with a loss in the C-bowl championship to Akron. I think that we learned a lot about ourselves as both players and coaches. One of the most memorable moments of the season was training camp. Our booster club does an amazing job every year and provided meals for us during camp. The players and coaches got to spend a lot of time together and build relationships during this time. As the season progressed, the relationships that were built throughout training camp helped us overcome some of the obstacles that we faced.

What mark do you feel the 2025 class left on the football program?

The 2025 class was one of our smaller senior classes over the past several years. What was really great about this group is that we had several kids that were playing their 1st or 2nd year of football, and you would have never known it! Their fellow seniors took them under their wing and got them up to speed, and they immediately became a part of our football family!

How do you go about picking your captains?

We have 4 captains each year, and three of those are voted on by the players, and then the coaches pick a captain as well. Players do a great job of seeing who is there day in and day out putting in the work, and the right guys end up in those captain positions.

If you could choose one opponent from anywhere in the state and play the game in any stadium, who and where are you playing?

That’s a tough one. I would say that the JMA Wireless Dome would be the location, and as for opponent, I’d love to play a perennial power from the east side of the state! Nothing builds competition better than playing the best.

What goals are you setting for the team this season?

We take every season week by week. Obviously, we all have aspirations to win a sectional title and continue on to a state title, but we don’t want to get caught up in looking too far down the road. Our 1st goal is to beat Cleveland-Hill, week 1.

From your first job to right now, how have you grown as a coach?

Learning the importance of player relationships has been huge for me. Being able to know players beyond the football field is huge, especially when you get into those high-stress and high-pressure situations. Being able to have a solid relationship with your players just creates a level of trust and confidence that you can’t find if you only have a “football” relationship.

How long is a typical Southwestern practice?

We typically have a two-hour practice. As the season progresses, we may cut down to 90 minutes of on-field time.

How much time in practice is spent on special teams?

We have really taken a lot of pride in special teams over the past several years. We have a longer special teams session on Mondays and then have a special teams session daily throughout the rest of the week. We spend about 60–75 minutes a week on special teams.

In talking to coaches, every coach seems to have their base offense and defense that they like to run. How do you make adjustments heading into the season to best use the talent you have for the upcoming season?

I think that being flexible is of the utmost importance. Having rules and concepts so that kids understand what they are supposed to be doing is the foundation, but being able to change formations and motions to put players in the best position to win is what makes the difference at the end of the day.

During a blowout game, winning or losing, when do you start taking the starters out?

That’s a tough question; there are a lot of factors that play into that decision. The first is the number of players that we have on our roster; there are times that it isn’t feasible to rotate out all of the starters. Also, the way that the playoff seeding is set up, it is extremely important to maximize the 20-point point differential and to give up as few points as possible. Getting the starters out of the game is taken on a game-to-game basis; it all depends on the flow of the game. In high school football, a lot of points can be put up very quickly, so we try to substitute players in situationally throughout the game.

If you could change one thing about New York high school football, what would it be? Explain

I have always thought that doing a statewide seeding would be a lot of fun for playoffs. That way, teams are playing teams from different areas of the state and getting to experience football in other areas of the state. So, instead of playing for a sectional championship, it would be a statewide bracket style. I understand the cost associated with this would be the number one deterrent, but it has always been something in the back of my mind.

What is the toughest part of coaching high school football?

Getting the off-season work in can be very tough. There are so many student athletes that are involved in travel sports and summer basketball and have jobs. It is great that kids are involved in so many things; it can just make it difficult during the summer!

Would you share with the readers any of the players from the 2025 class that are moving on to play college ball, along with the school they are going to?

We have two players that are going to be playing in the Big 30 All-Star game in August, Trent Casselman and Owen Hayes. However, we do not have anyone that decided to play at the next level.

Where is the best local spot to grab a good meal?

I would have to say either the Lakewood Rod & Gun or the Busti Taphouse. They both have live music frequently and have a good selection of food.

If you could have season tickets to any team, which team are you choosing?

The Clemson Tigers, without a doubt. I have been a huge Clemson fan and have only had the opportunity to make it to one game in Pittsburgh. I would love to make it to Death Valley!

When you have free time, what are you doing?

I have three boys, and they are all involved in a million activities. When I am not teaching or coaching, you can typically find me at one of their games or performances. Free time is a luxury around here!

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