By Blake Chadwick
Entering his seventh season at the helm of Sterling High School football, head coach Brent Schneider has built the program around two constants, relationships and high expectations.
“I want the kids to know that I truly care for them as individuals,” Schneider said. “I love Jesus and want to reflect that in my coaching style. I interact with a lot of positive reinforcement, so when I coach them hard, they know it’s because I care.”
Schneider doesn’t emphasize win-loss goals. Instead, his message centers on doing the little things that winning requires” each day. Sterling’s formula is straightforward, play physical football, run the ball, stop the run, take care of the ball, and eliminate turnovers.
The Black Bears return several key playmakers on both sides of the ball. Senior running backs Zane Farney and Wyatt Newberry will be pivotal. Farney and Newberry will do the same on the other side of the ball as well. Farney will stand out for his lockdown ability on the perimeter and Newberry as the team’s main safety. Senior lineman Kevin Ploutz is expected to anchor both sides of the line.
There’s also excitement about emerging talent. Sophomore Jacob Lewis will start at middle linebacker and contribute in multiple offensive roles. Senior Logan Isaac, already an all-state linebacker, is poised for a breakout statistical year on offense after steady production in past seasons.
Sterling’s recent success stems from a cultural turnaround.
“We had some really down years, but we took leaps in our culture,” Schneider said. “It’s a constant battle, but our kids have pride and excitement about football again, and that’s really exciting.”
