WILLIAMSBURG — “Friday Night Lights” is a series looking in on area high school football programs ahead of the 2024 season.
The Jamestown High School football team is on the road to redemption this season. After a tough 2023 season, first-year head coach James Riley III is looking to make an impact on his players.
“It was a tough year, mentally, physically, and emotionally for our players. We’re trying to put those days behind us. We’re all about building our confidence and getting bigger, faster, and stronger again. The thing I talk to the kids most about is leveling up and being the best version of themselves,” Riley said.
Jamestown comes off a 2023 campaign that garnered just one win on the opening weekend of the season. The team placed last in the Bay Rivers District and gained national attention after losing in the playoffs to Phoebus, 104-0.
Returning to the team from last season are athletes Vincent Creel and Bowen Mayo, linebacker and running back Brayden Strouse, tight end and linebacker Jordan Lambin, offensive and defensive lineman Landon Keenon, offensive and defensive lineman Landon Davis, and wide receiver and defensive back Morgan Vaughan.
“We have a lot of underclassmen who are going to step up into some big roles. I think a shining spot for us will be our defense. Offensively, we’re trying some new things, we’re going to move some people around and really capitalize on their abilities,” Riley said.
As Riley enters his new role with Jamestown football, he knows he has his work cut out for him.
“The number one thing is we want to build the confidence of our players. We want to establish where people feel like they can play fast and free. A winning season would be great, a playoff run would be great, but it really is about establishing a culture where players and coaches can play free and fast,” Riley said.
Ahead of the 2024 season, Riley is looking forward to some of the cross-town rivalry games.
“Warhill and Lafayette will be big challenges, but they are good challenges because it gives a broader sense of how much we’ve grown. We’re excited about playing those teams, but I think the game that I am most looking forward to is Essex. They are a team that year in and year out, they are going to have an opportunity to play for a state title, so what better way to start the early part of our season than playing against a champion?” Riley said.
Riley, who says he coaches a lot like he teaches, uses positive intensity on the field.
“If you were to come to any of our practices, you would hear me yelling but if you listen to what I am saying, you would see me make a big deal when somebody gets something right. I am about energy and so we try to keep it very positive but intense. We’re still demanding about our expectations but we’ve gotten to a point where we don’t have to yell or demean a child to get the results that we need,” Riley said.
“FUEL” is an acronym that Riley and his coaching staff use to inspire the players.
“Fuel stands for fight until excuses leave. The way I shape it for our players and coaches is about the internal battle and the struggle we face trying to kill excuses. Excuses don’t solve anything and it keeps us from being the best version of ourselves. If we make a mistake, we just own it, we fix it, and we move on. Our goal is to get rid of those things in our lives that don’t help us become the best version of ourselves and excuses is one of them,” Riley said.
As he takes over the reins, Riley wants to make Jamestown known for football.
“Player retention is probably the big thing for me. I want kids to want to play football at Jamestown High School. That’s the goal. I want Jamestown to be a destination where kids want to come play football. We want to grow our program, grow our numbers, and get rid of that stigma that we’re not a football school,” Riley said.
Jamestown kicks off the 2024 season against Nottoway High School on Aug. 29 at 7 p.m.
Jamestown High School football 2024 schedule:
Aug. 29 — away vs. Nottoway High School
Sept. 5 — away vs. Essex High School
Sept. 13 — away vs. Tabb High School
Sept. 20 — home vs. Smithfield High School
Sept. 27 — away vs. York High School
Oct. 4 — home vs. Poquoson High School
Oct. 11 — away vs. New Kent High School
Oct. 25 — away vs. Lafayette High School
Nov. 1 — home vs. Grafton High School
Nov. 8 — home vs. Warhill High School
