Red Oak Tigers head coach Alan Gray enters his second season at the helm with a clearer vision, stronger staff continuity, and a dual-threat quarterback ready to lead the program
Gray, who has been part of the Red Oak program for many years, said the biggest difference from year one is simply knowing the system and how to execute it. “Last year we had newer coaches… Just trying to figure out what we want to do. Getting that first year under our belt. Now we know, okay, what we want to do, how to execute it, and move forward with it,” Gray said.
The coaching staff returns largely intact. Carter Bruce serves as offensive coordinator, Tristan Johnson as defensive coordinator, Austin Woods works with linebackers and running backs while also serving as strength coach, and Josh Kipley handles special teams. Gray emphasized that he wants his assistants to coach freely. “I want my coaches to coach… The players get more trust in them. So they’re not just hearing one voice. They’re hearing multiple voices.”
Offseason participation under Coach Dyson was strong, and early practices have already moved into installing plays and blocking schemes thanks to leadership from the upperclassmen. The Tigers currently have 32 players, including 12 seniors. Gray is working to grow the numbers and change the culture. “I’m hoping we change this culture here in Red Oak and change the narrative and we start filling squads with 40 or 50 kids. Cause I think Red Oak is capable of having that many kids out for football.”
On offense, the Tigers will feature junior Jackson Perdue at quarterback. A mobile dual-threat signal-caller, Perdue offers a different look than last year’s more traditional pocket passer. Dalton Free will serve as the backup. Defensively, Gray said the staff is adjusting schemes to personnel and feels fortunate to have a solid rotation on both the offensive and defensive lines with bigger, more experienced players.
Red Oak opens the season at home on Friday, August 21, against Riverside in a Week 0 contest. The Tigers previously opened against Southwest Valley in recent years but will now face the Rams first before traveling to Southwest Valley the following week. Gray’s keys for a strong start: control the football and keep Riverside’s offense off the field.
When asked what he enjoys most about coaching, Gray pointed beyond the wins. “Watching the kids grow… Kids graduate. They go off to college. They come back. And I see what kind of adults they become. What kind of family people they become. And knowing that I had some little part of that… is the most enjoyment.”
Red Oak Tigers seniors Dylan Rydberg and Jackson Perdue are ready to lead the program into a new season as both on-field contributors and culture-setters for the younger players
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