

Q and A: West Creek's Figueroa gets candid about program

George Robinson


When losing becomes the norm, each new football season seems to just blend in with the previous.

West Creek football coach James Figueroa is trying desperately to change that dynamic. Last year's 0-10 season was a program low point as nothing seemed to work in the Coyotes' favor.


But with a new season comes fresh ideas and a new offensive coordinator in former Northeast head man Terry Arrington. The Leaf-Chronicle had a chance to catch up to Figueroa during the dead period to talk about the direction of West Creek's program.

How difficult has it been to change the culture at West Creek when losing has become too common, even if it's not something anyone would tolerate?

JF: We're big on trying to change that narrative. We talk about it all the time. It takes everyone pulling in the same direction to change it. It takes coaches, players, parents and the community. I feel like we getting better in those areas. We're not going to quit, that's for sure. But I feel like it's coming. These kids want to win and they want to win yesterday. My job is to figure out a way to put them in positions to win.

What did you see this past spring that makes you feel different about this fall?

JF: Our offense looked a lot better. Of course, we have coach Arrington and he's so knowledgeable and has so much experience. We coached together years and years ago at Kenwood so it wasn't difficult bringing him aboard. He has a teaching position at West Creek and we're going to utilize his expertise on the field.

West Creek coach James Figueroa goes through drills with his linemen during a practice session in 2015.

Will you give Arrington complete freedom to run the offense how he sees fit?

JF: I completely trust him. We've given him the keys to the offense and he'll have free rein. Obviously, we talk quite a bit about what our identity will be as an offense, but I'm a defensive guy and coach Arrington is an offensive guy. We're going to let him do what he does best. Last year, we struggled offensively and I told our players at the end of the year that we needed to make a change there. Terry is going to be an asset.

Do you feel pressure this coming season to produce wins?

JF: I'm very hard on myself and last year I struggled emotionally not winning games. That's being honest. We averaged nearly five turnovers a game. There were calls made by me and our coaches that probably shouldn't have been made. I take full responsibility for that. I coach because I want these kids to win. I want them to feel good on Friday nights. So, do I feel pressure? Yes. There's always a certain amount of pressure you feel, but most of it comes from me.

What has changed at West Creek to ensure you can start winning games?

JF: The little things matter to these kids. I've figured that out. Little things like getting new helmets, having cookouts at my house where we invite the entire team. You have to have better communication with the parents. This is about results. That's our society. It's a results-driven society. So we have to play this fall with a chip on our shoulder.
