The Selma Times-Journal

Commitment is a word new Dallas County football coach John Higgins uses a lot.

It is the first and most important step for the Hornets to turn around recent forgettable seasons.

And it is something that has to become more than a word to the players.

Making the players bigger, faster and stronger is the first order of business.

“We’re going to work a lot harder,” Higgins said. “We’re in the process of redoing the weight room, which is I believe is one of the reasons this team has not been successful. Coming from Lee High School and Benjamin Russell, I know the importance of the weight room.”

Higgins has a history of building up programs and has only had three losing seasons in 21 years of coaching.

Prior to coming to DCHS, he spent two years as the offensive coordinator at Benjamin Russell.

He was the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator for the 1999 Lee team that played in the state title game. He has also coached at Sidney Lanier and Brewtech.

Coming off a 1-9 season, the Hornets have few places to go but up.

They team recently finished spring drills, and Higgins said they got a lot accomplished. But filling out the coaching staff is an ongoing task.

“There are some very capable coaches already at this school,” Higgins said. “I’m trying to get those guys to join me. We’ve also had a number of outside people express interest. I hope to put together a staff before the month is over. It will help with summer workouts.”

Higgins is also putting emphasis on thinking about football throughout the summer.

He said the players will be encouraged to participate in 7-on-7 passing camps, college camps and of course, lift weights three days a week.

“We’re going to do whatever we have to within the rules of the AHSAA to get better,” Higgins said. “I think this summer is going to be pivotal for our success or lack of success we have this fall. The kids have to buy into the program.

“They have to buy into the commitment.”