Antelope welcomes a new head coach while it hopes to keep its winning ways
Reggie Harris has a simple philosophy: Stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready.
The first-year football coach at Antelope High School learned from his playing and assistant days, including under Grant coach Mike Alberghini. Harris was an assistant at Grant for 12 stellar seasons before working as an assistant at Florida high school powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas. In six years there, Harris helped 32 players secure full Division I scholarships.
Harris’ aspiration of being a head coach led him to Antelope. His cross-country move came during the global pandemic, adding to the challenges before he even met his new team. He took over the reins of the program from Matt Ray, who started the Antelope varsity football program from scratch when the school opened in 2008, leading the school to 10 consecutive playoff appearances and seven league championships.
Though the program is established, there’s no less work for a new coach who is still learning people’s names.
“There are a lot of fires you have to put out,” Harris said with a laugh. “Being a head coach is an opportunity to show your philosophy and ideology and lead a community. That’s an honor to be able to be in that position. I’m enjoying every minute that I have to inspire and motivate these young people. It’s more than just the X’s and O’s — it’s about developing these young men to become productive citizens.”
Harris added. “Antelope is a great and growing community. These kids are great. They are well mannered and understand hard work. The administration and parents are all super supportive.”
Antelope will not field a freshman team this spring season. All incoming freshmen, including Harris’ son Christian, will play on the junior varsity team.
Antelope will open play Friday against Yuba City. The Titans have a handful of returners, including quarterback Quincy Gallon, whom his new coach raves about. Other key returners are Eastern Washington-bound lineman Dean Abdullah, receiver Jerry Huddleston and sophomore lineman Zaire Collier.
“Quincy is very focused,” Harris said. “He’s an honor roll student who takes AP classes. He challenges himself in the classroom. That’s what impressed me the most about him. Not about what he does on the field, but what he does in the classroom. He’s a balanced young man.”
Harris aims to help all of the Titans become some sort of reflection of their quarterback.