2025 Fall Football Season Preview: Blackwell High School
As the 2025 high school football season approaches, Blackwell High School is gearing up for what promises to be a transformative year on the gridiron. Led by Head Coach Marques Odom, the program is channeling its energy into developing a new culture grounded in commitment, discipline, and resilience. With fresh faces in leadership positions, a focus on fundamentals, and renewed community support, the Blackwell football team is working to establish a strong identity that will carry them through the season and beyond.
Offseason Focus: Building a New Culture and Accountability
The primary focus for Blackwell’s offseason has been changing the culture. According to Coach Odom, the team has concentrated on instilling core values such as discipline, accountability, and consistency. “Our main goal this offseason has been to rebuild our program’s culture,” Odom said. “We want to ensure every player understands the expectations—on and off the field.”
This shift has involved more than just running plays and lifting weights. The coaching staff has introduced structured routines, emphasized academic performance, and encouraged players to take ownership of their development. The goal is to lay a foundation that supports long-term success, not just short-term wins.
Summer Development: Team Camps and College Exposure
This summer, Blackwell’s players are taking advantage of multiple developmental opportunities designed to enhance skills and build team chemistry. The team will attend padded team camps that allow players to compete in live-action drills and scrimmages. These camps not only provide valuable reps but also simulate game-like intensity and help players adapt to in-game situations.
In addition to team camps, many of Blackwell’s athletes are attending college camps to gain exposure and experience at a higher level of competition. “We’re encouraging our guys to attend college camps where they can compete against top-tier talent and get noticed,” Odom said. This approach is part of a broader effort to help athletes understand what it takes to compete beyond high school while also sharpening their technical skills and boosting confidence.
Roster Changes: A New Era of Leadership
With graduation comes change, and Blackwell has seen some key players move on. Coach Odom acknowledges the loss of several seniors but views it as an opportunity for others to step up. “We’ve had some impactful seniors graduate, but we’re excited about the group coming up,” he noted.
This year, leadership is expected to come from a group of players who have been waiting in the wings, preparing for their moment. They’ve already started showing promise in offseason workouts and are beginning to emerge as tone-setters for the younger members of the roster.
One of the key goals this offseason has been identifying leaders not just based on talent, but on accountability and attitude. “We’re looking for guys who do the right things consistently—leaders by example and by voice,” said Odom.
Players to Watch: Young Talent and Offseason Standouts
While Coach Odom is reluctant to single out too many players before the season begins, he does highlight a few athletes who have made noticeable strides during the offseason.
At quarterback, a promising junior is poised to take the reins of the offense after a strong showing in spring practices. His improved footwork and command of the playbook have caught the attention of the coaching staff. “He’s shown leadership and a real understanding of what we’re trying to do,” Odom said.
In the trenches, the offensive and defensive lines will be anchored by returners who bring both size and experience. These linemen have spent the offseason in the weight room and are expected to play a critical role in controlling the line of scrimmage.
Defensively, a standout linebacker is making his presence felt through vocal leadership and a high motor. “He’s everywhere on the field and really helps set the tone for our defense,” Odom noted. In the secondary, a pair of underclassmen are developing into lockdown defenders with good speed and ball skills.
Throughout the roster, players have embraced the team-first mentality and put in the work to improve. “We’ve had guys stay after lifting, run extra sprints, and watch more film—things that show they’re serious about taking the next step,” said Odom.
Strength and Conditioning: Physical Preparation as a Priority
One of the cornerstones of Blackwell’s offseason program has been a rigorous strength and conditioning regimen. Recognizing that physical toughness is essential to success on the field, the coaching staff has prioritized building endurance, explosiveness, and injury prevention.
“Our weight room has been a big focus,” Odom explained. “We’re lifting four days a week and incorporating speed and agility training to build better overall athletes.”
The program also includes nutrition guidance and recovery protocols to ensure players are not only pushing themselves but also taking care of their bodies. This holistic approach is helping Blackwell’s athletes enter the season stronger, faster, and more prepared for the demands of competition.
Coaching Strategy: Adjustments and Improvements
The Blackwell coaching staff has spent the offseason studying film, attending clinics, and evaluating last year’s performance. “We’ve taken a hard look at what worked and what didn’t,” said Coach Odom. “This year, we’re focused on simplifying our schemes and executing at a high level.”
On offense, the goal is to establish a balanced attack that can adapt to different defensive looks. Defensively, the emphasis is on aggressive pursuit and disciplined assignments. “We want to fly to the ball and tackle well,” Odom said.
Communication, both on and off the field, is also a major focus. Coaches are fostering open dialogue with players to build trust and ensure everyone understands their role. “When everyone is on the same page, it makes a huge difference,” Odom emphasized.
Community Engagement: A Growing Support System
Blackwell’s football team is receiving growing support from the community, something Coach Odom deeply appreciates. “The support from our families, alumni, and fans has been awesome,” he said. “It’s important for our kids to feel that love and know that people are behind them.”
The team is working to strengthen its connection with the community by participating in outreach events, volunteering, and building relationships with local youth football programs. These efforts not only foster pride in the program but also build a pipeline of future athletes inspired by what they see on Friday nights.
Biggest Challenges Ahead: Staying the Course
For Coach Odom and the Blackwell football team, the biggest challenge this season is staying committed to the process. “We’re building something, and that takes time,” he said. “The hardest part is staying focused when things get tough.”
With a new culture taking root, there will be ups and downs. But the team’s emphasis on accountability, consistency, and effort gives them the tools to face adversity head-on. “We’re not just building a team—we’re building a program,” Odom said. “That means doing things the right way every day.”
Final Outlook
As the 2025 season kicks off, Blackwell High School is aiming to set a new standard—on the field, in the classroom, and throughout the community. With a focus on culture, player development, and team unity, the program is building a strong foundation for the future.
There may be growing pains along the way, but with committed players, a dedicated coaching staff, and an energized support system, Blackwell is taking the steps necessary to compete with pride and purpose. The road ahead is filled with opportunity, and Coach Marques Odom and his team are ready to embrace the journey.
Share With