As the Memphis High School Yellowjackets gear up for the 2025 football season, Head Coach Dan Pilgrim and his staff are embracing a new chapter. With the departure of a senior-heavy 2024 squad, this season presents an opportunity for the program to rebuild and lay a strong foundation for the future. Despite the challenge of fielding a young team, the coaching staff remains optimistic, emphasizing player development, strategic adjustments, and team bonding to ensure a competitive season.
Offseason Focus: Revamping the Defense
A key focus for the Yellowjackets this offseason has been restructuring their defensive strategy. The team is refining its overall defensive scheme, shifting to a flexible 2- or 3-front approach that integrates man coverage and a free safety. Special attention is being given to:
Press Coverage & Zone Concepts – Strengthening coverage techniques to improve pass defense.
Tackling Fundamentals – Enhancing form and execution to limit big plays.
Film Study & Evaluations – Providing one-on-one coaching sessions and regular evaluations to track progress.
Offseason Events & Team Bonding
The Yellowjackets have a packed offseason schedule aimed at sharpening skills and fostering team unity:
Football Kick-Off Camp (July 9-12, Memphis High School): Players will be evaluated in key athletic metrics such as the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and agility drills.
5-on-5 Competitions (July): Facing off against other schools in small-team matchups.
Preseason Scrimmage (August): Competing against three additional teams to test early-season form.
Covent Hills Camp (August 12-15): A highlight of the offseason, this camp will include structured practices, film study, team meals, and bonding activities such as a cornhole tournament and a 3-on-3 football competition. Players will also have downtime for swimming, kayaking, and nature walks.
Key Departures & Roster Changes
Memphis High School graduated 14 of its 16 players from last season, leaving behind a young but promising roster. While replacing that much experience is no small task, the coaching staff is excited about developing new leaders and molding the next generation of Yellowjackets football. To support this transition, the program has added new coaching personnel, including a Head JV Coach, an assistant JV coach, and a Junior High Head Coach to help nurture talent at all levels.
Players to Watch
With a fresh roster, several young athletes are expected to step into key roles:
Nolan Spoutz (RB/MLB, Junior) – A physical presence on both sides of the ball.
Garrick Lichota (TE/DE, Junior) – A versatile player expected to contribute on offense and defense.
Ryver Short (FS/WR, Sophomore) – A playmaker with the ability to impact both passing and receiving.
Lucas Starnes (RB/LB, Freshman), Clayton Diaz (WR/DE, Freshman), and Bentley Burleson (QB/DB, Freshman) – A trio of talented freshmen looking to make an early impact.
Weight Lifting, Fitness & Team Activities
To build strength and camaraderie, the team has incorporated unique training methods, including a special team and family outing to a UFL Michigan Panthers game. This event will offer players and their families a chance to bond while gaining inspiration from professional athletes.
Nutrition Program
Memphis High School has partnered with Gatorade products to enhance player performance and recovery. This includes Muscle Milk for protein intake, Gatorade protein bars for energy, and hydration drinks to maintain electrolyte balance.
Coaching Strategies & Preparation
The coaching staff has refined its preparation methods to maximize player development and game-day execution:
Frequent Coaches Meetings – Ensuring alignment on game plans and player evaluations.
Opponent Breakdown Sheets & Film Sessions – Gaining strategic insights through in-depth analysis.
Staff Bonding Events – Attending UFL and Eastern Michigan College football games to strengthen coaching collaboration.
Challenges & Outlook
The biggest challenge for the Yellowjackets will be navigating the season with an inexperienced roster. With so many new players stepping into starting roles, the team must quickly adapt to varsity-level competition. Developing confidence, maintaining focus in tough situations, and embracing a growth mindset will be crucial.
While this season may come with growing pains, it’s also an exciting opportunity to build a competitive team for the future. If the young players rise to the occasion and the coaching staff continues to cultivate talent, Memphis High School could lay the groundwork for a strong program in the coming years.
: Players will be evaluated in key athletic metrics such as the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and agility drills.
5-on-5 Competitions (July): Facing off against other schools in small-team matchups.
Preseason Scrimmage (August): Competing against three additional teams to test early-season form.
Covent Hills Camp (August 12-15): A highlight of the offseason, this camp will include structured practices, film study, team meals, and bonding activities such as a cornhole tournament and a 3-on-3 football competition. Players will also have downtime for swimming, kayaking, and nature walks.
Key Departures & Roster Changes
Memphis High School graduated 14 of its 16 players from last season, leaving behind a young but promising roster. While replacing that much experience is no small task, the coaching staff is excited about developing new leaders and molding the next generation of Yellowjackets football. To support this transition, the program has added new coaching personnel, including a Head JV Coach, an assistant JV coach, and a Junior High Head Coach to help nurture talent at all levels.
Players to Watch
With a fresh roster, several young athletes are expected to step into key roles:
Nolan Spoutz (RB/MLB, Junior) – A physical presence on both sides of the ball.
Garrick Lichota (TE/DE, Junior) – A versatile player expected to contribute on offense and defense.
Ryver Short (FS/WR, Sophomore) – A playmaker with the ability to impact both passing and receiving.
Lucas Starnes (RB/LB, Freshman), Clayton Diaz (WR/DE, Freshman), and Bentley Burleson (QB/DB, Freshman) – A trio of talented freshmen looking to make an early impact.
Weight Lifting, Fitness & Team Activities
To build strength and camaraderie, the team has incorporated unique training methods, including a special team and family outing to a UFL Michigan Panthers game. This event will offer players and their families a chance to bond while gaining inspiration from professional athletes.
Nutrition Program
Memphis High School has partnered with Gatorade products to enhance player performance and recovery. This includes Muscle Milk for protein intake, Gatorade protein bars for energy, and hydration drinks to maintain electrolyte balance.
Coaching Strategies & Preparation
The coaching staff has refined its preparation methods to maximize player development and game-day execution:
Frequent Coaches Meetings – Ensuring alignment on game plans and player evaluations.
Opponent Breakdown Sheets & Film Sessions – Gaining strategic insights through in-depth analysis.
Staff Bonding Events – Attending UFL and Eastern Michigan College football games to strengthen coaching collaboration.
Challenges & Outlook
The biggest challenge for the Yellowjackets will be navigating the season with an inexperienced roster. With so many new players stepping into starting roles, the team must quickly adapt to varsity-level competition. Developing confidence, maintaining focus in tough situations, and embracing a growth mindset will be crucial.
While this season may come with growing pains, it’s also an exciting opportunity to build a competitive team for the future. If the young players rise to the occasion and the coaching staff continues to cultivate talent, Memphis High School could lay the groundwork for a strong program in the coming years.
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