Season preview: Will talented, experienced defense set tone for Trophy Club Nelson?
Trophy Club Nelson had a solid season in 2022, winning 11 games and making a regional semifinal in Class 6A-D2. What is in store in 2023?
Head coach Travis Pride said the expectations for Bobcat football are the same every season.
“We just want to reach our full potential,” Pride said.
What is their full potential? The sky is the limit for Trophy Club Nelson, who returns an abundance of defensive talent.
Pride said the team is “trying to make it to the state championship.”
A dominant defense
The Bobcat defense is highlighted by four elite players: safety David Kabongo, safety Ashton Williams, linebacker Eze Osondu and corner back Jonathan Kabeya.
Pride said Kabeya, a transfer from Colleyville Heritage, plays with confidence, which adds “another level” to his game. He said Kabeya believes no one can make a catch on him.
“Confidence has a lot to do with athletic ability,” Pride said. “You have to have the athletic ability to even get to that point.”
Kabeya has offers from Texas Tech, Arkansas, Tulane, BYU and Arizona State to name a few. Williams had high praise for his teammate, calling him a “lockdown corner.”
“We can really just line him up against anybody,” Williams said. “It doesn’t really matter who it is, and you’re shutting down their game.”
Pride said Williams, a Tulsa commit, is good in pass coverage and run support. Kabeya spoke highly of Williams, saying he leads by example.
“He’s a hard worker and he sets the tone on defense,” Kabeya said. “He gets us hyped. I love playing with him. He’s really aggressive and smart, and he reads offenses well.”
The Bobcats have more than one vocal presence. Williams called Kabongo the “voice of the defense.”
“He’s the guy that knows everyone’s job and where they shouldn’t be,” Williams said. “He’s kind of the backbone of the defense. He’s that deep safety where if all else fails at the lower level, he’s there to back it up.”
Osondu also stands out as a playmaker. Pride called him a lengthy, athletic player who really loves to play the game of football.
“He’s tall. He’s fast. He smiles,” Pride said. “He’s strong. He plays hard. He plays downhill.”
Pride said coaches don’t have favorite players, but Osodu’s love for the game and strong attitude makes him “very likable” and coachable.
The defense’s camaraderie and chemistry is a strong point. Williams said the trust allows the group to play freely.
“We know if someone doesn’t make a play, then your other teammate is gonna be there and back you up every single time,” Williams said.
A fresh offense
The Bobcat offense is young and inexperienced compared to the defense. Pride said he doesn’t expect a performance drop-off and added some players that are set to start this season barely missed a starting role in 2022.
Pride said he likes the quarterback situation. Senior Tom VonGrote will be in the mix for the starting job, although he’ll have competition from junior Grant Bizjack, a versatile athlete.
Another strength is the offensive line, according to Pride.
Pride said the experienced defense will lead the charge and the offense will respond accordingly. He said, however, that the team needs repetitions and shouldn’t pressure themselves to “do more than they’re supposed to.”
“I think I think it might take us a couple of games to kind of get into the rhythm, but I think our offense is gonna be really, really good and very effective,” Pride said.
Pride’s coaching style
Pride described himself as reserved with a “fiery side.” He said the most important lesson to learn as a coach is to hire assistants you can trust and let them do their jobs.
He avoids micromanaging and tries to be a motivational voice for the players.
Williams said Pride trusts the players’ judgment and considers adjustments they suggest.
“He really listens to the players and allows us to communicate what we’re seeing on the field, and what we think should be done,” Williams said.
Kabeya said Pride is “a great coach but also a great man.”
“He cares about the players and the team,” Kabeya said. “He wants us to succeed on and off the field. That’s what I love about coach Pride. He is always going to get the best out of us and he is never going to cheat us.”
The Bobcats will open their season against Plano on Aug. 25 at Clark Stadium.
