HogoExclusive: Interview with Coach Jason Matlock

Last season marked the first season of Coach Jason Matlock's career as head coach of the Holston Cavalier football team and doubled as the first season since 1995 that the Cavs made it to the Region C Division 1 playoffs. Although his sideline presence for the team has had a clear positive impact on the school's program, it is the players who deserve the honor for giving the football program and the Damascus community a taste of gridiron success and expectations to carry over into seasons to come. Because HogoOnline can't interview each and every Cav football player from last season, we had to go to the next best thing..Coach Matlock himself.

Coach Matlock is a graduate of Holston High School in 2001. He was a four year starter in baseball, basketball and football. He won accolades such as All-Hogoheegee and All-Region C in each sport including All-State baseball in 2001.

After high school, Matlock went on to UVA-Wise to play baseball for another team of Cavs there. After a coaching stint at Abingdon High School, the next step for Matlock was returning to his alma-mater to be a head football coach. Fortunately for Jason, his arrival was just in time to catch the wave as a group of determined athletes from Holston High School set out to raise the bar a few notches for Cavalier teams to come and were ultimately successful.

This season is a clean slate for the Cavs who ended last season (6-5) with a tough loss to eventual Region C Division 1 Champion, Bath County. Matlock and his Cavs look to build on last year's success and revisit the division one playoffs for a consecutive year.

HogoOnline: In your high school football career, what is one single game or moment that stands out the most to you?

Coach Matlock: I don't think I can pin point one single moment that stands out. When I think about my high school football career I think about the camaraderie that comes with playing on a team and the drive to compete. Also perseverance and how to deal with tough times and overcome them are things that stand out the most to me about my playing career.

HogoOnline: When did you decide you wanted to coach football? You went to UVA-Wise and played baseball there, do you foresee coaching baseball in your future?

Coach Matlock: I did go to UVA-Wise and play baseball, and I will always love baseball, but there is something about Friday night high school football that has always excited me. When I graduated from college I first taught at Abingdon High and initially was going to just coach baseball under SWVA Coach of the year Mark Francisco. But I ended up coaching football as
well, and at that point I was hooked! I had the oportunity to be the offensive coordinator at Abingdon during my 2nd year and gained valuable experience, at that point I knew that I wanted to become a head football coach. When the job at Holston came open I felt like it was God opening the door for me, so I applied and was fortunate to get the position. I have always wanted to coach at my home school because there it is a real sense of pride for me and I felt like God could use me to make a difference.

HogoOnline: Last season was monumental for the folks in Damascus, when you took the job did you foresee having the successful season you did?

Coach Matlock: Basically what I wanted to do was raise the level of expectation. I knew that with the type of kids that were there and the administration and support that was there, that with the right work ethic success was not far away.

HogoOnline: Would you say your coaching style differs from the one you were brought up in during your playing era?

Coach Matlock: I would say that the core values of what I was brought up with is the same, but the manner in which I deliver it is kind of an eclectic mix. In today's changing game and society you have to be able to adapt while still holding true to your core values and non-negotiables.

HogoOnline: Would you say the competition level or level of athletecism has changed in the Hogo since you played?

Coach Matlock: It's hard to say, I'd say it is about the same. The Hogo has always been a
competitive district.

HogoOnline: What about your style of coaching has brought an immediate success to the Cav football team?

Coach Matlock: I don't know if it is really anything that I do. My coaching staff and I just try to bring intensity and enthusiasm everyday and try to instill a good work ethic to put in the work you need to in order to be successful. Mostly the credit can be given to the players for picking it up and working hard. We can only take them to a certain point, and it is up to them to carry it out, and they have done so.

HogoOnline: I know the Bristol Herald has probably already interrogated you on the upcoming season, but for HogoOnline, what excites you about your Cavs this fall? How do you feel about the rest of the district's teams?

Coach Matlock: What excites my about my team this year is that they are a very hardworking bunch of guys. I feel like the district is pretty balanced this year top to bottom. It is probably the most balanced it has been in several years.

HogoOnline: Do you see yourself coaching the Cavs in the next 5-10 years?

Coach Matlock: I'm not planning on going anywhere. This is the job that I want.

HogoOnline: Can the Region C expect Holston to be a playoff possibility every season?

Coach Matlock: I think that is the ultimate goal for any football team, to build tradition and perennially be in the playoffs.


Thanks to Coach Jason Matlock for helping us out! HogoOnline wishes the Cavs a safe and successful season in 08!