Glass assumes helm of Curley Wolves

PRESCOTT – Sometimes dreams do come true.

For Brian Glass, his dream was to become the head coach of the Prescott Curley Wolf football team. He got the news a few days ago when Coach Tommy Poole and Superintendent Robert Poole came to the athletic period and made the announcement. “I was surprised,” Glass said, “I wasn’t expecting it, but it’s awesome.”

Glass has been the offensive coordinator for the Wolves since 2002. He’s a 1990 graduate of Prescott High School and a former Wolf player himself. Before coming to Prescott, Glass coached in Arkadelphia from 1998-2001 and was in Gurdon and Delight from 1995-97. He coached part-time at each school, coaching football in Gurdon and softball and baseball in Delight. But his goal and dream were always to return to Prescott and coach the Wolves. When the chance came in ’02, he jumped at it and has been running the offense ever since – at least until his promotion came through.

During his time at Prescott, Glass has been offered other coaching jobs, but turned them all down. He said he wants to coach here because he loves the community, it’s home and he knows the boys who’ll be playing ball.

Under Glass’ leadership as offensive coordinator, the Wolves have been a scoring machine averaging 40 or more points per game eight times and setting records for passing and rushing yardage. In 2015, he said, the Wolves averaged 415 yards per game, and in 2018 rushed for 3,660 yards. Over the last 10 years, he added, the Wolves have won 107 games and have been contenders for the state championship every season. The Wolves have made it to the semifinals four of the last five years and won the title in 2016.

“We’ve had outstanding players,” he said, crediting the boys on the field for the team’s accomplishments. The Wolves’ ultimate goal, he said, every year is the same – win the state championship. He pointed out with the experience and talent the Wolves have returning next year, there’s a good chance this will happen. Six seniors graduated from the 2019 team, which was loaded with sophomores and juniors.

Over the years, he said, the Wolves have had a lot of good groups of players. The 2020 team, he added, is no different as the players work hard and have plenty of talent. In addition, they all know the system and what’s expected of them and are willing to do what it takes to take that next step and win a state title.

There will be some shakeup in the coaching staff, he said, but nothing major. The coaches have already been informed of what’s coming up and what they’ll be doing. Glass said they’re all excited about the changes and can’t wait to get started. However, waiting is a must as the Wolves are in the middle of basketball season and both track and baseball season are right around the corner.

But, he added, the coaches are working with the players in the weight room to build quickness and conditioning for next year when Glen Rose and Jessieville return as conference foes. Prescott will be losing Camden Harmony Grove and Smackover in the redistricting. The coaching staff is also letting the players motivate one another to help build leadership. There are also team building exercises being done to make the team a more cohesive unit.

Once baseball and track seasons winds down, Glass said, the Wolves will turn toward spring football and the coaches will assume their new duties.

Glass’ family is also thrilled with his new job. He said his wife, Jill, is excited and knows this has long been a goal of his. She’s on board with the changes it’ll bring. He said the entire family is excited for him and his mother is on top of the world.

“I’ve had a fine job, getting paid to do something I love for 18 years. Things will be more fun now,” he said. “It’ll be hard, but it’ll be fun.” The best part of the job, he continued, is watching the players grow from boys who aren’t sure what they’ve gotten into, to young men working together as a team vying for the same goal and becoming top-notch athletes. “It’s rewarding,” he said.

Curley Wolf fans can expect to see changes as well. Glass has always been offensive minded and has a few new wrinkles in store for the 2020 grid campaign. He said the Wolves will adapt their philosophy to the players’ talent, and the goal is to be balanced offensively between rushing and passing; but fans can expect the team to be more wide open offensively.

Now, though, he’s focused on track and the Wolves winning a fourth consecutive state title. The Wolves have won 14 straight district titles in track, while the Curley Cubs have posted 17 district title wins in a row.

This year, Prescott will be hosting the AAA State Track Meet. This will fill Prescott up as schools from across the state, along with fans, will come to town for the meet. The state meet is set for May 5.

Getting back to football, Glass said the defense next year will be more aggressive and attacking, always looking to create turnovers. Overall, though, he said the Wolves will be more unpredictable offensively.