🏈 Building a Football Program from Scratch: The Morgan High Story

In this high-energy episode of the Chop Shop Show, hosts Daryl “EZDZ” Newton, Greg “AKA Ruff” Doss, and Waldo “Dade City” Woodard sit down with Coach Mario Hollingshed and Coach Terelle Jones to dive deep into the launch of Tampa's newest high school football program—Morgan High School. With decades of coaching and playing experience between them, these two longtime friends and football veterans share their excitement and honest take on building a program from the ground up.

Coach Hollingshed, fresh off his successful tenure at Jefferson High, shares how it feels to lead a brand-new team and culture at Morgan. From laying the groundwork with his 15-person staff to fielding 50 young athletes eager to make their mark, he emphasizes how building a football program is more than X’s and O’s—it’s about mentorship, discipline, and creating future leaders. Coach Jones adds his perspective, driven by faith and a passion for molding young men into strong, responsible individuals.

The crew reflects on how high school football has changed over the years—from the hard-nosed, neighborhood rivalries of the '80s to today's era of transfers, private school recruitment, and social media hype. They discuss the decline in loyalty to home programs, the growing emphasis on highlight reels over fundamentals, and the struggle to restore pride in community schools like Brandon and King, once known for their powerhouse football traditions.

Throughout the conversation, they tackle the tough realities of coaching modern athletes: entitlement, lack of outdoor play, and the challenges of getting young players to buy into a team-first mentality. The discussion highlights how Morgan High’s football team isn’t just about wins—it’s about education, building character, and laying a foundation that will inspire generations to come.

From funny stories of their own playing days to the hurdles of starting fresh, this episode offers insight, laughs, and real talk for football fans, parents, and anyone invested in youth development and community pride.

Chapters & Timestamps
00:00 – Intro & Guest Welcome
01:30 – Launching Morgan High School Football
05:00 – The Mission: Mentorship & Leadership
09:00 – High School Football Then vs. Now
13:00 – Building Culture & Community at Morgan
16:00 – Transfers, Private Schools & Lost Loyalty
21:00 – Coaching Modern Athletes & Social Media Pressure
25:00 – Fundamentals First: The Key to Long-Term Success
30:00 – Tampa Football History & Program Pride
35:00 – Overcoming Growing Pains at a New Program
40:00 – Leadership, Facilities & Future Vision
45:00 – Real Talk: Wins, Education & Restoring Community Spirit

YouTube Tags (max 500 characters)
Chop Shop Show, Morgan High School Football, Tampa football, Coach Mario Hollingshed, Coach Terelle Jones, youth sports mentorship, high school football culture, building a football program, football loyalty, Tampa high school football, football coaching podcast, new football program, football community pride, Florida youth sports, athlete development, football fundamentals

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The Chop Shop Show is a weekly podcast based in Tampa Bay that covers a wide range of topics, including local, state, and national issues that impact the community. Hosted by a team of engaging and informative personalities, the show delves into the latest news and events from around the area, offering in-depth analysis and thought-provoking discussions on a variety of topics. In addition to covering important issues and current events, The Chop Show also features segments on entertainment and sports, keeping listeners up to date on the latest happenings in the world of pop culture and athletics. Whether you're a resident of Tampa Bay or simply interested in staying informed about the issues that matter most to your community, The Chop Show is a must-listen podcast for anyone looking to stay connected and engaged.