Ball High School is a division 5A school located in the Galveston area. With a student population of over 2,000 students, the school had a great season finishing undefeated in regular season play with only seven points allowed in district play. With a final record of 10-1, the school has had a remarkable turnaround during Coach Sheldon Bennight’s tenure, which began in the pandemic year of 2020. From an 1-8 season to an incredible streak of 8 games recording shutout blowout victories, the program has evidently undergone dramatic improvement under Coach Bennight.
Having grown up in Galveston county and played against them as a student, Coach Bennight was very familiar with the program before joining Ball as head coach. Hired just weeks before the outbreak of coronavirus, coach’s first year was met with heavy disruption but soon enough he was able to settle in and make his mark on the team. Having not been a fan of moving around initially, coach learned to adapt and maximize opportunities in order to advance in the world of football. Citing Jack Welch as a mentor figure, Coach Bennight moved up through the ranks by coaching at the junior high level, freshmen level, and eventually the varsity level. He played a role in both Marshall Mavericks state championship playoff runs, as well as having a role with the North Shore football program. Having this diversity in experiences helped coach understand the fundamentals regarding development. Working hard and building good character were key elements that stuck with him no matter how different the coaching styles he witnessed were.
“Character is what wins tight ballgames, character is what’s going to drive a program, so we really concentrate on character. When I got hired I never promised any wins, a set amount of wins, I just promised our kids would be better individuals when they leave the program than when they entered.”
-Coach Bennight, HC
Coach Bennight listed character, discipline, hard work, and having fun as the backbones of his coaching philosophy. After a tough couple of years with restrictions on contact that limited the capabilities of high school athletics, he was overjoyed to finally get back to things like being able to take the team into the weight room. He stressed the fun aspect of the game was one which was becoming increasingly undervalued in youth sports. Concentrating too much on the end goal is very much something that makes adults lose sight of the purpose of these programs. For coach, making sure the kids enjoy themselves being together while developing good relationships comes before the importance placed on results.
“I thought it was important to hire coaches that are like-minded and actually enjoyed being there to help out kids. I think that our kids have responded, our community has responded, and they’ve supported what we do.”
Coach Bennight, HC
Speaking on the incredible defensive unit that anchored the team throughout the season, coach described the confidence they had and momentum they carried from last season. He thanked defensive coordinator Aduddell for his incredible contribution, describing the way he drove the team with his energy and care he showed the kids. The offensive unit also had a remarkable year, averaging an eye-watering 46 points a game in regular season play, making them one of the highest scoring teams in the state.
Off the field, Coach Bennight felt no pressure to have to force the team to participate in any group activities, as the team would instinctively meet together for team meals, or just to hang out. Coach noted that this was a testament to the team simply enjoying being around each other and forming life-long bonds, something not always easy to find among high school football programs.
As an island, the community dynamic in Galveston around Ball High School is unrivaled by other schools according to coach. Naturally, they set a high standard of expectations, and the team relishes the challenge of going out on the field and trying to meet those standards. With a rich history and culture of the island, coach expressed his gratitude towards being able to contribute towards the unity of the island.
Ahead of the 2023 season, Coach Bennight was able to give his insight on a few of the players to watch out for.
Will Cianfrini is a 6’4 190 lb. wide receiver and quarterback in the class of 2024, and was selected as a unanimous all-district player at the receiver position. With offers from UTSA, Sam Houston, Texas State, and Grambling, Will is ready to build off a great season in 2023.
Gunnar Chase is a 6’3 295 lb. offensive lineman in the class of 2024, who was an honorable mention for all-district player in 2022. With great size and potential shown last season, he looks to continue to thrive as a senior.
Jonah Williams is a 6’4 205 lb. defensive back and wide receiver in the class of 2024. Winning district MVP for the 2022 season as well as being voted onto the THSCA Super Elite team, Jonah already has nine offers from colleges including UT, Texas A&M and Oklahoma.
Malcolm Simpson, a 6’3 250 lb. defensive lineman in the class of 2025, had a great first season on the varsity team winning district newcomer of the year. He has offers from schools Texas Tech and UTSA.
Stefanos Pothos, a 5’11 195 lb. linebacker in the class of 2024, was described as a field general and the leader of the team. Named defensive player of the year as a junior, coach believes he has one of the best football minds he’s ever been around and he is set for a great senior season.
Chance Bailey, a 5’10 190 lb. outside linebacker int the class of 2024, was named 1st team all-district in his junior season.
Justis Thomas, a 5’10 205 lb. running back in the class of 2024, was also named 1st team all-district in 2022, with his speed continuing to improve and develop on the track.
Not one to put too lofty a goal, Coach Bennight expressed that the focus when it came to goals for 2023 was to continue to develop the team character. Of course, there is still ambition for the team to continue to win their district as well as win their first playoff game under Coach Bennight, but to maintain the element of fun in the game is what coach ultimately desires for the team.
“The main goal I established when I got here is 1-0. I just want to go 1-0 every week, prepare for every ballgame individually, if we do that all the accolades, rings, and prizes are going to take care of themselves.”
Coach Bennight, HC
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