At Patrick Henry the football program is centered around the concept of creating a family atmosphere.  To some it may sound cliche or trite, but in actuality a strong "family-like" bond forms between the players and the coaching staff.  It begins in the players' first season from the father-like passion and enthusiasm of Freshman Head Coach, Leroy Dailey.  His fervent messages about loyalty, heart, and responsibility to each other begin to sink in and change the way these boys see themselves and each other.  Each subsequent year, the message comes strong and powerful from the JV and Varsity coaching staffs. Because of these coaches and their message of family, these boys grow up knowing how to look out for each other, how to give their best for each other, and knowing what it means to sweat, bruise, and bleed for the sake of the whole.  

In 2009, a freshman player named Darren Shanks was diagnosed with cancer.  As he was forced to step off the field and battle the disease, he was surrounded by the love of his teammates.  When the Make-A-Wish Foundation came calling to grant him a blessing of his choosing, Darren surprised just about everyone.  Instead of a trip to Disney World, a big screen TV, or any other self-comforting gift he could have asked for, Darren Shanks asked for new uniforms for the Patrick Henry Football program.  

Darren recovered from the cancer and the debilitating treatments, but was not able to get back on the field for his sophomore or junior seasons.  However, he still remains close to the team and does what he can to encourage them and lead them forward.  When recently asked about the meaning of the PHHS football program he couldn't contain himself as an enormous smile stretched across his face.  "This place is family to me.  It is about the guy next to you, player or coach.  We stick together... no matter what. That's what family does."

Please take a moment to click on the coaches' individual pictures and read what they have to say about why they coach football.  You will see a consistent and remarkable message of "family values and caring" across their personal motivations.

We are Patriot Football.  We are a family.  Join us.





















.