Let's Talk Football - Nolensville Town Life

An Interview with NHS Head Football Coach Scott Stidham

1. As you begin your second season at Nolensville, how has the team grown since you first arrived, and what excites you most about this year’s group?

We’re bigger, stronger, and faster since last season. We had a year in the weight room together, and our numbers reflect the improvement our players have made. They worked extremely hard and we’re excited about the season.

2. Who are some of the returning players that fans should keep an eye on this season, and what leadership have they shown during the offseason?

We return 7 starters each on offense and defense. Offensively we’re excited about returning 4 of our offensive linemen: Steven Diaz, Brayden Holland, Ethan Morelock, and Croix Parks. In addition, we return Andrew Harrison at TE, Tristen Lithmexay at RB, and Ryan Newell at QB. Defensively we return Defensive Linemen: Jake Sentell and Andrew Harrison. William Tomlinson and Cole Creciun at LB as well as Brennan Bialek and Caden Woodard. These guys are part of a special Senior class of 28 players.
They have been great leaders and shown our young players what it takes to win at
this level.

3. Every team develops its own identity. What do you expect the identity of the
2026 Knights to be on both offense and defense?

We are striving to be a disciplined offense who can run and pass equally well. That of course starts with a physical offensive line. Defensively we want to create turnovers with an aggressive and physical defense.

4. What position groups have made the biggest strides since spring practice, and where have you seen the most competition for playing time?

I hope all of them have made the biggest strides! But I would have to say our Wide Receiver and Defensive Back groups. We lost 3 starters at WR and 2 at Corner. They will be very difficult to replace, but we have several kids working to get playing time.

5. What have your players accomplished this summer—in the weight room, at camps, and in team workouts—that gives you confidence heading into the season?

We worked out this summer at 6 am and had great attendance at all of them. They like to be coached and pushed to get better. They believe in high standards and the accountability it takes to be a special team. We are using some new technology (GPS trackers, timing gates, jump sensors, and velocity training) that measures their speed, explosiveness, and overall athleticism. The numbers show the players the improvement they’ve made in every area.

6. Looking at your schedule, what challenges do you expect your team to face, and how do you prepare your players for such a competitive slate?

It’s the same opponents as last year with home and away games flipped. It starts with Lebanon, Blackman, and Page who defeated us last year. Plus, I think the teams we were fortunate to beat last season will be greatly improved: Summit, Overton, Tullahoma, Lawson, Hillsboro, Centennial, and Rossview. We’ve been preparing for this since January. The players have embraced the process of Winter Workouts, Spring Practice, Summer Workouts, 7on7, and now Preseason practice. They know that everything we do has a purpose and they are working to have a special season.

7. Beyond wins and losses, what goals have you set for this team, and what would you consider a successful 2026 season?

I want them these players to enjoy the journey. They’ve set high goals, but it can’t just be about the destination. Embrace the hard work, enjoy the time with your teammates in the locker room, on the bus, eating meals together, and being a football player at a very special high school. I always believe that we really won’t know if we had a successful season for about 20 years. That’s when we want all of our players to be great husbands, fathers, employees, and outstanding members of the community.

8. What message would you like to share with the Nolensville community and Knights fans as they get ready to support the team this fall?

There is no better place to play football on Friday nights than Nolensville High School because of the exciting environment that our students and community bring to the stadium each week. Come out to see our new turf, resurfaced track, LED lights, and video board. Thank you for all of your support that made the video board a reality for our program. You will also love watching this football team play. Their effort will be special on every play. They will bring a physical and exciting brand of football.