Southfield

Mutual education

By Mike Moore
C & G Sports Writer

First-year coach and young team learning together at Southfield Christian

SOUTHFIELD — Harold Macks wasn’t afraid to admit it. In fact, in an odd yet understandable way, he took a lot of pride in what he had to say.

“I was out-coached,” the head man of the Southfield Christian football program said of a 36-15 loss to Ashley High in the season opener Aug. 28. “Their coach got me. They did some things we hadn’t seen and we weren’t ready for. But you know what, it’s a refreshing feeling. We’re going to learn a lot from this and get better because of it.”

If you get the feeling Macks is enjoying his job, you’d be right on.

The Redford resident is ecstatic with his first head-coaching job. But more than that, he’s thrilled with the potential and promise that the job has to offer.

“Football is growing here, and it’s a joy to be part of it,” Macks, 47, said. “A year ago, we had 17 kids on the team. Right now, we have a roster of 22.We’re trying to build a tradition here, and it’s a lot of fun. It’s a great atmosphere.”

Asked if he had any butterflies before the Ashley game, Macks laughed.

“No, not really,” he said. “Honestly, I was just anxious to see how some of our guys were going to play. Football is a brand new concept for a lot of them.”

The Eagles’ starting lineup included one freshman and six sophomores, and three starters had never played football at all before this year.

The inexperience was evident in the team’s seven turnovers, but Southfield Christian trailed just 16-0 at halftime and 24-12 in the second half.

“We made some mistakes, but the kids were resilient,” Macks said. “It’s always tough to lose, but I can’t be disappointed in the effort at all.”

As for the future of the program, both this year and the years to come, Macks said it’s a pretty simple concept.

“We’re all about building character kids, and football has a great way of doing that,” he said. “We had a great offseason, with more kids working out than ever before. Now it’s about mutual growth. The (players) are gaining experience every week, and us coaches are learning how to do certain things. Like I said, it’s a great process. We’re already enjoying it.”

As for the possibility of someday being the one that’s doing the out-coaching, Macks just laughed.

“I’m looking forward to that day,” he said. “I’m just hoping it’s not too far off.”

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Mike Moore at mmoore@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1038.