It was the COVID year of 2020 and the Stroud Tigers’ football team was struggling.
A year after the team went 11-1, Josh Presley was the new head coach and the Tigers were struggling every week.
They lost to Meeker, 54-7, and to ancient rival Chandler, 48-0.
The only win that season was a 25-0 decision over Choteau-Mazie, which was struggling through a winless season of its own.
But, man. Has the worm ever turned for Presley and boys in blue.
In their opener, they beat Chandler, 21-14, to break a four-year winning streak by the Lions.
And last week, they smacked Meeker, 65-32, to go 5-0 for the season.
A complete flip from an 0-5 start five years ago to 5-0 and ranked No. 1 in Class 2A-1 by MaxPreps “It’s been a blast,” said Presley, whose son, Kason, has been one of the senior pillars for the Tigers. “These seniors deserve it.
“It’s been a long time coming. To be 5-0 at this time in the season, they’re pumped.
“Softball is in the state tournament and we’re 5-0. It’s a great time to be a Tiger.”
After the 1-9 record in 2020, the Tigers have went 6-6 in 2021 and then went 10-3 and reached the state quarterfinals the last two years.
Through that, Presley has been a consistent presence on the Stroud sideline, correcting when necessary and celebrating when appropriate.
He says his coaching philosophy has remained the same from 0-5 to 5-0.
“Coaching remains the same, no matter what,” he said. “We’re going to give our best effort and put our kids in a position to win.
“As far as a coach goes, you have to come to practice with the right attitude. The kids pick that up from you. You have to bring energy every practice and every season.”
Presley began his involvement with this year’s senior class when he began coaching them in fourth-grade football. We’ve been around each other along time and they know how I operate and know them well. I have a bond with them.
The Tigers open the second half of the season Friday night at home against Alva, one of two other teams who remain unbeaten in District 2A5.