When head coach Fred Staugh took over the Monahans football team in 2019, one of his main goals included building a strong bond that could be shared between players and members of the coaching staff.
The chemistry between the Loboes has strengthened steadily over three seasons, with the team posting a 9-4 overall record in 2021 and making a run to the third round of the Class 4A Division II playoffs.
“It initially started just because of all the work we put in together, coaches and kids,” Staugh said. “Our kids just genuinely enjoy being around each other, they enjoy being at practice together, competing with one another and for one another.
“I think chemistry was really kind of our biggest building block this year in our varsity locker room, so we’re really proud of them for that and we’re glad that they have those lasting memories and those great relationships.”
Staugh has seen things come together for the Loboes and his efforts have been recognized as he has been named the Odessa American’s 2021 Coach of the Year.
Monahans got out to an undefeated start to the campaign, winning all five of its nondistrict matchups.
Things got tougher when the team started District 1-4A Division II play, suffering losses against Snyder, Greenwood and Sweetwater.
Staugh said he believes the challenges his team faced in the district prepared it for what was coming in the postseason.
“I think it really did us a favor, to be honest,” Staugh said. “We played tooth and nail, scratching and clawing every week and when you get to the playoffs, you’ve already essentially played four playoff games.
“I felt like we had already kind of been in that atmosphere.”
The head coach and his team used every regular season learning experience to their advantage, including an overtime win over Fort Stockton in September that saw a large crowd similar to the ones Monahans saw against Lubbock Estacado, Van Alstyne and Aubrey later on.
As the Loboes hit their stride, they got consistent performances from veterans and newcomers.
Sophomore Cheno Navarrette was a bright spot for Monahans at quarterback, passing for 2,432 yards and 23 touchdowns to go with 1,232 yards and 12 scores on the ground.
The seniors on the team showed how Staugh’s culture shift has positively affected the program, with linebacker Tre Gomez providing a noticeable impact with 115 total tackles on the year.
Staugh’s process of building Monahans into a strong contender in Class 4A started as soon as he got on the job.
The head coach wanted to make sure he kicked things off by finding the right people to put on his coaching staff.
He knew that his assistants would play a major role in how the players bought into the system.
“The biggest thing that went into it originally when I first got here was, I wanted to make sure that I got it right,” Staugh said. “I think it really was just a lot of work in the beginning to make sure we had the right guys, all the credit’s got to go to our staff because they do a tremendous job, they pour everything they have into our kids.”
The way younger players stepped up for the Loboes has Staugh confident that they can maintain an upward trajectory past 2021.
He already has plans for his returners to get back to work in January to get the offseason going on the right foot.
While Staugh was fond of many moments this season, one of his favorites included his team’s bi-district round win over Lubbock Estacado in November at Grande Communications Stadium in Midland.
The Loboes went into the contest as underdogs and came away with a 31-28 victory to advance to the area round against Van Alstyne.
Staugh knew he would face some tough tasks when he became the head football coach at Monahans, but he has learned and grown by giving maximum effort to his players, assistants and other community members.
“You go into the office every day, you pour everything you have into those kids and those staff members, and you hope that you can do that day in and day out,” Staugh said. “Eventually it’s going to lead to some success.”
>> Follow Chris Amaya on Twitter at @OA_CAmaya
Fred Staugh
Coach of the Year
Monahans
>> Key Stats: Staugh led the Loboes to a 9-4 overall mark, advancing three rounds deep in the Class 4A Division II playoffs.
>> Monahans coach Fred Staugh says: “You go into the office every day, you pour everything you have into those kids and those staff members, and you hope that you can do that day in and day out. Eventually it’s going to lead to some success.”
