Hey, Coach Belton, thanks so much for joining us.

You are heading into your third season as the head coach of the Wildcats.

What did you learn in your first two years there?

Valdosta?

Well, first of all, thank you for having me on.

It's always great to be out here and I think you do a great job.

But also, Mason is some series I think had a big time like being in.

But also these kids love being wildcats.

They want to be great.

They want to bring tradition back of being a powerhouse.

And they really work hard and also going here.

But obviously, every Friday ever, okay, every 707, you get everybody's best because you've got them.

So when you look at how things are, they're getting ready for this season and it's going to be another tough schedule.

We'll get into that in just the second half of spring and summer workouts gone with you so far to get you ready for 23.

I think has been good.

The numbers are really high right now.

Program from from nine or 12 numbers really high on the key the perform in leadership is really good.

We've got some really good young talent from some guys.

Different position that we didn't have since I've been here.

I think we'll be more explosive all together.

It's really been good work has been good and we've learned and get to try to improve every day one step at a time.

Talk about some of that talent really quick.

Some of your guys with any power five offers.

And on the other side of that, who deserves an offer on your team of quick from spot.

Well I just think up front office and line of credit led by Jalen Burgess smoke in Arizona those guys are proven seven eight guys three year starters our quarterback in his second year playing quarterback ever talk Rob some have a great year couple of young receivers Holly Hunter Gene Prince prance for a lot of big things out of those guys this year And legend Holman he's going to be a sneak sneak approval to all of these various most.

I think those guys I'm all for is a great chance really being good defense and we are embarrassed that our play good defense was led by my Tom I think he's one the best number in the state is he 6271 note both fast and he's old school he's down here on Jalen Benton is another one that leads us.

So I think this team has a lot we have more balance, if I could say.

I think it's spread across the board.

All right.

Let's get into the schedule.

You're in 178, which means that this year you have to pack a lunch and a dinner and go to Richmond Hill as a part of as a part of your schedule winners.

Ville is at home with you this year, and you also get to start the season off by playing Massillon Washington.

I thought this one was really cool.

How did that one come to pass and what do you think about your schedule this year?

Well, first of all, you know, our skills are really tough.

We are kind of like one of the great ones.

You want to play tough opponents early, get you ready for the region on threes and play.

So you guys will be tested, battle tested the mess in game.

It was it was just a general joking conversation beyond which it was at the major league conference.

Many coaches talking about playing how great our community are played and I so I mean I play in environments we're not scared to play the great opportunity to play.

But I was scared before.

So you know, it's a one day and future and so happened our first game of the year, some new rule in the state of Florida.

We got cancer and the guy, the promoter from Ohio reached out to me about him.

We was tickled to death and was glad to go play opportunity to go play another national ranked team in Ohio and take our kid at State not to sit in this opportunity.

You can't pass up any time we're talking about Valdosta.

I have to give my in-laws a shout out.

The Howell's there in Valdosta.

I spent a lot of time down there.

But in your words, what does football mean to the community?

I know I've seen it, I've been immersed in it.

But what in your words, what does it mean in this community?

It's got family, wildcat football.

Oh, yeah.

Well, it is everything down here, the tradition, everywhere you go is somebody that's going to let me know about the holiday tradition, about us.

Look at all of us in the win in high school, in the nation is something that you can't take from right off is something that you can't you can't overlook.

And fat football is king in the south.

And I look at like his depression of being a part of it, and it's my job to keep it as one that's great school and nation.

And our last question for you is our bonus question.

Is there a funny coaching moment, funny coaching, memory, game day tradition or gameday superstition that you'd like to share?

Well, I'm a very intense guy.

I know I would never know.

But my one of my things every game ever since college, I have to have a coat and a bag of rare skills.

Here again, I defy anyone.

Oh, yeah, that's obviously I love it.

I'll have that remembrance now.

Oh, I guess Monster Red Bull combination.

Oh, wow.

You're doing okay?

Yes, It's going awesome, Coach.

Well, we appreciate you sharing that.

Thank you, Coach.

Thank you.

Thanks for hanging out with us.

We really appreciate it.

Thank you for having me.

You guys have a great day.

All right.

You two talks in.