New JCHS Football Coach Takes the Field
Tamanna Hoskote, staff writer
With a new face on the sidelines, the Johns Creek High School (JCHS) football team is entering the season with a fresh vision. As players adjust to a different coaching style and approach, they will face new expectations, challenges and opportunities for the team. For new head coach Jason Tester, the season represents the beginning of a new chapter for him and the program.
When the opportunity to coach at JCHS came up, Coach Tester said he chose Johns Creek because it was a strong personal and professional fit, not simply because it offered a head-coaching position.
“I’m not one to chase jobs to be a head coach somewhere,” explained Coach Tester. “I need to enjoy what I do on a day-to-day basis and for it to be a good fit for my family.”
After speaking with Principal Christopher Shearer and Athletic Director Coach Kirk Call, Coach Tester added that “their responses checked the boxes for me that this is a possible fit for both of us.”
Coach Tester’s arrival gives the program a chance to establish a new identity while building on the work of the players already in the program. With a new coach comes a new approach. Coach Tester is bringing a style to the program that he said will shape how players develop both on and off the field. Coach Tester said his approach centers on genuine relationships and pushing every athlete to improve.
“Every single kid on the team, I have to find ways to push their buttons and get them to maximize their potential," said Coach Tester. “We really focus on that process. I want my players to play fast, play loose, play for each other and play the game the right way.”
As the season approaches, Coach Tester sees several strengths that could help Johns Creek compete. One of the team’s biggest strengths is that the players are eager to play the game the right way. He also believes the roster has valuable experience because “they were forced to play before they were ready for varsity football.”
Coach Tester used junior quarterback Jake Blackwelder to show the team’s passion, explaining that “it just means so much to him that he wanted to hit people.” Together, the teams' experience, discipline and enthusiasm could help Johns Creek compete with more confidence and consistency this season.
With the season ahead, Coach Tester has a clear idea of what he hopes the team can accomplish. He believes success will come from establishing a clear identity and refusing to become complacent. Even when the players have a positive game, he reminds them that they should be happy but not satisfied with what they accomplished.
“We’re going to accept it, we’re going to learn from it, we’re going to move on,” added Coach Tester. “I hope to build the team into being what it’s capable of being.”
With coach Jason Tester leading the program, the JCHS football team is entering a new chapter. His coaching style combined with the team's biggest strengths and goals for the season will shape the team’s approach moving forward. As the season unfolds, the team will have the opportunity to put his ideas into action and see how his vision translates onto the field. Now, the new season will show what this new era of the JCHS football team can become.
