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What still drives a coach who has already reached the mountaintop?

On Episode 5 of For Love of the Game, we sit down with Southside High School Head Football Coach Jess Curtis—a coach who helped turn his hometown of Many into a championship program, reaching six state championship games and winning three state titles.

But this conversation goes far beyond the trophies.

Coach Curtis takes us back to where his love of football began: throwing the ball in the yard with his dad and brothers, growing up in a football family, and dreaming about what Many football could one day become. He remembers the people who believed in him before the championships ever came—the coaches and administrators who gave him an opportunity, the staff members who stood beside him, the players who bought into the vision, and a community that made Friday nights something special.

He also shares one of the most important lessons behind his success: great programs aren't built by one person. They're built by empowering good people, developing relationships, creating belief, and getting everyone pulling in the same direction.

Now, after reaching the mountaintop at Many, Curtis has found a new mountain to climb.

At Southside High School in Youngsville, he inherited a program with a strong foundation, embraced a staff he believes in, and has helped lead the Sharks to back-to-back quarterfinal appearances. But he's not interested in stopping there.

The goal is clear: build a championship culture at Southside and see just how high this program can climb.

This is a conversation about gratitude, belief, leadership, relationships, second chapters—and the fire that keeps burning even after you've already experienced the view from the top.

Episode 5: Beyond the Mountaintop — Jess Curtis.

This is For Love of the Game.

This is For Love of the Game with Coach Jess Curtis.

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