High school football: Rashaun Woods introduced as John Marshall's coach

Woods was formally introduced as John Marshall's new football coach on Tuesday at the school.

“I hope you guys are as excited as I am, because I'm pretty pumped,” Woods told his players during the introduction.

Woods, who had been coaching middle school football at Millwood, recently worked out his release with that school and will officially begin at John Marshall on March 25.

He'll also teach physical education at the school.

“He's bringing in a very unique opportunity for our students, specifically our football players,” John Marshall athletic director Edith Vickers said. “He'll be a wonderful example for them to follow.”

John Marshall went 0-10 last season. Since going 9-3 in 2009, the Bears are a combined 9-21 in three years.

“My main deal is to come out and really to change lives, to have an opportunity to put kids in a position to be able to go to school and to win football games.” Woods said. “John Marshall is a school that has a lot of tradition and pride, and I want to come here and continue that tradition.”

Before going back to Millwood to coach, Woods was an assistant at Star Spencer, where the Bobcats won the 2009 state title.

“Coming into Oklahoma City Public Schools, you hear a lot of different scenarios about the kids and about whether or not they can have success and what are the reasons why some Oklahoma City Public Schools don't have success,” Woods said. “I got to learn firsthand that the kids are willing and the kids can do the things that you need them to do, you just have to really believe in them and understand that some of their backgrounds aren't the best backgrounds.”