New La Conner High football coach ready to tackle job

Jeff Scoma plans to Wing it as La Conner High’s new head football coach, and that should be a good thing.

Winging it, after all, doesn’t mean leaving anything to chance. Quite the opposite, as far as Scoma is concerned.

A seven-year veteran of the powerhouse Bellevue system, Scoma told the Weekly News on Thursday he will bring classic time-tested Wing-T offensive concepts with him to Whittaker Field.

“I learned the Wing-T and most of what I know from the many great coaches in Bellevue,” Scoma said.

The new Braves mentor coached at all levels in Bellevue, from youth to high school. Bellevue High won 11 state 3A football titles between 2001 and 2013, earning national recognition for its precision running of the Wing-T, which features a wing back just off the tight end on the strong side and a split end lined up on the weak side.

The Wing-T is primarily a run attack but is also conducive to play-action passes.

Defensively, Scoma will employ different fronts and coverages, he said.

"We will be a disciplined team with strong fundamentals, that flies around the field,” Scoma said.

Scoma grew up in Peoria, Illinois, previously resided in East Grand Rapids, Michigan and graduated from Arizona State University.

“Being part of a smaller community where I can get to know the kids, the families and the entire community is exciting,” he said of his La Conner position.

Scoma has lived in the Seattle area since 2003 and is employed as a sales manager with Sports Endeavors, Inc.

“Fortunately,” he said, “I have a very flexible schedule that allows me to commit the time to the kids and the program.”

Scoma arrives in La Conner amid the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The biggest challenge,” Scoma said, referring to the virus crisis, “is setting up our calendar as the dates aren’t firmed up at this point.”

Scoma is hopeful the coronavirus can be curbed and is excited about the prospect of coaching in La Conner this fall.

“La Conner is a great place,” he said, “with a history of success in athletics.”

The Braves reeled off six straight 2B post-season grid appearances starting in 2011, with Scoma’s predecessor, Peter Voorhees, having guided La Conner to the state playoffs in 2016.

Voorhees, a La Conner High social studies teacher, leads the school’s track-and-field program.

Scoma enjoyed a tremendous run at Bellevue, guiding the Wolverines junior varsity to an 8-1 mark and KingCo Conference title a year ago. His youth teams compiled an overall 52-2-1 record and four championships.

But wins and losses are just a fraction of the equation for Scoma. He believes playing football and being part of a team can have a lifelong positive impact.

“I’m looking to establish a culture where we win in the classroom, on the football field and as family members,” Scoma said. “From a football-only perspective, we will look to engage the community and create Friday nights that are special in La Conner.”

Scoma is recognized for his ability to develop players, including those with little or no prior football experience. His roster had 11 such players last year.

“Each kid played every game,” he stressed. “If the kids are willing to commit and put forth the effort, the coaches and I will do everything possible to coach them up and provide opportunities to earn playing time.

“I am a big believer in strong fundamentals, creating a positive environment, and pushing the kids to give their very best effort,” he added. “Part of the lessons we teach is that preparation, hard work, and effort translate into success.”

Scoma has met some of the La Conner staff “virtually” and looks to return most of the coaches from last year’s team. He intends having a Zoom call with the entire team, prospective players and parents to share his vision and plan for La Conner football.

Scoma is married with three children, a freshman son and two daughters in college. He is looking forward to fostering a family atmosphere around the Braves.

“Having La Conner support the local high school and kids,” he said, “is a great feeling.”

La Conner Middle and High School Principal and Athletic Director Kathy Herrera joined Voorhees in greeting Scoma on campus last week.

“Jeff is extremely excited to meet our players, teachers and community members,” Herrera said afterward. “I’m excited to have him onboard with us and look forward to working with him.”