Pigskin Preview: New coach and returning talent bring optimism to Heide Trask

ROCKY POINT, NC (WWAY) — New expectations are building at Heide Trask as the Titans look to make a statement this season.

After a 3-8 finish a year ago, the program enters 2026 with a new head coach, plenty of returning talent and reasons to believe this season could look different.

Rance Creech doesn’t need much of an introduction around Heide Trask. He has spent the last two years on the Titans’ staff, including time as defensive coordinator.

Now, he’s the one calling the shots.

“I love Rocky Point, I love the area, I love the kids. This feels like home to me. I’ve been searching for a home for a few years, and this just feels like the right spot,” Creech said.

Before arriving at Trask, Creech started his coaching career as a student assistant at Western Carolina. From there, his path took him to Swain County and Topsail before eventually bringing him to Rocky Point.

As he enters his first season as a head coach, Creech said the job is about more than a new title. Instead, he wants to build something that lasts.

“We wanna create a winning culture here at Trask, ’cause if you look at the history, they’ve never really had that,” Creech said.

At the center of that culture is family.

For example, the word “family” will appear on the back of the Titans’ helmets, while “brotherhood” is printed on the team’s new compression gear.

Meanwhile, Trask returns a senior class of about 11 players. Creech expects many of them to contribute on both sides of the ball.

“Kamaje Wilson and Tyrique Moore will be both playing running back and linebacker. Reece Roll will be our slot receiver, he’s dynamic and we’re excited to get him the ball out in space,” Creech said.

Among the headliners is senior Gio Driggers, a three-star offensive tackle committed to East Carolina.

Because Driggers has already played under Creech, he said the transition has been easy to buy into.

“Practice, there’s never a dull moment. We’re getting stuff done with him,” Driggers said.

For Driggers, however, what Trask wants to accomplish starts up front.

“I want the O-line to be solid, I want us to do our jobs. I want us to get it done, ’cause really your offense is built off your O-line,” Driggers said.

On offense, Creech hopes to open up the passing game this season while leaning on that experienced senior class.

At the same time, he plans to bring a more aggressive approach on defense.

“Defensively we’re gonna be much more aggressive than we were last year. But offensively we’re hoping to air it out,” Creech said.

Last season, several close games went against the Titans. This year, the team believes its added experience can help flip some of those moments.

Ultimately, the goal isn’t just to win more games. Trask also wants to establish an identity opponents will remember.

“I want them to see that we’re aggressive and we’re one unit. And like I said, if we can do that each and every night, I think we’ll have success,” Driggers said.

Heide Trask opens its season on the road against East Bladen High School on Aug. 21 at 7 p.m.