Father-son combo working just fine at James Island

By David Shelton

Staff Writer

James Island – Most high school coaches covet the opportunity to coach their own son. But, with that opportunity comes pressure.

James Island head football coach John Patterson thought long and hard before leaving the college coaching ranks to become a high school coach five years ago. With an athletic son, Bo, growing up, Patterson realized that if he took a high school job, he would be coaching his son.

“I talked to a lot of people who I know in the business and who had coached their own son,” said Patterson. “About half of them said it was a great experience and the other half said it was not a good thing for them.

“The one common factor for the coaches who had a great experience was that their son was a good player. I think that’s easier if the player can play. It’s a lot different if the player is not as good as the other players and you put him out there. But, if he’s not as good and you don’t play him, then you have to deal with momma, and that ain’t a good thing either. Fortunately, in our case, Bo has been a good player and he’s always been able to prove that he belongs on the field.”

Bo Patterson has indeed proven his belongs. The 6-1, 185-pounder runs a sub 4.5 in the 40. He was one of the top junior receivers in the state with 75 receptions for 1,007 yards. In his junior varsity and varsity career, Patterson has played running back, quarterback, receiver, defensive back and whatever else his coach needed him to play.

This fall, Patterson is moving to quarterback. While being recruited by Division I schools as a pass catcher, Patterson is making the sacrifice to play under center for the good of the team.

“I’ll do whatever it takes to help us win,” said Patterson, who sports a 4.5 grade-point-average in the classroom. “I can make some things happen with my feet and running ability so we’ll adjust the offense some, probably run a little more but still be in the spread.”

Coach Patterson has no reservations about putting the offense in the hands of his son this season.

“He has done well at whatever we’ve asked of him and he will do a solid job for us,” said the coach. “He’s a talented athlete but he works very hard. He’s a smart kid and he’s a leader. I’m proud of him as his coach and his father.”

Being the quarterback may mean a lot of late night skull sessions at home with dad. But Bo doesn’t think things will change that much.

“We try to leave it at the field as much as possible, unless I have questions,” he said. “We talk about a lot of stuff, not just football. I’ve learned a lot from him and I know I can go ask him anything. I like to think I more about the game than the guys I am playing against because my dad is a coach. I really think that gives me an advantage.”