Orlando Gray a hard charging inspirational head football coach at Rocky River High School is setting a new tone and culture at the Ravens complex in Mint Hill.
He is a versatile coach and defensive coordinator who knows how to motivate his players. The coach can manage the administrative side of a football program with his previous business experience along with his military and 20 year coaching background. His unique and diverse experience has shaped him as an individual, teacher and coach. Also, he can establish positive relationships with players and their families.
His background is very strong on the defensive side of the ball as he specialized in defensive positions and special teams. Maybe, this is why the Ravens have fielded a solid defense along with a good performance on the kicking teams through their first two games. The challenge has been on the offensive side of the game and the coaching staff is focused on improving their ground game to open up the passing lanes. “The team has been having a difficult time mounting drives consistently and maintaining discipline on the offensive side, we intend to improve this week against Vance,” said coach Gray.
Coach Gray was most recently the Assistant Head Football Coach and Defensive Coordinator at West Iredell High School in Statesville, North Carolina. Therefore, Rocky River is his first head coaching position at the high school level in a tough competitive conference that includes powerhouse teams from Butler and Myers Park. The rest of the competition including rival Independence and other programs will be a test for the Ravens who have 21 seniors on the team, however, 12 are new players to the football program. Many underclassman will have to play a major roll in their development, contribution and maturity to compete successfully.
The coach believes in his coaching staff and group of young men who want to compete and start a winning tradition at Rocky River. “It’s not only about winning, we want to build character, teamwork, educate and produce better individuals who will become productive in our society,” said coach Gray.
The Ravens are at home against Vance this coming Friday night at 7:00 PM and are looking for their first win of the season. There was a small crowd on hand during the season opener against Berry, it would be great to get more local football fans in the seats in a beautiful stadium setting on campus. All local fans who enjoy good high school football should come out to watch a home game when Independence is on the road to give these young men more support.
