Valley's Sheppard Steps Down After 6 Years
PURCELLVILLE, VA - This evening, Gameday Magazine learned that Loudoun Valley Head Football Coach Bruce Sheppard had in fact resigned yesterday. There had been rumors that something was in fact happening concerning Sheppard's future at the Purcellville school, and a phone call with the Viking skipper confirmed it to be true.
"It was a really tough decision to make," Sheppard said. "I just felt like it was the right thing to do for me and my family, and I'm confident that the Vikings are in good shape to move forward."
Sheppard took over the Loudoun Valley program back in 2002 and quickly turned it into a playoff contender. His teams were known for tough physical defense, and a powerful running game that featured skill athletes at the quarterback position, and a bruising offensive line. Under Sheppard's leadership, the Vikings finished near or at the top of their district in just about every year he was at the helm.
Through the years, Sheppard has become one of the staples of football coaching in Loudoun County, and he will sorely be missed. With the season less than a few months away, Sheppard emphasized that he was confident that the Vikings are going to once again be strong in 2008 with or without him as head coach.
"I've been working really hard to get everything in order, and I feel comfortable that the program will move forward in a positive direction this fall," Sheppard said. "The kids we have in the program now have worked their tails off, and we were really young last year, so I'm expecting big things for them in the future."
The Vikings made the move to the Cedar Run district last year with a group of sophomores and juniors leading the way, and the result was a year of bumps and bruises. However, Valley returns some outstanding talent with experience in the fall, and those that have watched Sheppard's teams in the past should know that the Vikings won't be an easy win this season.
In 2002, when Sheppard took over, the Vikings were looking for discipline and stability, and the former James Wood coach gave them exactly that. Valley hadn't been to the playoffs in 17 years, and in Sheppard's second season, the Vikings made it to the post-season and nearly beat rival Stone Bridge on the road. Sheppard's Vikings often flirted with the post-season, but their only other appearance was in 2005, when they won the National District and finished 9-2.
During Sheppard's time at Valley, the Vikings have sent over 20 players to various levels of college football. The most notable may have been former All Gameday players Stephen Sheehan (Harvard) and Patrick Conroy (Brown University).
The Vikings committed to an intense off-season workout program, and Sheppard continually studied new ways to compete at the highest level. After years of running his vaunted veer option offense, Sheppard adopted a new offensive scheme in 2007, switching to the popular spread offensive attack that featured more passing. The switch to this offense and the transition that it usually takes was one reason why Sheppard had mixed feelings about the timing of his departure.
"Knowing we were in the middle of implementing this new scheme, and improving this year with the kids made it tough to step away from, but I know this is the right decision for me and my family," Sheppard said.
When asked whether or not coaching in the future was still a possibility, Sheppard left the door open.
"I'm stepping down now and the reason it is so tough is because I still have the fire and the passion for the game," Sheppard said. "I don't know what the future holds, but I love this game and I love working with the kids, so I might still have some time left on the sidelines down the road."
Sheppard finished with an overall record of 35-27 as head coach at Valley, including two playoff appearances. The search for a new successor will begin immediately according to the Viking athletic department.
Best Wishes Coach!
On behalf of the Gameday staff, we want to thank Coach Sheppard for his professionalism over the years. Coach, you have been a first class guy to deal with and we wish you and your family the best in the future.
