ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Rain or shine, Mike Alstott knows what it takes to win.
As a former NFL pro that won the Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2002, there’s plenty of knowledge to share.
Now in his 11th season as Northside Christian's football head coach, Alstott has set a certain standard.
What You Need To Know
- Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Mike Alstott is the head coach of Northside Christian's football team
- Alstott is in his 11th season as the head coach and the team has an undefeated record this year
- Members of the football team say Alstott is more than just a head coach and motivated to win this year's state title
"He’s played at the highest level, so he expects greatness every day, every play, every down,” said senior Anthony Smith Jr. "Just really the best you can give him, that’s what he wants from you every day."
Those high expectations have led the Mustangs to an undefeated record this season.
"If I’m coaching one, I’m coaching all especially at that position, right?” Alstott said. "If we’re coaching the left tackle, the right tackle better be listening, if we’re coaching wide receivers on the right side, you better be listening on the left side.”
Alstott knows it’s a game of inches. Attention to detail in every rep makes the difference between wins and losses.
"The game is all in a matter of seconds, like every second matters,” said junior Zuri Watson.
The Mustangs are coming off a deep playoff run last season, their ultimate goal remains the same.
It’s something no team in Pinellas County has ever done, and that’s to win a state title.
"You got to look at the bigger picture and that’s the end of the season and where we want to be,” Alstott said. "But the personality of the team is different each and every year, and that’s where you have to, as a coach, figure out the personality — what we’re good at, what we’re not good at.”
Smith has played his high school career under Alstott and he says he’s more than a head coach.
"He’s a friend, and really a good mentor, I would love to be his caliber of player as long as I play the game of football," he said.
Northside Christian hopes to make history the season, but they’re gaining lessons that go far beyond the football field.
"Your last play is always remembered, I just want them to remember that and enjoy it and create memories with each other. High school goes fast, I tell them that all the time, so enjoy your time right here because really, it’s a 90-day season," Alstott said.
One they’re making the most of.