Prairie High School announced that James Young‑Lewis will serve as the Falcons’ head football coach for the foreseeable future. The former Clark County standout, who graduated from Evergreen High School in 2009, stepped into the role in May after the previous coach resigned.
Local roots and coaching experience
Born and raised in Clark County, Young‑Lewis played high school football at Hudson’s Bay and later at Evergreen, where he earned a reputation as a hard‑working player. Since 2015 he has worked as an assistant coach at several programs, joining Prairie’s staff in 2024 as assistant head coach and offensive coordinator. He said he has been preparing for a head‑coaching opportunity for more than a decade and felt ready when the call came.
“I’m not looking at this as a rental property; I’m ready to buy,” Young‑Lewis told parents and players at the first official practice. He added that the transition felt smoother because he was already a major part of the program, having led drills and workouts throughout the spring and summer.
Players welcome the new leadership
Senior cornerback and wide receiver Daniel Carbajal Vargas described the upcoming season as a fresh start. “It’s basically a rebuild, but we’re still going to be good,” he said after the team completed four days of full‑contact practice. Center Alvaro Sanchez, another senior, noted that many of the current players have known Young‑Lewis since their sophomore year, making the change feel natural.
“He’s always been a big leader, a big influence on us,” Sanchez added. “He’s more than a coach; he’s a mentor.”
Long‑term vision for the program
Young‑Lewis emphasized that success will not happen overnight. He compared building the program to cooking grits rather than instant oatmeal—requiring patience and consistent effort. His goal is for Prairie to become a top‑ten team in Nevada and to gain recognition across the state.
“When people look at Prairie, I want them to ask, ‘Where is that?’ and know we’re about business,” he said. The coach also highlighted the importance of character development, noting that he wants his players to be proud of their contributions both on the field and in the community.
Community support amid tragedy
The first day of practice coincided with tragic news affecting the Falcons’ community. While details remain private at the request of school officials, the team and its supporters have offered prayers for those impacted.
As the season approaches, Prairie High School families, alumni, and local fans look forward to a year of growth under Young‑Lewis’s steady leadership, hoping the Falcons will soon be a name recognized throughout Nevada high‑school football.
Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.
