Stowers is back in charge of Timberwolves

Woodcreek High School has chosen a familiar face to lead its football program. Kyle Stowers, 42, a teacher at the school for the last 12 years, is back as head coach of the varsity football team after being away for six years. Stowers served as Woodcreek's co-head coach with Brad Hunkins for four years from 2015-18, where the two compiled a 19-22 record with one playoff berth. Hunkins took over in 2019 and served as head coach through the 2024 season. Since then, Stowers coached with his brother, Jason, also a former head coach at Woodcreek (2012-13), at Colfax High School in 2022-23, as well as with the Del Oro youth football program. "I have a passion for football and being around young people," Stowers said. "Years ago, after I stopped coaching, I contemplated other jobs, but I got caught up in raising my kids and trying to coach their youth sports. I put my aspirations aside and on the backburner. "I never left here because I really like the school. I like the administration. I like the athletic director. The kids are great, and it's a great place to teach. In some ways, I believe everything happens for a reason. When Brad stepped aside and there was an opportunity to get back in, I took as it was meant to be." Woodcreek Athletic Director Grant Guensler is happy to have Stowers as the football coach. "We're thrilled to announce the appointment of Kyle Stowers as the new head football coach," Guensler said. "With an impressive track record and a deep commitment to developing both athletes and leaders, Coach Stowers brings a wealth of experience and passion to the Woodcreek football program." Stowers is excited to take over the football program. "Brad did a great job and has gotten the program headed in the right direction," Stowers said. "There are a lot of things we want to continue to do, one of which is making a run in the playoffs every year. We want to continue to cultivate a program through raising and mentoring young men. Before that, we've got to hire a great coaching staff. Winning will take care of itself if we do all those things the right way." Stowers met with the team last week and is excited to get started. "I know change can be difficult, but I'm excited and I hope they're excited," Stowers said. "We talked about my expectations for them, which I called laying the foundation. I know the team was extremely young last year and that accounts for some of their tough losses. I see a ton of potential, though. Just the look on their faces, I see a lot of young men who love the game and love each other. I see an opportunity for them to grow and me to grow. I feel being around young people keeps me young and I wake up every day with a greater sense of purpose." While Stowers said Paul Benoit will return as defensive coordinator, the offense will change from a flexbone triple option. "We're going to bring in a more balanced attack that will feature the quarterback in pistol or gun," Stowers said. "We're going to be more balanced, more multiple. We want to throw the football." Stowers played college football at Occidental. He then coached four years at Colfax under Tony Martello before spending two years under Casey Taylor at Del Oro. Stowers then coached on his brother's staff at Woodcreek in 2013-14. Stowers lives in Rocklin with his wife, Lani, and their three children: Landon, 14, Blake, 12 and Libby, 8. He teaches AP history, US history and physical education at Woodcreek.