Page 42 - PHS 2025 media guide

Head Coach BJ gotte

A Path that leads to a Destination

Someone once said, “Life is a journey that consists
of a path that leads to a destination.”
Since B.J. Gotte arrived in Pearland as the head
coach of the Oilers, one could easily see he is all about
the journey that leads to a destination.
When that journey is broken down, there are three
parts: a path in non-district action, a path through
district competition with the ultimate goal of winning
the league title, and advancing through the playoffs as
far as possible with the ultimate goal of winning a state
championship.
Gotte has been on this journey in the past with great
success, and he is building a strong football program to
see Pearland become one of the upper echelon teams
in the state of Texas. The Oilers have experienced
three successful seasons under the guidance of coach
Gotte, who has compiled a 24-11 record with three
playoff appearances. It appears his fourth year at the helm of the Oilers may prove to be his greatest
season to date, with a vision to make a deep playoff run.
When asked about the contrast of the program three years ago to now Gotte said, “The contrast is
pretty stark from our point of view. Any time there is a change in leadership, an adjustment phase can be
expected, and we were no different. The overall understanding of schemes over the three phases, as well
as the physical development of our players have improved steadily every year.”

Pearland fans noticed the difference last
season as the players have gotten bigger and
faster compared to a couple of previous years
under different leadership after former head coach
Tony Heath retired in 2016.
“Of course, our goal entering the 2025 season
is to win the District 22-6A title and to compete for
a state championship,” Gotte said. The Oilers are
the pre-season favorite to capture the district title
according to the state polls, which has Pearland
ranked No. 18 in the state.
The Oilers will be talented on offense as first-
team All-District QB Jake Westmoreland, first-team
All-District WR Jordan “Jet” Hernandez, RB Ryan
Miller, FB Dominic Tiechelman, and TE Maverick
Garner all return.

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