While his roles have changed with the Seymour football program since his start in 1993, the Friday night lights always have held a special place in assistant coach Brad Knight’s heart.

There’s no other place he said he would rather be than on the field coaching the Owls.

Following 16 years of working with the youth teams, Knight moved up to the varsity program in 2009.

Knight, a 1991 Seymour graduate, now coaches the slot receivers and helps with the defense.

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“I specifically coach the slots and receivers, and it’s my first year of focusing on that,” Knight said. “When coach (Josh) Shattuck came in three years ago, I was one of the only members who came back from the previous staff. I essentially worked on the defensive side prior to that. I was a defensive line coach under Jeff Richey.”

While the transition from focusing on coaching defense to slots was tough, Knight said that he felt that it was best for the program with new help coming in with strong experience.

Knight said that his focus always has been the growth of the program.

“For me, its been about the program and not necessarily who’s there and running it,” Knight said. “I’ve had many friends through the transitions and that are still close. Ultimately, my involvement continues to be for the program: the big picture.”

This season, Knight’s son Chris, a senior, plays on the varsity squad and daughter, Brooke, a sophomore, is a manager for the team.

“It’s priceless,” Knight said of working with his kids. “When I started years ago, it was never a thought: (Chris) wasn’t even born yet. I’m so lucky. My daughter is also a manager. I have a great full-time job and get to spend all that time with the players and my kids; it can’t get any better. It’s a pretty good being out there on Friday nights and seeing them do what they enjoy.

“Every parent has things that they’re proud of. For myself and family it’s Friday nights at Seymour High School. It’s part of our lives.”

Outside of football, Knight works for the fire department.

During games, Knight works the sidelines with the Owls coaching staff.

Even though he focuses on slots, he still helps the defense.

“During games, I still do a lot of work with the defense,” Knight said. “I work with coach (Ryan) McCartney. I tell him what I see during the game, whether it be watching the defensive line or linebackers. It kind of depends on what team we’re focusing on.

“Offensively, when the slots come off the field I address their play. I will coach them up a little bit.”

Knight said he didn’t come from a football family but has engulfed himself in the sport since the fourth grade.

In high school, Knight was a left tackle on the Owls’ offense.

On Friday nights, there’s no place Knight would have rather been than on the field.

“You can’t ask for much better,” Knight said. “As a high school player, on Friday night, the lights come on, and it’s a special atmosphere — it also transitions into adulthood and being a coach.

“That Friday night when you come out and the fans are starting to fill the stadium, the bands playing and hot dogs are cooking, you’re like, ‘This is all right.’ The result on the scoreboard doesn’t always tell the whole story. That little piece I’m a part of I hold with thankfulness and respect. It could be anyone else, and I’m lucky enough to be there.”

Knight said he hopes to continue coaching for years to come.

“There’s no clock running,” he said. “As long as Josh is willing to have me around I would like to be involved. I don’t know what else I would do in the fall. Since the fifth grade, starting in August, all I’ve done is football. That’s all I’ve done in the evenings and on weekends, and all I’ve wanted to do.”

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What: Bedford North Lawrence (1-3) at  Seymour (0-4)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Bulleit Stadium

Radio: 92.7-WXKU

Last outing: Seymour lost to Floyd Central 35-20, BNL lost to New Albany 19-13

Most recent meeting: BNL won 44-21 on Sept. 19, 2014

Series past 30 years: Seymour 17-13

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