Hampton aims to build winning tradition from the ground up at Doniphan

DONIPHAN, Mo. — Doniphan has tapped a Sikeston native to lead its football program in a new direction. 

Nathan Hampton, the former offensive coordinator at Portageville, has been named the Dons’ new head coach. 

“This was a good opportunity for me to become a head coach which was always a dream,” Hampton said. “This place has a lot of potential. There is a good makeup of football kids and nice facilities.”

Hampton arrives at Doniphan after a successful stint at Portageville, where he orchestrated a high-powered offense that averaged 35.7 points per game over four seasons. Under his guidance, the Bulldogs secured a district championship in 2022 and notched back-to-back 10-win seasons the past two years. 

“Ian Penrod was an incredible mentor,” Hampton said. “He taught me so much about what it takes to build a successful program from the ground up —  everything from holding players accountable on and off the field to maximizing every minute in the weight room and at practice. I’m incredibly grateful for his guidance and the chance to learn firsthand the importance of those little details. They do make all the difference.”

The new coach is no stranger to the gridiron. A former quarterback at Sikeston, Hampton led his team to a 7-4 record during his senior year before playing college football at Central Methodist University for four years. 

After hanging up his cleats, Hampton's passion for the game led him to coach, where he is ready to translate his knowledge into wins for the Dons.

Hampton is inheriting a program that has struggled since entering varsity play in 2018, with an overall record of 4-52. However, the new coach is undeterred, emphasizing the potential he sees in the team. 

“My immediate goals for the program are to have a winning season next year, get stronger in the weight room, and increase the size of our roster, “ he said. “But the biggest challenge facing high school football programs is participation. To help combat that, you have to make those relationships with players and let them know you truly care about them and want them to succeed in football and life.”

Hampton's approach to coaching reflects his own experiences as a player and his understanding of the challenges faced by small-town programs. He plans to implement a structured and disciplined program, emphasizing fundamentals and physical conditioning while also fostering a sense of camaraderie and team spirit.

“When people think of Doniphan football I want them to think of tough, hard-nosed teams that give all-out effort, and play the game the right way,” Hampton concluded. “Our job is to mold young men into being productive, quality, successful people after high school.”

The road ahead won't be easy, but Hampton is confident that the team is on the right track. With his leadership, experience, and commitment to building a positive culture, the team is poised to make significant strides in the coming years.