Ep 345| Gulf Coast Raiders

·1 hr 19 min·5 clips

Josh Heppel says football saved his life after returning from the Army and dealing with drinking problems.

The episode of Brown Water Banter features hosts Jared Seymour and Joey Cates in conversation with Donnie Handler and Josh Heppel from the Gulf Coast Raiders semi-pro football team. The interview begins with the hosts running through sponsor acknowledgments and promoting an upcoming fishing tournament. Donnie and Josh then explain their roles, with Donnie as General Manager and Josh as founder, part-owner, and head coach. Josh shares his personal backstory, revealing that football saved his life after he left the Army and struggled with drinking. The duo details the team's philosophy, emphasizing family, brotherhood, and respect as core values. They describe unique initiatives like a sponsored three-day training camp at Camp Wilkes designed to build camaraderie. The economics of semi-pro football are discussed, noting it's a volunteer-run, costly endeavor where breaking even is a success. The team operates in the Next Level Football Alliance, a league that prioritizes quality over quantity. The Raiders' first game is against the two-time defending champion Bola Cone Cardinals, a team they previously beat. Players Trevor and KJ Wheat, brothers who play quarterback and linebacker, join the conversation to discuss returning to football after high school, the physical challenges, and the team's culture. Later, another set of brothers, Jasper and Levi, share their motivations, including seeking a second chance after injury. The episode covers logistical aspects like game days at St. Patrick's High School, ticket prices, travel challenges, and the team's goal to elevate players to higher levels of football. Throughout, the guests stress community involvement, discipline, and providing opportunities for young men on and off the field.

As heard by us

A candid Gulf Coast football conversation about keeping a team alive and helping players reach the next level.

Brown Water Banter turns its attention to the Gulf Coast Raiders, using Donnie and Josh's conversation to show the practical pressure behind local football.

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Why you'd press play

You get a close look at Mississippi Gulf Coast football as the Gulf Coast Raiders talk team economics, breaking even, championship dreams, and what it means when a player gets a shot beyond the local level.

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