The “P” on Pearland High’s helmets might as well stand for “prolific” because senior quarterback J.D. Head and the Oilers effortlessly keep the scoreboard moving.
Going into the district portion of the 2019 season, Pearland has scored an average of 48.7 points per game on the way to a 3-0 non-district mark. Second-year signal-caller Head, who transferred to the Class 6A high school last year from Jones, Oklahoma, is one of the top passers in the Houston area with 675 yards so far in his senior season.
Head coach Ricky Tullos commended the 6-foot-2-inch, 175-pound Head for hitting the ground running after his arrival at Pearland. In 2018, the then-junior led the Oilers to a District 23-6A title and a playoff appearance.
“He did a phenomenal job,” Tullos told Texas Scorecard. “He came in and showed a lot of leadership early on. He’s obviously a special talent out on the field. He got acclimated really quickly and didn’t miss a beat. He played the quarterback position as good as you can; I’m really proud of him.”
Tullos was in his first year as Pearland’s head coach the same time Head debuted for the Oilers.
Head’s seamless transition from an Oklahoma town of 2,000 people to one of Houston’s fastest-growing suburbs certainly played a role in the quarterback’s immersion into his current program, as football is an undeniable way of life in both locales.
“He’s such a competitor and a talent,” Tullos said. “Football’s football. I don’t think there was a [culture] shock whatsoever. He came in and played the game he loves and did a great job.”
Described as a pocket passer, Head threw for 2,560 yards and 25 touchdowns to earn the 23-6A 2018 Offensive MVP. Louisiana Tech garnered a verbal commitment from him.
Tullos praised Head for his accuracy, game management and ability to minimize mistakes. He recalled Head’s first time facing Katy Cinco Ranch in which the standout newcomer passed for 350 yards and six touchdowns.
“He had a dominant game and he really played well,” the coach said.
Tullos expects Head to continue running the offense at a successful rate as Pearland seeks to defend its district crown.
“The quarterback’s got to take care of the football and make good decisions,” Tullos said. “Just continue to lead – that’s what I want him to do moving forward.”
