Coaches

Chad Scott

Campus Athletic Coordinator and Head Football Coach

Coach Scott is coming into his 17th year of coaching at Vista Ridge and his 23rd year overall. He grew up in Converse, Texas, where he attended Judson High School, lettering in football and track and field. Coach Scott was an all-state linebacker with the Judson Rockets, playing for legendary Coach D.W. Rutledge, and was blessed as a player to be a part of two state championship runs with the Rockets.

Coach Scott attended Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, where he lettered in football as a linebacker for four seasons under head coach Ron Randleman, receiving all-conference honors while playing for the Bearkats. After graduating he began his coaching career in Judson ISD at Woodlake Hills Middle School, then helped open Wagner High School in San Antonio. He made the move to Vista Ridge in 2009. While at Vista Ridge he has coached outside and inside linebackers, served as defensive coordinator, and was promoted to head coach of the Rangers in 2021.

Coach Scott has been married to his wife Sherlyn for 25 years, and they have been blessed with three children: Chesni (22), Kayla (18), and Samantha Rose, in whose memory the sMiles 4 Sammy Foundation was created.

Roderick Thompson

Associate Head Coach / Defensive Coordinator / Defensive Ends

Coach Thompson is coming into his 5th year of coaching at Vista Ridge and his 18th year overall. He grew up in Lockhart, Texas, where he attended Lockhart High School, lettering in football, basketball, and track, and graduating in 2004. Coach Thompson attended the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas, where he lettered in football for four seasons. While at UMHB he was part of three ASC championship teams and the Division III National Championship runner-up his freshman year.

After graduating he began his coaching career in Copperas Cove ISD at SC Lee Junior High. He then made a stop in Breckenridge, Texas, for four years, where he coached the varsity defensive line, was the varsity basketball assistant, and was the head boys track coach. He then spent eight years coaching at Anderson High School in Austin ISD, where he coached linebackers and defensive line before becoming the Defensive Coordinator and then Interim Head Coach in football, and was the head boys track coach.

Coach Thompson has been married to his wife Dana for 17 years, and they have five children: Elexander (15), Tristan (would have been 12), Adalynn (11), Cutie (would have been 9), and Braylon (7), plus a one-year-old German Shepherd named Cru.

Tim Byerly

Offensive Coordinator / Offensive Line

Coach Byerly is entering his 9th year at Vista Ridge High School, where he serves as Offensive Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach. He has coached for 16 years overall at the high school and college levels. He graduated from Texas A&M University-Kingsville with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology/Athletic Administration. While at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, he was a four-year starter at center for the football team before moving to the coaching staff.

He has been married to his wife, Morgan, for the past 11 years. They have two children, Audrey (7) and Beau (4), who both attend Reagan Elementary. He also serves as an assistant coach with the soccer program.

Matt Garver

Special Teams Coordinator / Running Backs

My name is Matt Garver and this is my 9th year coaching at Vista Ridge and my 20th overall. I was born and raised in Plano, Texas, and graduated from the University of North Texas. Prior to Vista Ridge I was a varsity assistant baseball coach at Plano Senior High School and Plano West Senior High School. I am also the head baseball coach here at Vista.

My wife, Moriah, and I have been married for 15 years. We have twin 10-year-old boys, Maxton and McCoy, who are in the 5th grade at Reagan Elementary. Maxton has been a ball boy for our football program for 3 years. We also have two dogs: a boxer named Ranger and a black lab named Rowdy.

Travis Hardy

Defensive Passing Game Coordinator / Safeties

Entering his 10th year at Vista Ridge High School, Coach Hardy currently serves as the Defensive Passing Game Coordinator and Strength & Conditioning Coordinator. Prior to Vista Ridge, he coached at Clear Creek High School in Houston, Pflugerville Connally, and Mission High School, where he served as Defensive Coordinator.

Throughout his coaching career, Coach Hardy has had the opportunity to coach numerous All-District players and multiple athletes who have gone on to play at the next level. While those accomplishments are something he is proud of, his greatest satisfaction as a coach comes from helping players become the best versions of themselves. Seeing a player put in the work, overcome challenges, and earn the opportunity to be a contributor on Friday nights is what makes coaching so rewarding to him.

Jonathan Fleming

Passing Game Coordinator / Quarterbacks

I am entering my 4th year overall and 1st year at Vista Ridge after spending three years at Bastrop High School in Bastrop, TX, where I coached wide receivers and was the 9th grade head coach. Prior to coaching, I worked for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes after having the opportunity to play quarterback collegiately at Houston Christian University.

I am married to my wife Allie; we have been married for 10 years. We are blessed with two children: Fletcher (5), who is in kindergarten at Reagan Elementary, and River (1). In addition to football, I will be coaching baseball in the spring.

Damon Traxler

Receivers

My name is Damon Traxler and I am entering my third year at Vista Ridge and fourth year teaching overall. I am a graduate of Concordia University and I am a fellow Ranger alum (2010). In addition to football, I am also entering my second year as an assistant soccer coach. I have a wife, Amanda, and a newborn son, Beckham. Eventually you will see them at most athletic events.

Jonathan VanLiew

Receivers

I am entering my first year teaching and coaching football at Vista Ridge, my 13th year overall, after spending my first 12 years in Lampasas. I will also assist with track in the spring. I played receiver at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, where I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a minor in Kinesiology, and later obtained my M.Ed. in Educational Administration.

My wife, Stephanie, and I celebrated 20 years together this year. Our oldest son, Ayden (19), graduated from Lampasas High School in May and is currently attending Central Texas College in Killeen for his general education courses. Our other two children are attending Reagan Elementary: Addis (11) is in 5th grade, and L.J. (7) is in 1st grade.

Chris Hackerd

Assistant Coach

I am entering my first year at Vista Ridge High School after previously coaching and teaching at Hendrickson, Westwood, and Connally High Schools. Before entering education and coaching, I had a successful entrepreneurial career. I played quarterback at Baldwin Wallace College before beginning my coaching career and have coached football at multiple positions throughout my time in education.

My wife, Lindsey, and I have three children: Edyn, Jake, and Skye. Jake is also a Ranger and a member of the Vista Ridge football program. In addition to football, I serve as the Head Wrestling Coach at Vista Ridge. I am excited to be a Ranger and look forward to being part of the Vista Ridge community.

Lucas Quintero

Assistant Offensive Line

My name is Lucas Quintero and I am entering my 2nd year coaching at Vista Ridge High School. I graduated from Vista Ridge in 2013, where I played football and wrestled. From there I went on to graduate from Texas Tech University in 2018. After that I spent my first 6 years teaching math at Elgin High School before returning to Vista Ridge. I get the privilege to coach at my alma mater in the two sports I competed in as a student athlete, football and wrestling.

My wife Elsie and I will be married five years this October, and we have one son, Ambrose, who just turned 3. We also have two dogs, a pit mix named Julius and a cattle dog named Lola.

Jake Hinson

Assistant Defensive Line / Defensive Tackles

My name is Jake Hinson and this is my 4th year coaching at Vista Ridge and my 9th year overall. I am also the Head Golf Coach. I graduated from Vista Ridge High School in 2012. Prior to Vista Ridge I spent my first 5 years at Cedar Creek High School in Bastrop.

My wife Heather and I have been married for almost 3 years; she is also a Vista Ridge High School graduate (2013). We have a 7-month-old son, Hayes, and 2 dogs, Bogey and Dolly.

Cecil Johnson

Linebackers

My name is Cecil Johnson and this is my 5th year coaching at Vista Ridge and my 16th overall. I was born and raised in Athens, Texas, and graduated from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Prior to Vista Ridge I was a middle school coach for 3 years and then a varsity assistant football coach for 1 year at Copperas Cove High School. I was a varsity assistant for 7 years at L.C. Anderson High School in Austin, Texas, with my last season being named Defensive Coordinator. I also coach track and field.

My wife, Celia, and I have been married for 17 years. We have 3 daughters: Tricia (16), Rosie (9), and Vickie (8). Tricia attends Vista Ridge High School.

Cary McSwain

Cornerbacks

My name is Cary McSwain and I am entering my 14th year in education and 5th year at Vista Ridge. I was born in Dallas and grew up in Crandall, Texas, where I graduated high school in 2007. I attended Angelo State University and graduated in 2012 with my Bachelor’s degree in History. I also attended Concordia University and received my Master’s degree in Education in 2021. I will also be coaching baseball in the spring. I have a cat named Shadow.