Triton Assistant Coach David Reece Looks to Expand Coaching Legacy at 2026 East-West All-Star Football Game

Written by Christian Bateman

GREENSBORO, N.C. — The 2026 East-West All-Star Football Game will bring together some of North Carolina’s top senior football players and most respected coaches on December 19 in Greensboro. Among those selected to represent the East is Triton High School assistant football coach David Reece, whose more than two decades of dedication to the Trojans have earned him an opportunity to coach on one of the state’s biggest high school football stages.

According to the NC East-West All-Star Games, Reece has been selected as an assistant coach for the East team, where he will oversee the running backs and work alongside some of North Carolina’s most accomplished high school football coaches.

For Reece, a longtime assistant who also serves as Triton’s head baseball coach, the selection represents recognition of years spent developing athletes and helping build a successful football program.

"Well, first off, it's a great honor to be selected as a coach, being a lifetime assistant," Reece said. "I've always been a baseball coach by trade. I'm the head baseball coach at Triton. I've been an assistant football coach at Triton for over 20 years."

When Reece first received the call about his selection, his initial reaction came with a little humor.

"When I got the call, the first thing I asked was, 'When did they do an East-West game for baseball?'" Reece joked.

Once he learned the opportunity was for football, the significance of the honor quickly became clear.

"When I was informed that I was nominated and selected, it definitely made me realize that all the hard work didn't go unnoticed," Reece said. "Coaching in this event is coming full circle in my coaching career."

More Than Two Decades at Triton

A 1999 graduate of Southwest Onslow High School, Reece grew up in Onslow County, where football became an important part of his life.

That passion eventually led him to coaching, where he has spent more than 20 years on Triton’s football staff. During that time, he has coached every offensive position group and served as the Trojans’ head junior varsity football coach for 13 years.

Triton’s run-first identity, built around variations of the Wing-T offense, has helped shape Reece’s coaching philosophy and experience.

"I'll be coaching the running backs for the East team," Reece said. "I've been the head JV coach for 13 years. I've coached every position group on the offensive side of the ball. Triton has always been a run-first team, running different variations of the Wing-T."

That experience will provide a strong foundation as the East prepares for its matchup against the West. Reece also looks forward to learning from the other coaches and sharing his own approach to the game.

"I look forward to working with the other head coaches and learning their ideas and philosophies toward the game while also sharing mine as well," Reece said. "I feel I can bring some intensity and energy to the sideline and game."

A Career Filled With Historic Milestones

Reece has been part of several defining moments in Triton football history.

In 2010, the Trojans captured what Reece described as the program’s first conference championship. Triton followed that accomplishment with additional conference titles in 2011 and 2012, while the 2012 team also completed the first undefeated regular season in school history.

More recently, Reece was part of Triton’s memorable 2022 postseason run. Entering the NCHSAA playoffs as the No. 28 seed, the Trojans advanced to the fourth round before falling to Northern Nash.

"Over the 20 years coaching at Triton, I've been able to be on staff when Triton was able to win its first conference championship back in 2010 and repeat that feat in 2011 and 2012," Reece said. "In 2012, we achieved the first undefeated regular season in school history. In 2022, we made a Cinderella playoff run as a No. 28 seed, advancing to the fourth round, eventually falling to Northern Nash."

Those accomplishments reflect the consistency and commitment that have defined Reece’s time at Triton, where player development and building a competitive culture have remained central to the program.

A Two-Sport Coach

While Reece has spent much of his career on the football field, baseball has also played a significant role in his coaching journey.

In 2023, he took over as Triton’s head baseball coach. He has also twice served as the Region 4 head baseball coach in the BodyArmor State Games of North Carolina, working with talented athletes from across the region.

His experience leading a baseball program has provided another opportunity to develop as a coach, strengthening his approach to leadership, player development and team building.

Despite his responsibilities across two sports, Reece’s focus remains on continuing to grow as a coach and making a positive impact on the athletes he works with.

An Opportunity to Learn From North Carolina’s Best

As the December 19 East-West All-Star Football Game approaches, Reece will have the opportunity to work alongside accomplished coaches and some of the state’s premier senior football players.

The experience will require the East coaching staff to bring together different offensive philosophies and prepare a talented group of athletes in a limited amount of time.

For Reece, the opportunity is about more than coaching running backs. It is a chance to continue learning, share his knowledge and build relationships with coaches and players from across North Carolina.

"Hopefully, what I bring to the table and learn from the coaches and players will help me further my career as a coach and give other coaches and players a chance to learn from me as well," Reece said.

His selection also highlights the importance of assistant coaches in building successful high school athletic programs. While head coaches often receive much of the recognition, assistants such as Reece play an essential role in developing athletes, implementing game plans and establishing the standards necessary for sustained success.

After more than 20 years of dedication to Triton football, Reece will now have the opportunity to showcase his knowledge, passion and leadership on a statewide stage.

From conference championships and an undefeated regular season to a remarkable postseason run, Reece has helped shape some of the most memorable moments in Triton football history.

Now, the longtime assistant will look to add another milestone to his coaching career in Greensboro.

For David Reece, the 2026 East-West All-Star Football Game is more than an opportunity to expand his résumé. It is a celebration of more than two decades of dedication and a reminder that the impact of a great coach is measured not by a title, but by the athletes and programs he helps develop.