High School Showcase: Grant HC Carl Reed

Grant Union coach Carl Reed discusses the Pacers’ running game, the details he values most and their matchup with undefeated Destiny Christian.

BY SACTOWN SPORTS

Oct 14, 2026, 4:02 PM

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Watch: Sactown Sports High School Showcase: Grant Union HC Carl Reed | 5 mins

High school football season is in full swing, bringing Friday night games to schools all throughout the Sacramento region. With plenty of potential future NFL and collegiate talent, there’s plenty to watch locally.

Sactown Sports is expanding its coverage of the local high school football scene with the ‘Sactown Sports High School Showcase’, a weekly feature highlighting top teams, players, and matchups from around the area, brought to you by IBEW Local 340: International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Each week, Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys with Whitey Gleason and Allen Stiles will be joined by a reporter, coach, or another voice connected to the local football scene to get the latest insight.

Sactown Sports High School Showcase

Grant Union Football Coach Carl Reed

For the latest edition of the High School Showcase, The Drive Guys were joined by Grant Union head football coach Carl Reed.

Carl Reed believes Grant Union is in a good spot, but the Pacers still have plenty to improve as they head into a challenging matchup with undefeated Destiny Christian.

Grant has won five straight, including a victory over McClatchy, but Reed said the team is still working toward its best football. The focus is on becoming more efficient on offense, especially in the run game, with a couple of linemen back in the lineup.

“We always look to be more efficient with our offense, especially our run game,” Reed said. “We got a couple linemen back in our lineup, so we want to improve that.”

Reed looks beyond yardage when he evaluates the team. He values second- and third-down execution, drive efficiency and whether players are carrying out their assignments.

“Your third-down efficiency, your second down, which is the most important down in football, is taking care of that,” he said.

The Pacers will need that attention to detail against Destiny Christian. Reed called the Lions athletic, noting their strong defense and a mobile quarterback who can make plays with his arm and legs.

Grant Union also has playmakers who can change a game. Reed praised receiver Kobe Chi Shabazz, saying he makes difficult catches and has delivered big plays throughout his career.

“He’s just a ball player, and if the ball’s around him, he’s gonna get it,” Reed said.

Reed said Grant’s competitive practice culture helps bring out the best in its players. With Destiny Christian ahead, the Pacers will look to carry that competition into Friday night.

Listen to and watch Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys with Kevin “Whitey” Gleason and Allen Stiles, airing weekdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. PT on Sactown Sports.