For the recent past, football at Albany High School has been frustrating. Each new season, especially those played under the lights at the renovated Cougar Field brought high expectations, hope for a turnaround and, dreams of a playoff birth for the first time in over a decade. Of late, these expectations were greeted by disappointment.
Will the 2011 season mark a new direction for Cougar football?
“This year is different. I think we have a real shot at NCS,” senior quarterback Kyle Tannahill said about the upcoming campaign.
Since the end of the 2010 season—in which the Cougars won only one game—the football culture has changed entirely. Bringing in a completely new coaching staff under the direction of John Trottman, and revamping a lineup that lost all starters at the skill positions, the Cougars have begun what is hoped to be a new football era.
The Cougars have changed their philosophy entirely. Running a veer attack on offense, the brute force of the line will hopefully serve as a strength, rather than Achilles’ heel as in years past.
“The veer allows us the ability to run all the time,” Tannahill explained.
“But it also allows to pass when needed. And we have a new no-huddle system we’re gonna try, as well as calling an audible when needed.”
Running this new attack will feature Tannahill under center, with senior Kyle Moore and junior Michael Rabin at running back, and junior transfer Dom Pelesauma at tight end.
“Big expectations,” Rabin said excitedly, “We’re ready to turn some heads.”
On the other side of the ball, the defense will be lead by junior standout linebacker Quinn Miyashiro.
“Now that we have had more time and practice with the defense, we have more confidence in it,” Miyashiro said.
“The plays are simpler and get right to the point,” Rabin added.
True tests to the relatively inexperienced offensive and defensive line, which contain two sophomores, will take place Oct. 7 against Piedmont. Other marquee match-ups include BSAL powerhouses Encinal on Oct. 21 and Kennedy on Oct. 28, both on the road, and Senior Night against rival St. Mary’s on Nov. 4.
Another test will be whether the Cougars depth can last through the season. The team only has 27 players on the roster.
“It’s a fresh start, and we’re excited,” Rabin concluded.
The Cougars will face off at Cougar Field this Friday at 4:30 p.m. against St. Elizabeth, the team they beat last season.
