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08-27-2006, 11:36 AM
Graham Preview 2006
By Andy Newberry/Times Record News
August 22, 2006
It was a hard pill to swallow."
That’s how Brad McCoy described the last two weeks of the 2005 season when Graham went from a possible District 5-3A champion to the wrong side of a third-place tie.
The Steers looked to be arriving ahead of schedule in McCoy’s first year when they rallied from a tough non-district schedule to beat Abilene Wylie and then Hirschi and Breckenridge to open district.
But losses to Vernon and Iowa Park kept the Steers outside the playoff fence and gave them more motivation for 2006.
"It was a hard pill to swallow, but we didn’t play well enough to make the playoffs," McCoy said. "We need to be a better football team than we were. We have to be more disciplined and be doing things right."
The coach is pleased with how improvement as a power lifting team has increased interest in the weight room. Having the summer 7-on-7 team make it to the state tournament has also put a smile on his face.
The Steers return 16 letterman and four offensive starters, including quarterback Cody Stansell (106-208 for 1,375 yards and 14 touchdowns).
For much of the past decade the Steers have enjoyed running behind some huge offensive linemen, something this year’s group doesn’t have.
"The line is a big question," McCoy said. "I feel strong about our skill positions, and it’s a matter of whether the big kids up front can get the job done."
McCoy lists Ben Butler (6-0, 230) as a potential star, while Alex Trijo (6-1, 215) also returns.
Jake Holub, a 6-0, 175-pound junior, will make the move from junior varsity running back to the main man on Fridays.
"Jake will be a pleasant surprise to a lot of people," McCoy said.
One guy who won’t surprise anyone is Chance McCoy, a 6-2, 175-pound senior wide receiver. McCoy had everyone’s attention by the end of his 65-catch, 13-touchdown junior campaign. Sam Forbus is also expected to contribute there.
Junior Trevor Sparks, a middle linebacker, leads the defense. Derek Sokolosky, who was part of a quarterback rotation early last season, is back in the secondary.
McCoy expects the District 6-3A race will be similar to last year’s down-to-the-wire excitement.
"It’s obviously tough. We made a really bad trade, Breckenridge for Burkburnett, which is coming down from 4A and expects to be very strong," McCoy said. "Iowa Park and Vernon have strong programs and they sustain themselves even when they lose players. Hirschi has tons of talent and tons of speed.
"There will be a good football team sitting at home."
Graham opens the season today in Abilene against Midland Greenwood.
"It’s good for the kids if you got a team that can compete," McCoy said. "It’s a bigger scene. We need to have played some big games on a larger scene for when we get in that position later in
501 post:D
By Andy Newberry/Times Record News
August 22, 2006
It was a hard pill to swallow."
That’s how Brad McCoy described the last two weeks of the 2005 season when Graham went from a possible District 5-3A champion to the wrong side of a third-place tie.
The Steers looked to be arriving ahead of schedule in McCoy’s first year when they rallied from a tough non-district schedule to beat Abilene Wylie and then Hirschi and Breckenridge to open district.
But losses to Vernon and Iowa Park kept the Steers outside the playoff fence and gave them more motivation for 2006.
"It was a hard pill to swallow, but we didn’t play well enough to make the playoffs," McCoy said. "We need to be a better football team than we were. We have to be more disciplined and be doing things right."
The coach is pleased with how improvement as a power lifting team has increased interest in the weight room. Having the summer 7-on-7 team make it to the state tournament has also put a smile on his face.
The Steers return 16 letterman and four offensive starters, including quarterback Cody Stansell (106-208 for 1,375 yards and 14 touchdowns).
For much of the past decade the Steers have enjoyed running behind some huge offensive linemen, something this year’s group doesn’t have.
"The line is a big question," McCoy said. "I feel strong about our skill positions, and it’s a matter of whether the big kids up front can get the job done."
McCoy lists Ben Butler (6-0, 230) as a potential star, while Alex Trijo (6-1, 215) also returns.
Jake Holub, a 6-0, 175-pound junior, will make the move from junior varsity running back to the main man on Fridays.
"Jake will be a pleasant surprise to a lot of people," McCoy said.
One guy who won’t surprise anyone is Chance McCoy, a 6-2, 175-pound senior wide receiver. McCoy had everyone’s attention by the end of his 65-catch, 13-touchdown junior campaign. Sam Forbus is also expected to contribute there.
Junior Trevor Sparks, a middle linebacker, leads the defense. Derek Sokolosky, who was part of a quarterback rotation early last season, is back in the secondary.
McCoy expects the District 6-3A race will be similar to last year’s down-to-the-wire excitement.
"It’s obviously tough. We made a really bad trade, Breckenridge for Burkburnett, which is coming down from 4A and expects to be very strong," McCoy said. "Iowa Park and Vernon have strong programs and they sustain themselves even when they lose players. Hirschi has tons of talent and tons of speed.
"There will be a good football team sitting at home."
Graham opens the season today in Abilene against Midland Greenwood.
"It’s good for the kids if you got a team that can compete," McCoy said. "It’s a bigger scene. We need to have played some big games on a larger scene for when we get in that position later in
501 post:D