When Terry George took over as coach for the Carlynton Cougars, friends phoned to congratulate him on the achievement.
The calls also usually featured one question — where is Carlynton?
"We want to make sure people know where Carlynton is," George said. "We want to make the communities proud."
George will have his work cut out for him early on at Carlynton — made up of the communities of Carnegie, Rosslyn Farms and Crafton — as the third Cougars coach in as many years.
After learning an option offense two years ago and a pro-style attack last season, the Cougars now will use a spread.
The quarterback position will come down to sophomore Freddie McKissicks or senior Trevor George. Terry George said both players have looked impressive in summer training with the team and will be in competition early on.
Tyrone Murray, last season's quarterback, will line up at wide receiver. The receiving corps has potential for the Cougars, with four players taller than 6 feet.
The Cougars will have a crop of running backs to choose from as well. Nick Lang will lead the pack of tailbacks after topping 100 yards on the ground four times last season
Junior Ryan Williams and sophomore Cody Smith will join Lang in the backfield.
The defense will switch from a long-standing 4-3 to a 3-4 defense. George said the defense will be fierce.
"We will be attack with four or five players every play," George said. "We are going to be constantly moving."
Despite a nine-year stretch without a playoff berth, George said Carlynton is eying the WPIAL playoffs.
"There is no doubt about it, that is a goal," George said. "We are not afraid to say it, either. We have some small goals set up throughout the season, and if we reach those, we will reach our intermediate goal, which is the playoffs."
2011 schedule
Sept. 2,Langley,7:30
Sept. 9,Sto-Rox,7:30
Sept. 16,at Clairton,7:30
Sept. 23,Fort Cherry,7:30
Sept. 30,at Serra Catholic,7:30
Oct. 7,Avella,7:30
Oct. 14,at Chartiers-Houston,7:30
Oct. 21,Bentworth,7:30
Oct. 28,at Brentwood,7:30
Photo Galleries
Carlynton
Carlynton Cougars
Coach: Terry George
2010 record: 2-7, 2-5
All-time record: 154-233-10
Stadium: Honus Wagner Stadium
Additional Information:2010 statistical leaders
Passing: Tyrone Murray ⢠32-90, 490 yards, 7 TDs
Rushing: Nick Lang ⢠156-621 yards, 2 TDs
Receiving: Kristopher Williams* ⢠11-131 yards, 3 TDs
*graduated
