Despite going 2-7 overall and 2-6 in the Class AA Interstate Conference last season, Charleroi coach Ed Jenkins feels confident the Cougars will be able to carry over several positives going into this season.
“The important thing is the experience we got last year on the offensive line. … We'll be stronger there, and I think anytime you're strong there it bodes well for the rest of your football team,” Jenkins said.
With five returning offensive linemen this season, as opposed to one entering last year, Jenkins is confident in the direction the Cougars are heading.
That line will be spearheaded by four-year starter Chase McKevitt, who likely will shift from center to left tackle.
“He's the one guy that makes our calls, gets us lined up and headed in the right direction when it comes to our front,” Jenkins said.
The experienced unit up front will be blocking for first-year starting quarterback Matt Carr and senior running back Greg Arnold.
A returning starter, Arnold ran for 200 yards on 65 carries in 2012 and should benefit from the more experienced offensive line.
“Greg Arnold at the tailback position is a kid who started every game for us last year there in his first season, and he'll bring a solid year of experience into this year,” Jenkins said.
According to Jenkins, Carr is a smart, confident quarterback who is physically ready to take the reins of the offense after starting in both of the team's wins last year despite starting just three games.
Carr's primary target will be senior wide receiver Dakota Moorer, and fellow senior Brandon Bowman will anchor the defense at linebacker and also play fullback.
The motto for Jenkins and the Cougars is continued improvement, and the team hopes to show it has bettered itself after last year's two-win output.
“(Our goal is) just to get better every week,” Jenkins said. “We're in a position where we're trying to build a program, and that takes time. ... Our goal is to be better than we were last year and, for us, if you want to put it in any tangible value, that's three wins versus two wins.
“Obviously, for us, we feel like we're better than a two- or three-win football team, but you have to go out and play and do what's necessary to prove that on Fridays.”
