Local High School Football Season kicks off with Midnight Madness practice at Essexville Garber. (MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar) Garber Midnight Madness Opens High School Football Season
August 13, 2010
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A rumble was heard in Essexville at midnight on Monday. The thunder was not a passing summer rain storm. It was the opening of the high school football season as Garber High School and teams across the state started practicing.
With Monday, August 9, being the first official day of football practice, the Dukes wasted no time in getting to work. The stadium lights were turned on, the field was lined and practice gear was assembled as first year coach, Jake Coquillard led his team through two hours of intense workouts. "This was something that we, as coaches, talked about in the last 4 weeks," stated a still excited Coach Coquillard.
"The kids were really excited about doing this and we felt it was just a great way to kick off the season." When questioned whether this was a new tradition for Garber football, he said "yeah, the way the kids received it, we'll keep doing it. Football is about Tradition." Coach Coquillard was quick to point out that this Midnight experience would not have been possible without the support of Superintendent John Mertz and Athletic Director Dave Schwartz.
Coach Coquillard is taking the reins of a Garber program that was brought to area dominance under Coach Dave Schwartz who led his Dukes to 5 TVC titles, 9 consecutive playoff appearances and a district title. "Coach Schwartz did a great job and established a solid foundation. We just want to continue what he's been doing and naturally, we want to instill higher expectations to go further," noted Coach Coquillard.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
The Dukes are in very capable hands as Coach Coquillard was a part of that same program's success having coached for 12 years under Schwartz with the last 5 years serving as the defensive coordinator.
Asked if he was concerned about taking over following such a successful legend-- "No. It is not about me, or Dave. It is about the kids. I have a great staff that is returning with Jim Miller taking back the defensive coordinator position he held for 6 years before me," Coach continued. "Zach Zeilenger, (Mr. Z to everyone else) does so many things behind the scenes that don't get recognition and he works so well with the kids. Tracy Archer, a Western University and arena league player. brings so much to the receivers and defensive backs. We just don't have any egos," noted Coach Coquillard.
But there will be some changes. "I have always been an offensive guy, especially serving as the head freshman and JV coach when I first came to Garber," said Coach Coquillard. "Serving as the defensive coordinator over the last five years, it will really help me look at the offensive side of the ball during the game."
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
But don't expect to see the same "I" formation that has been so successful. "I am using the Spread offense. I like this system and feel the kids in this district will excel at it. I still plan on running the ball but we are instilling some things that will make it (work) better for us."
Coach Coquillard has more than putting in a new offense as a challenge. With only one returning starter on offense and two on defense, experience is lacking but he is not worried. "Right now we have a great battle at quarterback between junior Brandon Lunas and sophomore Mason VanSumeran. Both came in ready to compete and looked good for a first day.
Matt Madigan returns from injury of last year and is counted on to be the leader of the young offensive line. Third year starter on defense, Brandon Williams, will do double duty at running back having shown good skills last year from the full back position while Chris Quinn is to be counted on to show that explosive speed he exhibited in relief work at tailback. Kyle Connelly and Carter Harris will anchor the receivers, a key component to the spread offense."
But Jake Coquillard is not the only new face in the local football scene. Jerry Werner takes over at Bangor John Glenn. He too served as an assistant coach for the Bobcats and is a John Glenn graduate to boot. He will be looking to keep a winning tradition alive that has seen the Bobcats make the playoffs in each of the last 12 seasons, first under long time legend, Coach Loop followed by Coach Mark Miller the last 8 seasons.
Both Coach Coquillard and Coach Werner have been a part of a very successful blueprint and look to take their programs to even higher accomplishments. This all should make for a very exciting fall football season.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
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John Keuvelaar |
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