here we go

practice began today

life is good.

 

You ain't kidding VI...I'll tell you right now, I got goosebumps today watching the kids at McDowell make their way from the Field House to "the pit" down below the McDowell High campus. Coach Carson Gowan is a defininte throwback to the Johnny Anderson days of the 1980's. And for those who know NW4A football well enough, Anderson made McDowell a competitive football program. I pray to god that we can return to that level.

Our kids (all 65 of them) were introduced on the first day of practice to the discpline needed to be a successful program, something that none our teams have seen since the Anderson era.

That accompanied with the resurgence in community support has quickly shot up my excitement for the upcoming season.

 

Thought I saw you down on the field earlier today, dan. Titans are gonna be babies this year. Gonna have to be a total team effort all the way around. Give them a couple of years to build and get more depth and things will turn around.

 

Yep, very young group to say the least...Don't know how it came across up on the hill but down in the pit, the linemen were going at it pretty hard on the sled and the backs were working hard running their base plays. Gowan is very demanding as a coach but very fair and I think these kids before its all over will develop a close relationship with him...to me that means everything in developing the team.

It will take a total team effort to win games. We don't have any studs out there like we have seen the past 4 or 5 years.

 

Crest had around 95 for both V and JV. This Crest team is so young. Looks as many as 5 freshman could see lots of playing time. Only 3 SR starters I believe. This team should be one of the most athletic squads Crest has had. JR Reggie Wilkins is at QB. ASU has told him they want him to come up the MTN and play QB for the Appys. Notre Dame told him that he wouldn't play QB there, but that he would be on the field for the Fighting Irish. JR Taylor Crosby went to Atlanta and got top defensive back at camp. Ohio State has shown interest. Soph RB Neal Chambers and FR RB Quartez Wright could be the next coming of Padgett/Littlejohn (and these two are football players). Soph K Trever Austin could hold every kicking record in Crest history when he's done. FR Raheim Ledbetter could be the best to ever where a Crest Uni. The Key brothers and their world class speed have joined the Chargers (one out ran Shelbys Larry Raper last spring and was in Detroit this week at a track meet). And the best thing of all is that the coaches are talking about what great attitudes these kids have.

If these kids and others can play to potential, the Chargers could be on the verge of something very special. This may be a growing year, but with age, who knows.

 

Big Dan,

I'm happy to see the resurgence in community support, heard talk the other day how people were inpressed with Coach Gowan being at the Porta Pit fundraiser and working like everybody else. Previously when fundraisers were done you didn't see much support from the coaching staff.
Wish I could have seen the boys hittin the pit.... and hearing Gowan taking command.
As Gowan himself said we may not be big but we're gonna be mean...
GO TITANS!!!

 

Coach Gowan is gonna lead his kids by example...like you said, he was out there last friday helping with the fundraising. Some of the players were out there taking meals to different local business who donated. I didn't get a chance to stop by there last friday but I heard they did very well.

Also like you said, this is something that I don't ever remember happening with previous coaches we have had around here. I think we'll really find out just how much the folks here in the community are supportive come the 22nd. I can't wait...

 

Just in time for the move back to 3A in 2009 and back onto Hickory's schedule... lol

The Jamboree this year should provide quite a preview because the Red Tornadoes also have a lot of young talent at the skill positions.

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Where is all the folks from Watagua? Last couple of years they have been more than open about Watauga Football...

 

It is going to be another exciting year for Watauga. I think the NW4A will be surprised. I fully expect that WHS will compete for 1st place. The Pioneers will obviously be a different type of team but these seniors are used to winning. Coach Pruitt is the real deal and he looks to be assembling quite a coaching staff. However, I do understand your statement. We will miss Chiarolanzio, Beason, Alger, Dunnigan, Linamen, Steward, Kostis, McKinney, Smith, Farris, Augustine and Oliver. Hope I didn't leave anybody out.