New Season, New Coaches, New Football Era

To put it nicely, Albany High football has had some rough recent years. The Cougars haven’t had a winning season in more than ten years. Their only BSAL title ever came in 1982 under coach Phil Wanlin.

However, this year’s preseason training is showing a Cougar team with potential. Combining the leadership and experience of the upperclassmen, paired with the young rising talent of the sophomores, the Cougars surely have a shot at success.

Like most high school football teams, the varsity squad trained nearly every day, all summer. The four-hour practices consisted of running, weightlifting, drills, and learning plays. “This year is far more business-like,” said head coach Scott Shevelson. “There is more team buy-in to what the coaches are selling.” The hard training, and a week of two-a-days, has made them fit and prepared for the season.

Perhaps the biggest difference about Albany this year is the two new offensive and defensive coaches, Derrick Calhoun and Daniel Green.

Senior captain and quarterback, Andrew Spivey, says that their practices have been more intense compared to most years. “Our new coaches have given us a new mentality. The work ethic of the team is better than I’ve ever seen it.” Spivey added that he’s seen tremendous improvement from the younger kids because of their intense summer schedule.

According to coach Shevelson, “This team has by far the most commitment out of any team I’ve coached at Albany.”

Spivey also mentioned team chemistry as being one of the team’s strengths. “The tough conditioning over the summer has brought the team together. We aren’t segregated like some teams can be. We all get along.” The new coaches have played a major role in developing the team in order to be successful.

The team’s first scrimmage was Saturday, August 29 against league competitor Salesian. Although they didn’t keep official score, Spivey said both teams seemed to score a lot. Neither defense seemed to be particularly strong, but that leaves room for improvement. “Our offense is pretty good,” said Spivey. “If we can dominate the line of scrimmage, we will have a top defense in the league.”

Leading the defense is senior Andrew Reggi, a first team all-league selection last year.

As Spivey noted, offense should not be a problem this season. The offense is stacked with solid receivers, quick, elusive running backs, and Spivey himself. He was a top quarterback in the league last year, and was voted an all-league honorable mention.

Spivey has already received letters from Cal, UCLA, and Oregon, expressing their interest in him. He hasn’t received any offers yet, but this year will be huge for Andrew to prove his talent to college coaches.

Junior varsity also looks to be a threat this year. Last year the team only won one game. However, there is a large, experienced incoming freshmen class with many strong players looking to enhance the program. One key player to highlight is the quarterback, Marcellus Pippens. The team has also added a new, committed coaching staff.

The Cougars’ schedule this year is very challenging. Their first official game is Friday, September 4, at Campolindo. The following week they will host Mission San Jose for their first home game (J.V. 3:30, Varsity 5:30). There are several other games to look forward to this season. The first league game is against Bay Area powerhouse Encinal.

The Cougars are also eager to play Piedmont and rival St. Mary’s. Senior Nate Larrabee said, “Piedmont is the team to beat. I mean, Piedmont is Piedmont. We haven’t beaten them in six years, but I think we have a good shot this season.”

A difficult league schedule can be intimidating, but the Cougars seemed to be inspired. Spivey enthusiastically explained, “The more challenging non-league games this year will prepare us to be a top team in the BSAL. The leadership of the seniors combined with younger players stepping up will make for a winning 2009 season.”

To supplement the prospective talent this year, the team requests enthusiasm of fans and school spirit. After all, the 2009 season gives the Cougars a chance to make a statement, forget the past, and start a new, successful era in Albany High football.

6 Responses

1. 12:48 PM on September 11th, 2009g:

   spivey is sooooo sexy

2. 12:58 PM on September 14th, 2009AHS Alum/Football Coach:

   Andrew Spivey is a great athlete with lots of talent. I like the way he plays on the defensive side of the ball as well as at the quarterback position. However, I feel like there is no way that this guy has received letters from D-1 schools such as Oregon, CAL, and UCLA. It’s just B.S. I am an assistant coach at the University of So. Miss and I wouldn’t waste my time on looking at this fellow. Anyways, I wish the Cougars best of luck in this upcoming season. Coach Shevelson is a great guy, and I know he has the tools to take this team to winning a deserved BSAL championship.

3. 9:09 AM on October 14th, 2009AHS Alum/Football Coach:

   He’s hella good

4. 9:50 PM on November 9th, 2009Shaq:

   Dummy as* garbage doe

5. 2:19 PM on November 17th, 2009a:

   coach shev sucks

6. 1:55 PM on February 1st, 2010a:

   A. guess what i got your mom for christmas?
   B. What?
   A. THIS DICK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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