Alter Football Preview 2008

OVERVIEW

Welcome. Welcome to the pride of a small town.  Welcome to the golden sun, which takes one’s body and mind to limits never seen.  Welcome to the brown dirt, where dreams begin and overpowering egos die.  Welcome to the tradition, welcome to the greatness, welcome to everything that is Alter football.

For the greats of Alter football, like Jeff Graham, Nick Mangold, and so many others, life’s plan was mystery.  Sure, they dreamed big, so do so thousands of other kids in these fifty states.  The grit and the work that continually pounded them was nothing short of harsh, and that still lasts today.  Injuries are common, even at Alter; merely because of the heat and impact “two-a-days” sessions have on ones mentality and psyche.

Sights and sounds are derived, which many never thought could exist.  The anger. The passion. The pride. In a way, this Alter squad is trying to live up to the hype that has since passed by.  Coaches yelling, telling every player that they don’t have what it takes to win it all.

OFFENSE

“We’re still hungry,” stated Justin Hall, a fullback. Continuing with, “We’ve had some great seasons, but we know we haven’t gotten to the point where we all want to be…our motivation is from the past.”

When asked about the impact that the class of 2009 made, offensive lineman, Ryan Cronin said, “We look to those guys for example, for strength, and for unity.  Without them, there would be no “senior leadership” for this football team.”

Both Justin Hall and Cronin are looking to make a case this year.  As a junior, Justin took it too the barn eight times, before tearing his ACL during the senior night game against Cincinnati McNicholas. While he has since recovered, Hall is motivated to get the job done.

And Cronin, well, he is just looking to follow in his big bro’s footsteps.  Along with his aspirations to be like Sean, he also wants to get his personal goals set high and on the right track from the get-go.  “I don’t want to just play the game of football, I want to learn something along the way.  I want to do the best I can academic wise, then apply them on the gridiron.”

Keep in mind, that the offensive line has to fill quite a few holes. Other than the center position, all the spots are up for grabs.  Replacing Evan Johnson, who is Ivy-league bound (Brown University), will be a difficult task.  Evan Neff, who will be anchoring the line at center, has been an overlooked key player the past two years.

Senior quarterback, Austin Boucher, who has a few collegiate scholarship offers, has been a great quarterback since he started taking most of the snaps in mid August of last year.  Completing 63% of his passes, which counted for well over 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns, gained some experience and has seemed to bring coach Domsitz around to the passing game more.

“We have diversified the offense.  Two years ago we obviously were still running the ball.” Stated the coach, who is entering a 34th year of coaching. Later saying “I hope that at season’s end, these senior players who will leave the locker room one last time, will have gained positive life skills and characteristics that results from being an Alter Knight football player.”

DEFENSE

Although he self proclaimed AHS “Dirty-D” has evaporated after the two year stand in 2006 and 2007, there is a new breed of hard-hitters waiting in the wings.  Led by senior linebacker Collin Boucher, and a “tweaked” coaching staff, the Knights have the abilities to overcome the challenges they will face.  Speaking of face, the coaching staff has a new one.  That of linebackers coach Bill Drayden.
“This group of linebackers has a great deal of talent,” he said.  “Boucher and Borland are natural to the spot.”

Borland, eh? Chris Borland?

Yes, Borland.  Chris Borland.  While the kid has never played a single down on defense, there are already signs of his abilities. While it would make sense for number four (jersey), to be headed to Wisconsin as a running back, Borland thinks that they will end up using him as a linebacker instead. While he is pumped about getting to go to his ‘dream school’ on a football scholarship, there are many goals he wishes to fulfill while in Madison.
“I want to get a world class education, win a national championship, build friendships that last a lifetime, and become the best football player and person I can be.” Stated Borland.

Along with Borland, several other offensive players will be playing the defensive side too.  Among them, Cody Byers and Cody Taulbee seem to be the most impacting.  To an effect, the entire defense is full of hard hitters, including Phil Sowar, a captain for 2008, and a very overlooked athlete as well. Another pair of high caliber players is found in Tommy Armstrong and Andrew Bonanno. The aforementioned players have talent, and will use every bit of it come each Friday night.

You think you know high school football? Offense: check. Defense: check. Special teams: check this out.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Few players can hit the mark every single time. Even fewer can do it from 50+ yard away. Meet, yet again, Chris Borland, and Danny Jasper.  Kickoff specialist and probable PAT kicker for the upcoming season, Jasper has shown his share of talent.  From wide receiver to punt returner and various other spots, there is no doubt that the kid has skills.  Along with him, comes Borland a talented all around athlete, who can probably play any position on the field;  ANY.
If these two stars can keep everything going smoothly, then the need to become Adam Vinateri at the end of a big game wont be be necessary, but if something needs to happen, who you gonna’ call? Chris Borland and Danny Jasper. Not Ghostbusters, they don’t perform well in crunch time, but these two guys do.

SCHEDULE OVERVIEW/PREDICTIONS

Toughest game: Ashland, a D-II state semifinalist last season, will be hosting the Knights in week three.  Although the chance of downfall is possible, the Knights are talented enough to pull this one off, and continue to role steadily forward.

Statement game: This may be hard to believe, but it is not Fairmont, or Carroll, or even CJ.  The game that will make all the difference is actually Badin.  Yes, it is indeed, Badin.  Seems crazy, but it’s fairly simple.  The Rams are out to get the Knights.  Their quarterback is as talented as Boucher, and their coach is the winning-est in Ohio.  This game won’t be a 63-14 shutout like last season.

Predictions
Fairmont W 46-27
Bellbrook W 34-3
Ashland W 29-23
Roger Bacon W 57-7
Hamilton Badin W 35-21
Carroll W 32-24
Purcell Marian W 39-0
McNicholas W 49-6
Fenwick W 41-13
Chaminade Julienne W 27-24 OT

QUICK SYNOPSIS

Alter has talent. Alter has skill. Alter has a ton of great players that work together, with each other and with coaches.  Lastly, alter has what it takes to get there, to that forever cherished spot.  Alter can go there, do that, and they indeed will if they keep an open mind, and take the best opportunities they are provided.

GoAlterKnights.com

The new site is up….. visit it!  share it!  give some feedback for it!  see what Alter Athletics is all about!  http://www.goalterknights.com

Re: Alter Guys Volleyball is Going To State!

Well, that feeling, that feeling of sadness, of emptiness, of what could have been has begun to yet again take its toll.  From the get go, the boy’s said, “This is the year we’re gonna win state!” Well, we got there… that we did.  Twenty-six matches later-seventy-eight games later, the team stood before a could-be record (for a tournament game showcasing AHS), 200+ fans.  Although the run ended, there were more tears of joy than tears of pain.  Possibly in light of the new standard for which they had set, or maybe for the dreams that they had, and accomplished.  Winners of the GCL North, District, and for the first time, Regional Championship Trophy, all culminated in a great, hard fought game that laid epic dreams to rest.  However, nobody was upset with themselves, not a soul was blaming the officials, as they received mementos of their journey.  Five seniors left the Trent Arena, only after receiving those diplomas that they had rightfully earned, as they were cheered on by thousands as they left the building.

There was nothing left to do after that but party all the way up to state, and with the help of the Ignozzi family, that came alive.  Decked out in Alter team stuff, flags, and even some food, we caravaned up to Davidson, and on the way back, we did the same.  For the seniors, I know that this is a tough time.  But as emotional as it may be, keep in mind these words:

“Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get…”

-Forrest Gump (1994)

Live, love, become one, and have fun.  Enjoy your days, and enjoy the ways people make you complete.

Alter Guys Volleyball is Going to State!

Congratulations to the AHS guys volleyball team, who beat C.J. in 3 games today (25-21, 25-16, 25-23). The victory allowed the Knights to punch their first ever ticket to STATE! Article coming soon!

To send a message to the guys wishing them luck, just post a comment. They’ll be sure to get the notes posted. The semifinal game will take place next Saturday, May 31st, at 12:30, vs. McNicholas. All semifinal matches will be held at Hillard Davidson, click here for directions.

Go Knights.

Note: Today the C.J. Eagles community laid former player, Isaac Klosterman to rest. His brother Ethan was a key member of the Eagles squad this past year, but didn’t play in today’s match. Please keep the family in your prayers. This was a difficult week for the C.J. family, and the entire Alter community, especially their guy’s volleyball team will keep them in our thoughts and prayers.

10-0 for Two Years in a Row

10-0 for Two Years in a Row
by Mickey Shuey
Class of 2010
As I look back on the month of June, I remember the disappointment from not being able to go to the Thomas More with the Alter Football team. I remember the hardship in explaining why I couldn’t play football to my friends on the team. But above all, I remember what my reaction was to hearing about the injuries that nearly ended the great careers of Tony Boyle and Joey Graham. I began running all the scenarios through my mind about what would become of this season. I wasn’t sure of how the team would look without two of our biggest players.
Secondly I remember August, and the many things that the Knights were able to do. From the beginning of two-a-days, to the scrimmages with Franklin Heights and Versailles, and ending with the Fairmont game, the month of August was the starting point of the season of 2007. Although we had some injuries in the two-a-days portion of August, we still had to continue to work hard, and adjust to the situation. Our game against Fairmont was the silver lining in what would become a very successful season. There was a feeling of completeness once we ended the romping against Fairmont, 39-14, but every single player knew that nothing would be any easier from then on.
September came and went without any real excitement. The Bellbrook game would be our closest game by the score of 41-20, yes, a very close 21-point win margin. Then came Greenville who we destroyed 42-15, followed by the first GCL game: Roger Bacon. From the first snap of the ball for Alter, nothing was going to be given up. When the Knights triumphantly came off the field with the 45-7 win, they felt accomplished after winning a game that would be thought of as revenge for the defeat of two years ago. Next came the Badin game, which was played at Fairmont’s Roush Stadium. Going into the game, we were expected to win, and that we did. The biggest margin of victory at that point in the season was by a mere 38 points. By the end of the game, the team had a total of two defensive touchdowns and four interceptions. Not many people can say that they have made an interception and ran it in for a touchdown. But in this case Dominic Bayer, a nose guard, solidified his ability to say this by running it in from 54 yards out! The other came from Colin Boucher, brother of Austin the team’s quarterback, who up to the Carroll game hadn’t been picked off once this season. For Tony Boyle, the Badin game was a great way to prove that the near career ending shoulder injury would have no affect on how he played football. “T-boi” picked off two against Badin in the 63-14 win.
The idea of two teams with 5-0 records to end the month of September wasn’t just enticing, but somewhat depressing. As cool as it was that Alter and Carroll each had zero losses, the reality of there only being one winner was unfortunate. But that’s what the Game of the Week was all about. The game was only another stepping stone for these Alter football players, and they wouldn’t try to show off just because it was a closely watched game. As usual, the Knights came out fired up and ready to go. Carroll was presumed to have a strong running game and a hefty defense, but on just the second play from scrimmage, Alter’s junior QB, Boucher launched an 82 yard bomb to Patrick O’ Donnell, taking a quick lead, 7-0. In the end, the Knights pulled away with a convincing 38-14 victory.
October rolled around, as did the last four regular season games. The seventh game was against a Purcell Marian team, which was low on talent, according to reports and their 2-4 record. The Knights were dominant, winning 49-6. In 2006, the Knights were able to record four shutouts by this point in the season, this year thou though, no shutouts were recorded prior to the McNick game. McNick, which just so happened to be the game following Purcell, came into the game 5-3, and was a very formidable opponent stat wise. We were prepared for a good game. What we got was a 50-0 blowout in Alter’s favor on Senior Night.
Week nine was the Fenwick game, and boy, was it an exciting game. To start off the game, Brian Dougherty turned on the engines and took a 31-yard interception in for a touchdown. After a good night for the first team, the number twos were sent in to the game. One second you see the ball being snapped, and no more than four seconds later do you see Craig Courtner celebrating with his teammates. The guy got a 51 yard touchdown, and in a very fast manner. The game was won by the score of 56-7 and the season was nearing an end; 9-0 with just one to go. And then came the CJ game…
Each of us reaches a specific point in our lives when we think that we can’t be stopped, but just when it seems as if this was reality, we get hit on the head by the truth. Whether you are going off to college and plan to party hardy, day in and day out, or you refuse to study because you feel your smarter than the teacher, you just end up getting what you deserve: a taste of the real world. For the Alter Knights, the C-J game was just that. While this game was very important to the team, who was searching to go undefeated in the regular season for the second consecutive year, the Eagles had more on the line; both a share of the GCL North title, and a playoff spot.
Both teams were somewhat low key in pre-game routine, but there is no clear reason why. Maybe it was just because of the rain and cold that had un-relentlessly soaked the ground; maybe not, but it just wasn’t the normal atmosphere that usually surfaces throughout the week. Even though the teams were quiet during warm-ups, the locker rooms were exploding with words of challenge, excitement, but most of all, compassion. As I waited outside of the building, there was very much to hear, none of which will be repeated at this time. But what can I say, the teams were excited, it was Alter vs. CJ.
. No matter where you were; in the stands, in the press box, or on the sidelines, there was no sense of excitement from the team after we let the Eagles take the 14-0 lead only three and a half minutes into the game. But once the offense took over, the atmosphere of the entire Alter side of the venue was jumping up and down, players were getting the students revved up, and the momentum was swinging towards Alter. The Knights scored on a drive later in the first quarter to get on the board. Later on, the team scored yet again, making it a 14-14 game. As Alter began heading toward the locker room, a whistle was blown by the officials, not to signal the finish of the first half, but to add one more second onto the clock, because a timeout was called at some point. Unfortunately, C-J opted to pass rather than finish out the first half on a knee, which turned out to not very appealing to us. Of all things to happen, this “Hail Mary” play was a touchdown. Yes, that’s right, with ONE second left in the half, the birds took a 21-14 lead. That was too much for the Alter football team; revenge would take over the game.
Throughout this whole season, nobody, nobody at all could even score 21 points on us in a game. Not Fairmont, not Bellbrook, not even Carroll could do this. But Chaminade-Julienne was a whole different case. Alter had averaged more than 49 points per game, and held the opponents to just 9 points per game up to Friday night. In spite this stat track, the Eagles vowed to compete with the Alter football squad. And as I have stated, they kept their vow; a lot better than Brittany and K-Fed did.
Anyway, back to the revenge thing. The Knights were seeking vengeance for what had already taken place in the first half, and they exploded, going on a rampage, which includes Austin Boucher’s 70-yard touchdown run in the 3rd quarter, and also Brian Dougherty’s record of four picks for the game, all of which came in the second half. This Alter football team was able to come back and win the game, and finish out the regular season for the second straight year, 10-0. As the Knights look towards Oakwood, they are very aware of what can happen when every second of each game counts, and a spot in the playoffs is on the line. They realize that being number one is just more incentive for someone else to put you to shame.
We escaped a close one, with our tail between our legs. As the door closes on C-J and their playoff dreams, another one opens for Alter, the Region 16 number one seed. Both teams have great talent, but that won’t take them all the way. As we have seen in Alter teams of the past, nobody is safe, and there is no telling when your chances may collapse. Dream big, dream great, and never forget the senior class of 2008.