Fall football previews

SPORTS SHORTS
by Scott Boyle
Even though the maples are still green on the mountain, football is in the air.  The Monticello Buckaroos and the San Juan Broncos begin the 2014 season on August 22 with a game against each other in Monticello, the 66th all time meeting between the two schools.
Monticello will be led by new head coach Art Adair, in his first season as a head coach after working the junior high ranks for many years.
The Broncos are led by longtime coach Monty Lee, in his 12th season as Bronco head coach and winner of three state championships.  
Sportshorts interviewed both.

First, Coach Adair.
Q: What makes this year’s team different than all other teams that you have coached?
It’s Varsity Football.
Q: What specific strategies will you use to build a solid team?
Assistant coaches are key in any program as well as in teaching fundamentals and position football.
Our main strategy will be to keep it simple and not out-play ourselves.
Q: How are you going to score points this season?
By crossing the goal line.
Q: How do you feel about this year’s team at this stage versus last year’s team?
Being my first varsity squad, I feel good. We have a great bunch of kids that are determined to do the best they can.
Q: How good is this year’s team?
It’s hard to say. We won’t know until we hit the field. We will be as good as we want to be.
Q: Who will be your leaders?
We will rely on our seniors, but everyone on the team will have to step up and play key roles if we are to have success this season.
From our starters to our freshman, everyone will have an opportunity to lead on and off the field at one point this season.
Q: How do you try to build chemistry and team character?
We have great team chemistry from freshmen to seniors. This comes from not placing any one person above the rest.
Our kids have really bonded through the summer in different activities and fundraising. Even kids who aren’t playing this year have been around at events and hung out with team.
The coaches have to lead by example in this area as well. We preach involvement in the program, whether you’re the water boy, cheering in the stands or the guy running for six, we all are a part of this program.
Q: What speeds that up or slows it down?
I think just keeping things positive, no matter what. If it’s a great play or a play that falls apart, find the positives and build on them.
You can’t let players put down other players for a missed block or tackle. Those teaching moments have to come from the coaches. Nothing tears a team apart faster than players judging each other.
Q: Tell us about your coaching assignments this year?
Josh Keyes: Offensive Coordinator
Cole Young: Defensive Coordinator
Clayton Black: Defensive Backs, Wide Receivers, Strength and Special Teams
Kyle Curtis: Running Backs, Linebackers, and Special Teams
Thomas Wigginton: Line Coach
Q: Must-see game this year?
I think every game is a must-see if you’re a football fan. Win or lose, you never know what’s going to happen in a game. We will be tested, but no matter what, we will keep improving and building.

Coach Lee
Q: What makes this year’s team different than all other teams that you have coached?
Not really sure how to answer that? Each year brings new challenges and new identities with the incoming seniors. I think answering the following questions might help give attention to this question.
Q: What specific strategies will you use to build a solid team?
A stronger focus on game speed practices and a philosophy of coach-to-perfection, get it right before moving on.
Q: How are you going to score points this season?
Lessen the number of plays, and perfect what we have scripted. Use both sides of the ball and special teams to complement each other more.
Q: How do you feel about this year’s team at this stage versus last year’s team?
We have never had so many kids at conditioning camp, in the weight room, and talking football. It is way exciting.
Q: How good is this year’s team?
Like most years, we hope and expect to be playing on the last day of the season. These kids have great potential and each have a great love for the game. So let’s hope they can find their identity, and we can hold on.
Q: Who will be your leaders?
As the season progresses, I am looking for the senior class as a whole to step up and “challenge each of the kids to do as I do, not what I say”.
Q: How do you try to build chemistry and team character?
Emphasize that this is a just game, and the lessons we learn: hard work, dedication, commitment, sacrifice, and loyalty, will last a lifetime, and you will be remembered for the footprints you leave for other Broncos to follow. How do you want to be remembered?
Q: What speeds that up or slows it down?
A total RESPECT for the game.
Q: Tell us about coaching assignments this year?
Ryan Nielson will direct the defense with the help of Rick Eldredge; I and Shane Shumway will work on the offense. Tad Barton will be in charge of team preparation (scouting, film, etc.), and the other coaching staff will be spread out amongst the other levels and positions.
Q:  Must see game this year?
All of ‘em.