Forget the fact that they are a new school and erase the memories of an 0-9 season last year because the Spring DeKaney football team is back with a high level of confidence.
According to coach Willie Amendola, their future success lies in the leadership that is spearheaded by his senior class.
“The growth that we are making and the leadership of our seniors is the catalyst of our success today,” Amendola said. “We are developing our identity and it comes from our senior leadership. The younger kids who are coming up are filling the shoes of those who were ahead of them last year. There is a lot of confidence in this team.”
And that seems to be the common denominator amongst all who are involved in the DeKaney organization. Now that the team returns with the hopes of a successful season ahead, Amendola and the coaching staff saw quite a bit out of the team this off season and spring workouts.
And there were many things that he saw that should put them in a better position for wins next season.
“There are several things that we saw that we like, but I know one things is for certain, our kids never quit,” Amendola said. “We were 0-8 going into a game against a great Klein Oak football team and until the final whistle they fought. They played that way all the way through the season. And that carried over into the off-season.
“That speaks for their character, and our skill level is catching up. Our kids are excited about this season and they should be. We’re (coaches) excited to watch.”
One area of the team that Amendola specifically mentioned was the strength of his offensive skilled players. It all starts with quarterback Keenan Atilee, who had a solid season last year with 780 yards of offense.
At running back, DeKaney has guys ready for action.
“Our quarterback position and running backs is the strength of the team. We feel like we have quality running backs (Elijah Johnson and Cordarrel Sweeney) and our quarterback has stepped up as well,” Amendola said. “We still have a lot of youth on the offensive and defensive line, but they work hard and they fight.”
Still seeking a win, Amendola and staff are working to put the players in the best possible position to get the wins. But there are a few key pointers he wants to make the players understand.
“Our first game is against Clear Springs and we need to come out focused on what we have to do on each play to be successful,” Amendola said. “We don’t need to walk in worried about what is going to happen 48 minutes from now. Take things play by play, one at a time and not look ahead. And that comes with maturity.
“I think once we line up for 2009, we will be OK.”