This is absolute. Austin, who went 0-10 last year, has already won as many games as his previous two combined this season.
Two more wins would give the Bulldogs their first four-win season since 2011. Plus, four wins would be enough to secure a playoff spot for the first time since 2013.
“One of the big differences is everyone’s faith in the coaching staff and the program,” said senior quarterback and team captain Jamal Franklin. “We trust each other and hold ourselves accountable for everything, good and bad. We went into the season knowing we were different teams.”
There are many causes for its effect.
The big one is the addition of Trey Harman as defensive coordinator. Herman, the former head coach of Danbury and Katie Taylor, says he uses the same 3-4 base that Austin has played in the past, but with different motivations.
There are more blitzes with a focus on creating turnovers. Harman’s system benefits talent such as senior defensive his end Rotan Naume Ezeoke, senior cornerback Royel Salmon, senior linebacker Raylon Holmes and senior safety Jason Tanihum.
Salmon already has two interceptions. Tanihum is his three-year starting pitcher, score return is a fumble, and is the team’s primary tackler.
“The biggest difference on defense this year is effort and accountability,” said junior defensive back and team captain Hugh Rawls. “Harman has done a great job of pushing us forward and teaching us something special. He is a very resourceful defense. A perfect play for a player who knows his call.”
Arogbonro said Herman was a game teacher and someone to guide from the ground up. It was exactly the man he wanted to lead the defense.
Players better understand their roles and responsibilities.
“Our players are defensively much smarter than they were before,” said Arogbonlo.
Offensively, the Bulldogs are pure athletes with a speed of 4.39 40 yards, Franklin adding variety and dispersion to the run game, and a talented pass catcher with height (6 ft 2) and speed. Led by senior receiver Daniel Oroso. (4.5 40 yard dash).
Defense was the reason Austin won 10-7 over Elsik in Week 1. Dillon Tremble’s game-winning 38-yard field was the key behind last week’s victory over Westbury, highlighted by his goal.
“It’s the children who understand what we want,” said Arogbonro. “I think the 2-0 result is a big surprise for everyone, but honestly, we have bigger goals. The shock was that the games were closer than expected. If you’re going to be on the team, you’ve got to win those kinds of games.”
Fort Bend Austin coach Mike Arogbonlo.VYPE Media
Perhaps the most noticeable change in Austin this year is the culture. It started in the offseason.
Arogbonlo arrived at Sugarland in June 2019. Due to COVID-19, the 2020 spring and summer school schedule has been cancelled. The following spring, COVID-19 rules and regulations were equally important. Half of Arogbonlo’s players took online classes and the offseason was non-existent.
This spring, the Bulldogs were finally able to play spring football and were given 13 extra days of practice.
“It tells us what the player can and can’t do,” says Arogbonlo. “We want our players to be at their best. We don’t believe in playbooks. We believe in our players. We were able to build.”
The weeks of spring boot camp have allowed for stronger bonds and team fortitude.
“Everyone got to work and was passionate about changing people’s perceptions of Austin High School. The mindset this offseason was to never give up,” Franklin said.
Led by team captains Rawls, Franklin, Oloso and senior offensive lineman Aries Stevens, the players are leading the way. Austin He has a desire to make football something meaningful.
“Having practiced with the national team since my freshman year, I knew our team had great potential, but I realized that the leadership of the players was lacking,” said Rawls. said. “Having been named captain by my teammates in the spring allowed me and the other captains to take leadership roles and hold teammates accountable. Whether it was to check it out or lead the workouts ourselves, we needed to take a hands-on approach to making the potential we saw with the team come to fruition.”
This advanced class is the group Arogbonlo was in when he stepped onto campus as a freshman in the summer of 2019. Experience is a strength.
The same goes for depth.
Arogbonlo no longer has to use his kids on both offense and defense, so he can identify talent by position and be more detailed in his coaching.
Last year, 87 children participated in the program. This year he is 120. Not only is Austin’s players and coaches watching the win justify their work and effort, but the interest is growing.
“They really believe,” Arogbonro said. “What these kids are doing is not shocking to me at all.”
It’s not just hot air. In June, Arogbonro said there were no noticeable holes in this year’s team. He felt very good about what was about to happen.
All Bulldog had to do was prove it. And so far they have done just that.
“This team is very tight and we really enjoy playing for each other,” said Arogbonlo. “We’ve been tied up in the game. Seeing their grit and how they banded together and fought through adversity is what I’ve been looking for. Over the past few years, the team that’s quitting It’s like this team enjoys fighting and fighting, and they love doing it together.”
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