–Cherokee returns 19 of 22 starters
25 July 2007By Michael Painter-Editor
CHEROKEE - July 25,2007 - The Cherokee Braves have only lost only 3 games over the past two years, amassing a record of 24-3 over that time. They advanced to the Regional finals in 2006 and and the Regional semi-finals in 2007, within one and two games respectively, from the state championship. One of the major reasons for this turn around is Scooter McCoy, a native Cherokee who is entering his third season as the head man for the Braves. He has brought a sense of pride back to the Cherokee football team and is returning 19 starters off of last years team.
He is excited about this coming year and PREPalert.com talked with him earlier this week to discuss the upcoming season.
Q: With your success that you had the first two years, what did you do that turned things around the past 2 years?
A: There were three things that happened.
#1 - We had a run of good talent. In 2005, we started 11 sophomores. You can’t win if you don’t have the players to put on the field.
#2 - As a staff, we began to instill discipline to the team. We talked about accountability, not just for themselves , but for their teammates, the coaching staff and the Cherokee community.
#3 - We got them in touch with their Cherokee culture, to remember who they are and what they were. They are ambassadors for the Cherokees everywhere that they go. What they do reflects on us as a nation.
Q: Have there been any coaching changes since last year?
A: Our Defensive Coordinator, Don Millwood, retired after 40 years of coaching. He was a great asset to our team and he will be missed. We haven’t replaced him yet, but we are talking with several candidates and should have someone in place soon.
Q: You have 19 returning starters, who are you going to have to replace from last years team?
A: On offense, we lost our quarterback, Zack Hicks. He was a strong leader for our team and he will be missed. We have 2 kids who we are vying for the position. We’ve switched one of last years’ wide receivers, Michael Stamper, to compete with Carr Crowe, who played last year in the defensive and offensive backfield.
On the defensive side, we lost our Smoky Mountain Conference "Co-lineman of the Year", Thumper Rattler. He will be sorely missed. He had 191 tackles last year, leading all of Western North Carolina. Zack Hicks also played in the secondary, one of several players who went both ways last year.
Q: Any newcomers we need to look out for?
A: Don Craig, who started for us at linebacker and fullback last year but didn’t get much publicity, has looked great in offseason workouts and has gained 18 pounds (from 172 to 190) and we’re looking for him to have a good year.
Another is Hunter Thomas, who will play cornerback and at wide receiver. He played sparingly last year, but has been impressive this spring.
Q: Who do you have coming back that we need to watch?
A: On offense, we have Langston Wood, who rushed for 1955 yards last year. He has a lot of talent and we look to put that talent to use . Our entire front line is back and they’re bigger, faster and quicker. Five of the six on the line have started for three years. The 3-year starters are left tackle Aaron Crowe-260#, left guard Taz McCoy-215#, right guard Ashford Smith-205# (the smallest on the line), right tackle Steve Saunooke-270# and All-Conference tight end Doug Swayney-220#. The only 2-year starter is center Josh Taylor-230#.
On defense, Perry Arkansas and All-Conference selection Israel Rodriguez are back on the line for us along with Swayney, Wood and Carr who went both ways.
Q: What’s the best thing about the team?
A: The senior leadership. They are a close knit group and they have a lot of heart. The comradery on the team is fantastic and the younger guys look up to the seniors, knowing what they have been through the last two years.
Q: Coming off of 2 seasons where you made it to the semi’s in 2005 and quarter’s in 2006, are the expectations even greater for the team to reach the finals this year?
A: Yes, there are high expectations at Cherokee, but you have to remember that in 2005, we started 11 sophomores. We had a lot of youth and inexperience that year.
In 2006, our guys were very anxious to have a rematch with Elkin and they were thinking ahead to that game instead of worrying about the game they were playing. Most of those guys are still on the team and a lot of things have to fall into place to get there. I know it’s a cliche, but the key is to take one day at a time.
Q: With all the success that you have had, are there any detractors out there?
A: You will always have Monday morning quarterbacks questioning things that you do, but you can’t let it bother you.
Q: Who are your players that you feel can play at the next level (college)?
A: Langston Wood-RB, Cory Walkingstick-Punter, Carr Crowe-DB/RB, Doug Swayney-TE/LB and Steve Saunooke-RT/DL
Q: You’ve played Swain a lot of times over the years without much success. The last two years you have been able to beat them. How does it feel to beat your rivals after all this time?
A: Two in a row is nice. We have to go over to their house to play this year and I know it’s going to be tough. But, three in a row would be even better.
Good luck to the Braves as they attempt to win their 3rd straight conference championship.
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