Blair Harrison will have his work cut out for him this fall as he begins his ninth season as the head football coach at Brookstone. The Cougars lost 12 seniors from last year’s team that finished 7-3 and missed the playoffs on a tiebreaker. It was the first year that a Harrison-coached Brookstone team failed to make the post-season.
“Not to take away from any other teams, but last year was arguably the best team I’ve had since I’ve been here,” said Harrison, whose career record at Brookstone is 65-25 and includes seven consecutive playoff appearances from 2003 to 2009.
Last year’s Brookstone team lost three games by a combined 13 points (Marion County, 10-7; Hawkinsville, 20-14; and Greenville, 14-10). Against Hawkinsville and Marion County, Brookstone scored go-ahead touchdowns on their final possessions, but both were nullified due to illegal motion penalties.
“We did it. They were penalties,” said Harrison, who reviewed the plays on video. “It was just bad timing. Unfortunately, we had penalties at the wrong time.”
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| Drew McCluskey, left, rushed for 1,004 yards in 2010. |
Only four seniors are on the Brookstone roster for the 2011 season. The most experienced senior is running back Drew McCluskey, who rushed for 1,004 yards on 110 carries in 2010 and scored 12 touchdowns. McCluskey (5’8”/170) also caught 10 passes for 155 yards and serves as the Cougars punt returner.
Joining McCluskey in the offensive backfield will be his first cousin, Madison McCluskey (6’0”/165). The junior playmaker rushed for 125 yards on 23 carries in 2010.
“We need a big year from the two McCluskeys,” said Harrison. “They really need to shine for us to have a chance.”
Also carrying the ball for the Cougars will be senior running back E.J. Schwan, who last year gained 195 yards on 20 carries. Schwan (5’8”/165) also plays linebacker and was the leading tackler in 2010 with 80 tackles.
The Cougars return experience at quarterback with junior Duncan Fletcher (6’3”/185) once again calling signals under center. Last year, Fletcher passed for 781 yards and eight touchdowns while connecting on 39 of 70 attempts (55.7%). He threw three interceptions.
“Duncan Fletcher needs to step up and have a great year to take us to the next level,” said Harrison. “He can do everything we need him to do to be successful. He will run the ball more this year. He is ready to carry this team.”
Two of Fletcher’s receiving targets will be juniors Tim Kennedy (5’10”/160) and Max Williams (5’10”/165). In 2010, Kennedy caught seven passes for 105 yards. “Max Williams is a baseball guy who needs to step up as a receiver and tight end,” said Harrison.
Anchoring the offensive line for the Cougars will be senior Will Whilden (6’3”/250) and juniors Bo Jones (6’2”/240) and Jackson Mansour (5’10”/170). “Whilden is our best lineman. He started last year,” said Harrison.
Up-and-coming players to watch, added Harrison, include sophomore Nick Sargent (6’2”/175) and freshman lineman Tripp Valentini (5’10”/180).
Brookstone’s kicking game should be strong, noted Harrison, with sophomore place kicker Miller Page and junior punter Tim Kennedy. “Kennedy has an excellent leg,” said the coach.
With only 31 players on the roster, including 18 sophomores and freshmen, Harrison said several offensive players with also need to play defense this season. “We will play guys both ways this year more than we ever have,” he said.
The linebacker corps will be led by E.J. Schwan, Jackson Mansour and Madison McCluskey.
When asked about his expectations for the 2011 season, Harrison joked, “I hope we can make it through the year alive.”
Then on a serious note: “The expectations are the same every year—win every game. Win the region championship. Go far in the playoffs and ultimately win a state championship. We don’t have the numbers that we had in the past, but I still think we have very good players.”
Brookstone Cougars
GHSA, Region 4A
2010 Stats:
Record: 7-3
Region: 7-3
Total offense: 3,401 yards
Average points allowed per game: 10
Most points scored against: 20
Opening game: Macon County, 8/26, home
Players to Watch:
Drew McCluskey (5’8”/170), RB, SR
Madison McCluskey (6’0”/165), RB/LB, JR
EJ Schwan (5’8”/165), RB/LB, SR
Duncan Fletcher (6’3”/185), QB, JR
Will Whilden (6’3”/250), OL, SR
Bo Jones (6’2”/240), OL, JR
Tim Kennedy (5’10”/160), TE/P, JR
Max Williams (5’10”/165), TE, JR
Jackson Mansour (5’10”/170), OL/LB, JR
Miller Page (6’2/140), K, SO
Nick Sargent (6’2”/175), DE, SO
Tripp Valentini (5’10”/180), OL, FR
JOHN CARROLL
IN THE GAME HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE
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