OGDEN -- Enough is enough. As far as first-year coach Don Kenyon is concerned, last season is ancient history. There's a new attitude at Ben Lomond, this year, and it's all about winning.
The Scots will enter the 2011 campaign with a streak they would just assume not talk about -- 17 straight losses over the past two years and a winless (0-9) 2010 season.
"We just need to get the kids to believe in themselves. The ability is there. We have a lot of seniors back this year with a lot of experience. I like what I see," said Kenyon.
The Scots came into camp this summer with a whole new attitude led by senior lineman Trevor Ross.
"I have been impressed with Trevor since Day 1. He has taken on a leadership role and has been the one helping to lead and direct us," said Kenyon. "He's a returning starter and co-captain of this year's team. Athletically he is quick, but what makes him so valuable to the team is that he is will to put forth the effort, is very coachable, and the other kids on the team look up to him."
Ross will play both sides of the ball along with fellow co-captain Caden Parea, who will get plenty of carries from his fullback position. Defensively he will anchor a solid linebacking corp.
"Caden is more of a quiet leader. The kids on the team look to him because of his work ethic and motivation," said Kenyon.
The Scots will rely heavily on Perea to move the ball.
"Our team isn't going to be real flashy," said Kenyon. "We'll look for ball control, picking up first downs. Terry Smothers is our offensive coordinator, and he is real good at picking up defenses. I think we will put a lot of points on the board."
If there is any flash to the Ben Lomond offense, it will probably come from receiver Malcolm Shipman who will also return kicks for the Scots. Shipman is the fastest player on the team and is just what B.L. needs to pose more of a scoring threat.
Ask any coach and he'll tell you the same thing: Success begins on the line. That's something Ben Lomond should feel good about. Offensively, Keith Holmon will join Ross in anchoring the line.
"If we can keep him (Holmon) healthy by his senior year, I guarantee he will be an all-state player. He's 6-foot-1, 250 pounds and has real quick feet and is an overall good athlete. He has motivation to go along with his skills," Kenyon said.
Defensively, the Scots are pretty solid. They will run a 3-4, 3-5 variation with plenty of size up front and linebackers that are knowledgeable and want to hit people. Holmon and Ross will play the end positions, and Justin Harris will start at linebacker. "Justin is picking things up real well. What I really like about him is that he loves to hit," said Kenyon.
The secondary is full of talent with Colton Nay, Tav Onaie and Nate Watkins providing the Scots with plenty of talent and experience.
"Our secondary is going to be one of the strong points of our team," said Kenyon. "Tav will be our free safety and Nate is the strong safety. We're giving him (Watkins) free roam. He is going to be very successful this year."
It's a new year, new coach, and new attitude at Ben Lomond this year. The Scots are ready to put the past two seasons behind them and make believers out of folks.
They'll give their first shot Friday as they play host to Union at 7 p.m.
About the Scots
Coach: Don Kenyon (1st season)
2010 in review: 0-5 in Region 11, 0-9 overall, missed state 3-A playoffs
2011 slate: 3-A’s Region 11
Returning starters: 6 (3 offense, 3 defense)
Players to watch: Caden Perea, senior, fullback/linebacker; Trevor Ross, senior, offensive/defensive lineman; Keith Holmon, sophomore, offensive/defensive lineman; Malcolm Shipman, senior, receiver/kick returner; Nate Watkins, senior, tailback; Justin Harris, senior, linebacker; Colton Nay, senior, cornerback; Tav Onaie, senior, cornerback.
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