"The Week That Was," Sports Blog by Coach Tommy Orndorff
Some of the more popular blogs through the years have been Q&A sit-downs with our coaches. That noted, this week's The Week That Was is a Q&A session with second-year varsity football head coach Colin Disch.
THE WEEK THAT WAS: A great finish, my friend. Especially so down the stretch, when we put three in a row in the win column. Looking back on the 2016-17 campaign, what are your thoughts? Share with us your observations on the season itself, from Day One at tryouts in August to the final whistle in that 40-3 victory at Paul VI in the season finale.
COACH DISCH: Our team had to become familiar with each other on all aspects. We had 10 new starters on offense and seven new starters on defense, many of whom were sophomores. In addition, we had 14 new coaches and only two returning at the Varsity level. We all had to gel together. Our team continued to improve throughout the course of the season. Our coaches did a great job of preaching fundamentals and putting our players in the best positions to be successful. Our offense evolved over the course of the year, but we really found our identity over the last three games of the season. We were going to run the football, play good defense and win special teams. It was great to see all the kids believing and playing for one another.
TWTW: That season finale at Paul VI was amazing. Early on, Paul VI seemed to have their way with us in the first quarter. Then, To'ren Pride broke one, and "ole mo" was with the Knights the rest of the way. Never have we looked better! Talk to me about that game specifically, addressing the positives and why the game unfolded the way that it did.
COACH DISCH: PVI controlled the ball the entire first quarter and only came away with three points. They moved the ball, but I really think when we held them to a field goal in our red zone, that was a difference maker. Then we took the kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown, which gave us all the momentum. Defensively, we knew they were going to complete passes and pick up yards, but our plan was to keep everything in front of us and make them earn every "blade of grass." They did a great job of executing the game plan. Offensively, we wanted to run the football. Our offensive line was gaining confidence, and we have multiple running backs who present different challenges to a defense. We gained over 300 yards on the ground and controlled both sides of the line of scrimmage. This has been our goal since Day One, to dominate up front. If you can control the line of scrimmage, you'll be successful at any level of football.
TWTW: Any season has some highs and lows. Give me some of the team's highlights for the year, areas where we demonstrated the most improvement. Also address any adversity that we might have had to overcome along the way.
COACH DISCH: Our home opener against Bishop Ireton was a tremendous win with all of the circumstances that took place. We lost our starting quarterback on Friday and played the next day with sophomore Vince Pizzano as the starter. He had had limited reps with the varsity team. The game was played in 100-degree heat. Vince had a big touchdown throw to (Bradley) Magee and, more importantly, didn't turn the ball over all day. In the second half, we had six starters go down with heat cramps and players had to shift and play positions they were not accustomed to playing. I was very proud that every single player on this team stepped up, and it was a complete team effort.
Another game was Trinity Episcopal. They jumped out on us 14-0 at half. We played bad football up to this point. In the second half, our team really showed grit and perseverance. We ended up winning, 23-14. It was a tale of two halves. But those are important games to pull out when you're learning how to win.
TWTW: Who were our top players, and why were they so? Address their individual skills and abilities and, at the same time, what they brought to the team. On both sides of the ball, offensively and defensively. Also special teams. Any stats or anything like that would be nice, as well.
COACH DISCH: Our punter/kicker, Ethan Torres (pictured left), was a big part of our success. He's a defense's best friend. He was one of our most consistent players on our team and, on multiple occasions, pinned an offense inside their own 20-yard-line. He had a 40-yard average punting, and the opponents had an average starting position on the 24-yard-line. In addition, he had 22 touchbacks on kickoffs.
Stacey Watts (pictured below) was our quiet leader that all the players and coaches highly respect. He played both running back and defensive back and finished his career with his best game of the season against Paul VI with 175 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He practiced as hard as he played in the games and did anything a coach would ask for the betterment of the team.
Amari Johnson was our most versatile player in many ways. He played inside linebacker and defensive line and was our anchor on defense. In addition, he was a good blocking tight end and long snapped. He led the team in tackles with 77.
To'ren Pride (pictured top) was a key part of our team in all three phases. He played wide receiver and wildcat quarterback. On defense, he played our rover position, which requires someone to be very athletic and be able to cover and support in the run game. He also had multiple TD returns as a punt and kickoff returner. He had over 800 all-purpose yards and seven touchdowns.
TWTW: From where I sit, there have been a lot of changes the past 12 months. Most telling, I suppose, the school's decision to play an Independent schedule rather than compete in the WCAC in football. Also, a revamped coaching staff on your part. In your estimation, how did all that work out for you?
COACH DISCH: We brought in a great group of coaches, who spent a lot of time working on the fundamentals with the players. I was very pleased with how our coaches continued to find ways to help the players improve, and it really showed up in the last three games. We had a very challenging and competitive schedule this year. We were disappointed not to make the playoffs, because we really thought by the end of the year we were one of the top four teams. Our players and coaches handled it very well, and the state playoffs will be a significant goal for us heading into the off-season.
TWTW: We just completed Year Two in the Colin Disch era. Talk to us about your program and where we are right now, sharing with us your goals for the program, both short-term and long-term.
COACH DISCH: I have a bit of an old-school mentality as a former college inside linebacker. We want to create a physical brand of football which thrives on dominating the trenches. To give you an idea, we went full pads every day in practice, even in walk-throughs. This is the mindset we want to create. It all starts up front in my eyes. That toughness from the O line and D line resonates through the rest of our team.
I think we've created a good foundation and some momentum heading into the off-season. We need to retain our great coaches and continue to bring in coaches who can help enhance the program. We are all about the development of the individual. Every player that is involved in our program, we are seeking to help them improve month-to-month. This starts in the off-season and continues throughout the summer and into the season.
TWTW: Anything else that you would like to add?
COACH DISCH: We all should be very proud of this senior class. They endured many ups and downs in their four years at O'Connell. Through coaching and conferences changes, they stuck together and were loyal to O'Connell through it all. I believe much of our success at the end of the season came from the lessons we learned and acknowledged last season. I couldn't be more happy for our seniors to finish on a high note. Well deserved.
This is Tommy Orndorff, and that was The Week That Was.