The Cougars are back for another season of football, and for this year, there is much optimism surrounding the team. With new coaches and a great senior class, the team believes that they can improve their 2-8 record from last season. Despite the record, there were many positives to take out of last season to push the program forward and get it back to where everyone wants it to be.
Because of COVID-19, there is only a six-game schedule this season. The Cougars open up the season on Saturday vs. Paul VI at home. Paul VI went 0-9 last season, and an opening win would be huge. The Cougars have not gotten an opening week win since 2015 when they beat Eastern 28-21. After that, the team takes on Camden Catholic on the road and then Bishop Eustace at home. Both teams had sub .500 records last season. After a challenging road game the next week vs. Robbinsville, the Cougars will return home to take on cross-town rivals Cherry Hill West. The game will take place at East this year as it usually takes place at West. The Cougars will close out the season on the road vs. Hightstown, who finished 2-8 last season. There is much reason to believe that they can finish over .500 for the first time since the 2011-2012 season.
The Cougars have four senior captains for this season. They are QB/LB Seba Miller, WR/CB/K/P Danny Yasenchak, OL Reese Green, and OL/DL Jadon Louis. 2020/21 will be Seba’s 2nd year as the starting QB. Justin Becker, Nick Tomasello, and Nick Brown will split carries out of the backfield. Yasenchak, Moustapha Fall, and Mark Hendri will start wide receivers along with Tim Ackerman at tight end.
Coach Daley is back for his third season as head coach. Since he has been here, many players have joined the program, and this year, there are over 90 players.
When asked about his expectations for this season, he said, “I think the expectations for this year are unlike any others. First and foremost, I want to be able to finish the season. This senior class has worked extremely hard over the past three years, and I hope that we get the chance to make it through the whole thing. Other than that, the goal is always to win. I am happy with our progress so far this year and very optimistic about our potential.”
Similarly, Seba Miller also said, “We worked hard all summer, so we are excited about the season. Winning is always the number goal, but getting through the whole entire season with everyone healthy and just being able to play football will also be considered a win.”