Q&A with Old Mill Football Coach Ahead of Arundel Clash

Q: One game does not make a season, but how important is this matchup against Arundel?

"This game doesn’t make the whole season but it is an importance test for us. On a short week, it’s a big game, more so for recognition. But in the scheme of the whole season, it doesn’t mean very much. 

One game doesn’t define our season either way. If we win, that’s great. If we lose, it’ll be disappointing, but it’s a week six game and we have bigger goals than our regular season football games."

Q: How significant is playing away from home for your squad?

"I think that one thing that could be a factor is the large crowd, this going to be a great high school atmosphere. When we played them last year, we had 3,000 fans.

I don’t think playing away is huge, but the crowd could be a factor. Neither team has seen much of that this year."

Q: Runningback Rob Chesson is one of the most talented players in the county, what does Arundel need to do to cause him problems?

"Arundel has always had a good defense, they’re always a solid football team and they’re led by a solid coach. Offensively, that’s what they pride themselves on, but they’re a good football team."

Q: What’s the one thing you’ve focused on this week, in preparation for Arundel?

"We want to dictate the tempo as best we can. We had the ability against Meade but we also want to have the ability to eat some clock if we get a bit of a lead. One of the things I’ve been talking to them is stay the course of a football game.

I don’t think we’ve been down yet, but Arundel has the chance to go ahead on us, so the big thing is to stay the course of the game. We need to play Old Mill football."

Q: Many are deeming this the biggest game of the season. Has there been a buzz around school surrounding the game? 

"There’s definitely been a buzz since school started. The students are excited to go and watch that game and cheer on our team. It’s been a good rivalry over the years so things are pretty exciting around school."

Q: What perspective have you given the team ahead of the game Thursday night?

"The big thing is, walking away with the experience of how to play in a big game.

A month from now when playoffs start, hopefully we have a little bit of that big game experience. No matter who we play, we play like a champion every week. No matter who we’re playing, our players need to play to their highest player ability level.

No matter what, we need to play our style of football and that should be high level."