Friday, Aug. 28, 2009

CAHOKIA: Golliday's methods work as Comanches keep winning

CAHOKIA -- In this day of using high-tech training methods and sports psychologists to get the most out of athletes, Cahokia football coach Antwyne Golliday is a breath of fresh air.

He prefers a more personal approach.

"I try not to put any pressure on myself to succeed and I tell the kids that there is no pressure on them,'' Golliday said. "What I tell my kids is this: 'If you do what you are supposed to, then things will happen.' If the kids worry about having a target on their backs, then they will try to make extra things happen. I tell them to just play your game, do what is within your limitations and let it go.''

It's working. In seven years with Golliday at the helm, Cahokia's record is 49-19. With several key players returning from a team that finished 11-2 and reached the Class 5A semifinals a year ago, Cahokia should be a state contender.

Cahokia opens its season on Friday when it hosts O'Fallon.

A year ago at this time, the outlook was grim as Cohokia lost its all-state quarterback, Darien Donald, to a knee injury before the season began. But the team stepped up to win the South Seven Conference championship and reached the state semifinals for the second time in school history before losing to Metamora 42-13.

"I think those kids felt they had something to prove. When Doc (Darien) Donald went down, a lot of people thought the season was over. Those guys took it to heart and they found a way to win,'' Golliday said. "It was a very productive year. It gives us something to build on.''

Having 6-foot-3, 180-pound Patrick Ivy back at quarterback for his senior year is a good start. Ivy completed 53 percent of his passes (135-251) for 2,760 yards and 32 touchdowns a year ago.

"Patrick is back and he's ready to go,'' Golliday said. "He is getting a lot of looks from Division I schools right now but I think some of them are waiting around just to make sure last year wasn't a fluke. It's just a matter of him getting his grades where they need to be.''

Ivy's little brother, LaMontez Ivy, will serve as a backup quarterback and wide receiver.

The strength of the Comanches will be at wide receiver. Senior Jimmie Hunt (6-1, 190), Cahokia caught 34 passes for 905 yards and 17 touchdowns last season. Hunt, who has committed to Missouri, averaged over 26 yards a catch last season.

Senior Donald Collier (5-10, 185) caught 38 passes for 812 yards and a third senior, Khyree Beckley (5-6, 170) caught 25 passes for 400 yards.

"Not to brag, but I believe we've got the best wide receivers in the area,'' Golliday said. "Hunt is a big-time athlete and a big-time wide receiver who is going to draw a lot of double coverage, while Collier is right there with him.''

Cahokia has a lot speed but lacks experience at running back. Among those Golliday is counting on in the backfield are seniors Joe Grinston (5-9, 157), Rodney Scott (5-9, 150) and senior Greg Hayes (5-10, 210). Mario Shaw, a transfer from Althoff, also is expected to help out.

"We've gone to throwing the football a little more the last couple of years, but we'll run some out of the 'I' and the power 'I' formations,'' Golliday said. "Guys are going to get their touches. I've just got to take what the defenses are giving me.''

Up front, Cahokia won't be big but they will be cat quick. Seniors Morris Hobson (5-10, 210), Henry Chambers (5-10, 240), Kenneth Paige (6-2, 250), Andrew Deere (5-10, 265) will anchor both offensive and defensive lines.

Senior Demeiko Broaden (5-11, 190) will be a mainstay at linebacker while Hunt and Collier will anchor a top defensive secondary.

Senior Brad Schmid (6-1, 185) is perhaps the best kicker in the South Seven Conference.

Golliday is looking forward to the season, but for the energetic Comanches coach any day he is around kids and football is a good day.

"This is the time of year you look forward too,'' Golliday said. "All summer long you hear rumors about who is coming out and who isn't, but when this time rolls around you know who is here and you get a little more excited.''