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The Science of Things: Team chemistry a standout part of West's summer
BY Kevin Hageland, khageland@starlocalnews.com
There are plenty of accolades for Plano West to be pleased with from 7-on-7 season.
The Wolves qualified for the Division I FOX Sports Southwest 7-on-7 State Championship Tournament by winning their first event of the summer (the Frisco Liberty State Qualifying Tournament), put up ensuing undefeated runs at their host tournament and in Rockwall, went undefeated in pool play at state for the first time and won a game on Day 2 of the state tournament for the first time.
But there was more to West's summer than just what happened on the field.
West lost Saturday in the Round of 16 at state, wrapping up a summer in which the 7-on-7 team was a combined 15-1 at state qualifying tournaments and in College Station.
"I told the team when they finished Saturday that it was a lot of fun watching them play and compete," said Mike Hughes, West head coach. "And one of the reasons for that is the team chemistry they have. That is a big thing I like about this group so far and hopefully it will translate to the fall."
Helping foster that chemistry is an important part of starting quarterback Travis Korry's job.
"We all know the type of solid character Travis has and the type of person he is," Mercer said, "but what I've seen this summer is Travis taking steps to be more of a leader, specifically more of a vocal leader."
The summer has provided an added benefit to Korry as he has developed a better rapport with wide receivers Austin Copeland, Zac Gideo and Will Baldridge.
"I know that will help us in the fall," Mercer said. "You can't just run the routes the way they are drawn up on paper anymore; you have to be able to adjust. And the great thing about 7-on-7 is now Travis knows the kind of adjustments these guys can make during their routes."
West's defense has made plenty of strides this summer as well.
Among the newer names making waves have been Oshen Matheson and Reggie Howard, both of whom project at outside linebacker.
"We knew Oshen (who made the state track meet in the 4x200 relay) could run, but as the summer went on we got to see that he could really move laterally and make plays," Mercer said. "This summer has given Reggie a lot of confidence too and he has started to let loose on the field."
That being said, the biggest improvements may have come in the defensive backfield with Tim Okposin, John Rind, Davis Roeschke, Collin Eberle and Chad Reed all making contributions during the team's state 7-on-7 run.
Okposin and Roeschke, in particular, have emerged as leaders.
"[Defensive coordinator John Bandy] said that Davis has kind of become the quarterback of the defense and been getting everyone into the right spot," Mercer said. "Davis showed leadership throughout the weekend and that's not something I had really seen a lot from him before, so that was exciting to see.
"Then Tim is the guy that brings that fire and emotion to the field that the kids really feed off. And you need both of those kind of guys to succeed."
West experienced plenty of success this summer, posting a program-best 15-1 record and winning its first four games at state.
"Anytime you can do something positive, whether it is in the weight room, conditioning or in 7-on-7, I think that's something you can build on," Hughes said. "And that's exactly what we are hoping to do heading into two-a-days."
West finishes up its conditioning drills today with players getting a little time off before fall practice begins Aug. 13.
"The players will have about two weeks to work on their own," Mercer said. "That's where leaders are super important, so it's good to hear that Travis has already been getting with his receivers and other players have been setting things up so they can get into the fall routine."
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