Eagles ready for next step
OHS hopes to build on success
by
Jason Stone
PHOENIX
– The first goal was to get to the playoffs. After the
Sandra Day O’Connor achieved that feat, the next one became
to win in the playoffs.
O’Connor
is trying to build on the success of its first two seasons
at varsity in 2004 and 2005, when the Eagles went 6‑4
each year and ended last season in the 5A‑Division
II playoffs for the first time.
The
inexperienced Eagles, however, were no match for Sunnyside
in a first‑round game in Tucson. O’Connor played
respectably but lost 35‑17 to set up the team’s
new goal.
“I
don’t think this year we will be so wide‑eyed like,
‘Wow, we made the playoffs,’” said junior quarterback
Bubba Eisenhauer, who is now the starter after a year
at backup. “Now, we’re expected to get to the playoffs
and win.”
O’Connor
had to battle the newness of its program during its first
two varsity seasons, which included losing a big group
of the current senior class to Boulder Creek when the
Anthem school opened two years ago. But Steven Von Kolen,
a third‑year starter at cornerback, said the excuses
of a new school have passed.
“Even
last year it still felt kind of new,” said Von Kolen,
who was a first‑team All‑Northwest Region
pick, and will also move to wide receiver this year. “We’re
a lot better team now and we all expect to at least make
the second round of state to show all the older guys (former
players).”
The
Eagles’ offense will get a different look this year with
Eisenhauer inheriting the quarterback duties from Ian
Michels. In each of the last two seasons, Michels passed
for at least 1,500 yards and rushed for at least 1,000
yards.
But
don’t expect Eisenhauer to run the ball like his predecessor.
That’s because the 6‑foot 4‑inch junior is
more of a classic drop‑back passer. Eagles coach
Rick Mey adjusted the offense to more of a pro style with
the change in signal callers.
“Since
you can’t choose the kids that are on your team, you have
to adapt your offense to what you have,” Mey said. “(Eisenhauer)
has a cannon for an arm.”
With
five starters back, Van Kolen leads the O’Connor defense,
which could be one of the strengths of his team. Von Kolen
said he is going for All‑State accolades this season,
even if he won’t be totally focusing on defense all season.
“I
thought that (splitting positions) might make getting
All‑State (honors) difficult, but I’m pretty dedicated
and I think I’m ready for it,” Von Kolen said.
