By Kyle LoJacono
Passes and routes were crisp, running backs hit the right holes and confidence ran high during the first week of football practice at Bishop McLaughlin.
Back up 12 months and the story was completely different. At that time Derrick Alexander was entering his second month as the program’s coach, taking over for Matt Nardo who left to take over the program at Marietta College.
Alexander was defensive end at Florida State University, was drafted 11th overall by the Minnesota Vikings and played five years in the NFL. He brought in new schemes, more difficult training and scheduled the toughest teams.
The ‘Canes stumbled out to a 0-5 start, but rallied to win their final four regular season games to qualify for playoffs and finished with a 4-6 record.
“The first couple of weeks were a little shaky, but as the season went on we picked up speed,” said junior quarterback RJ Perciavalle. “By the end we were clicking.”
Senior wide receiver/strong safety Austin Meyers believes they’ve learned from those struggles.
“The first four or five games we were making mental mistakes and missing assignments,” said the 6-foot, 165-pound Meyers. “When we finally got together we started racking up the wins. This year we’re planning on playing big from the start and keeping that going by focusing on our assignments, eliminating mental mistakes and having no turnovers.”
Alexander said the slow start was partly due to changing the offensive and defensive systems while the kids adjusted to him.
“The kids had to get a feel for what I expect out there,” Alexander said. “I think as the season went on we started gaining confidence, and that’s why we were the first team to make the playoffs in school history. That’s quite an accomplishment, and we’re trying to build off that. We’ve shown we can get to that point, but now it’s time to move forward this year.”
The late-season success created a buzz around the program. Bishop has seen several transfers, including senior running back Sammy Sullivan from Sunlake, while drawing more of the school’s athletes to the gridiron. The squad has 35 players, more than any other year.
“Hopefully with another successful year that will draw more kids to come to Bishop, especially because next year we’re hoping to get into a district,” Alexander said. “That would give us the chance to win a state title while giving kids a quality education here.”
Senior right offensive tackle and defensive end Zack Lockhard said being able to learn from a former NFL player has also helped build the program.
“I think having his name with our program has gotten Bishop McLaughlin out there,” said the 6-foot-1.5, 255-pound Lockhard. “We’ve gotten some new kids coming here to play for him and learn from him. He’s helped our D-line with the new drills. We’re getting so much better.
“I would say he’s doubled my skill set,” Lockhard added. “I was actually planning on leaving the school, but when I heard a first-round draft pick who played my position was coming in, there was no way I’d go anywhere else.”
Alexander brought in former Blake coach Micheal Burns during the summer to be the offensive coordinator.
While the offense is a bit different from last year, Alexander said it builds off what they did in 2011.
“It’s a spread offense, so a quarterback is going to like that,” Perciavalle said. “There’s a lot of throwing and we’re having fun out there running it. I think it’s going to help us a lot.”
The 6-foot, 165-pound Perciavalle completed 124-of-220 passes for 1,820 yards and 17 touchdowns last year. Alexander said they will still run the ball with the new offense.
“We’re going to throw the ball, but we’re still going to be a power running team,” Alexander said. “We got a blessing with Sammy Sullivan coming from Sunlake. He’s probably the strongest kid on our team. Last year with Jordan Betancourt (642 yards, 11 scores) we had more of that speed rushing attack. Now we’re getting downhill and getting physical with teams.”
Alexander said the team will only go as far as its lines take it.
“It’s all about the offensive and defensive lines,” Alexander said. “Everyone has guys who can make plays, but you have to win the line of scrimmage, and I think we have the guys to do that.”
The ‘Canes kick off the regular season at home against Cambridge Christian on Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m.
–Stats as recorded to Maxpreps.com by coaches
