Cowboy's new start

By: Danielle Lyn

The Cooper City Cowboy's had their first taste of redemption two seasons ago when head coach Art Taylor took over the team. The dynamic duo of Taylor and assistant head coach/defensive coordinator Earl Little, former Miami Hurricane and NFL player, created a well coached team that was destined for success. Over the course of the last two seasons, the Cowboys achieved their first winning records in years, District Championships, and even defeating nationally ranked St. Thomas Aquinas. However, the play-makers Coach Taylor and Little first coached have now graduated, and a new challenge awaits. The coaching style that has proved successful in Cowboy's past will be put to the test this season. Can Cooper City breed a new group of winning athletes? I believe it is highly plausible. 

Here's a little sneak peak of Cooper City's Spring practice:

Click Here for Spring Practice Photos

GAME 1. Norland vs. American

The kick off of the 2011-2012 high school football season was off to a slow start when officials called a lightning advisory twice before the game. Fans excitement was put on hold, and anxiety began to grow around the stadium as the question “will there be a kickoff tonight?” started to circulate.  After an hour of rumors and waiting, speculation was put to rest when officials announced kickoff in 15 minutes. The fans quickly snapped back into character, and the game was underway.

The Patriots received the ball, but Vikings quick play defense forced a turnover on downs early in the game. Utilizing both the run, and pass game the Vikings were able to acquire five first downs in their first possessions ending with a pass to WR Darren Owi (#8, 2012 6’3 200) for a 6 yard touchdown. The powerful drive was just a preview of what was to follow in the remaining half.

Pats were forced to kickoff on 4^th down of the next drive, but the snap was dropped and recovered at the 2 giving Norland perfect field position for their next touchdown. RB Khalil Murat (#9, 2014 5’8 160) had a short run to put 6 on the board.

American responded to the drive with WR Deonte Williams (#3, 2012 6’1 176) beating the coverage and running through defensive backs for a 22 yard completion, and a fan pleasing play. But offensive penalties and one sack made it 4^th and long for Patriots offense, and they were forced to turnover the ball.

Norland’s next drive resulted in a field goal and Americans next 4^th down kick off was deflected and UM verbal commit LB Keith Brown (#1, 2012 6’1 225) recovered the ball and returned it to the 28 yard line to set up the Vikings with great field position for their possession which ended in a trick pass play completed by Owi for his second touchdown of the game. American received the ball with no time left as the Half time whistles were blown.

Somewhere in between the start and the end of half time, the attitudes and playing arrangements in American’s athletes changed. They marched back onto the field excited and ready for the last half of football.

Norland’s freshman RB Shaquille Green (#28, 2015 5’7 150) gave the Patriots a scare when he ran for the first on the second play of the half, but forced to kickoff on 4^th down, the Patriots finally had their chance. RB Jayvon Lysius (#8, 2012 5’6 156) had a 37 yard kick return that excited the fans, but the excitement was put to rest when Norland’s defense was quick to read the play and stopped the offense on every drive.

The game remained quiet for a short time until the Patriots found the answer they were looking for. At the 43 yard line Norland’s Quarterback dropped back to look for a play, UM verbal commit LB Brian Morgan (#31,  2012 5’10 210) shot the gap and sacked the QB from the blind side causing a forced fumble recovered by LB Jeremiah Oyetunji (#34, 2013 6’0 185) which he ran back to the 21 yard line.

The stadium roared with cheers and applause as the Patriots quickly regained confidence as they took possession of the ball. Norland’s defense, however, tried their hardest to stop the advancement of the ball. The first play of the new drive, the quarterback was sacked by a team of linemen, the second play was thrown incomplete, and the third play resulted in an interception taken back for a touchdown by Norland’s DB Damian Baker (#7, 2012 6’0 160). There was a sea of flags thrown on the play, and the Interception as well as the touchdown would be taken back, giving American possession once again, and an automatic 1^st down. 

Positioning themselves at the one yard line after 3 plays, RB Kevin Pollock (#9, 2013 5’10 190) ran it in for the touchdown.

The game remained neutral for the remainder of the fourth quarter, with turnovers on both sides of the ball. Before long the final whistle was blown, and the scoreboard read: 23-7. The Vikings walked off the field with their first victory, and the Patriots left already discussing and preparing what can be done to better themselves for next week.

By: Danielle Lyn
also seen on: www.Floridahsfootball.com

Evolution of Cooper City

Last season many people noticed the renaissance of the Cooper City Cowboys football team, one that surpassed the expectations of all but the team. For the first time in school history, Cooper City achieved a district championship as well as advancing to the second round of playoffs. Ending their season against nationally ranked St. Thomas Aquinas, Cooper City immediately began preparing for the season ahead.

UM alumnist Earl Little, Cowboys defensive coordinator and assistant coach, brought Ray Lewis to an early spring practice to talk with the team. Leaving them with the order to “always grind” the Cowboys accepted the term “Grind” as their motivation and theme for the 2011-12 season.

Watching the Cowboys ‘grind’ throughout the offseason, I believe they have the skill set and training to go far in the upcoming season. Growing as a team all summer, they traveled to different camps including Notre Dame and FAU’s padded camp, enrolled in speed camps, and went through intense fitness training.

I had a chance to talk with some of the players during practice, and discovered the heart behind the ball. The team is looking forward to the face-off against St. Thomas Aquinas for more reasons than one. Other than redemption, 2012 RB Camden Krohn wants the title.

“We want to be the best, so we have to beat the best.” He said.

Never listening to the nay Sayers, The Cooper City Cowboys are going for it all. Defeating St. Thomas is only one of their many goals, their also playing for the second district championship, as well as to advance all the way to states.

In order to win a second district title, Cooper City will now have to conquer: McArthur, Nova, Plantation, South Broward, and ST. Thomas Aquinas.

By: Danielle Lyn

aslo seen on: www.floridahsfootball.com