The company line
Ansonia head coach Tom Brockett: "The nice thing here is that we have set some state records, and everyone enjoys that because all the kids at every position buy into what we're trying to do. They all feel like they're a part of (the records), and for me as a coach that's important."
Photo by Jim Stout
Now much of the nation may be following Newsome's career and his unlikely pursuit of Ken Hall's record. If not this season then in 2013, should the timetable still make it possible to top 11,232 yards rushing. By then, he might even be chasing Kelvin Taylor, who knows?
Brockett, understandably, wants nothing to do with individual records while trying to prepare for his team's first game and its state title defense. Still, there is something to be said for records from a team standpoint.
"The nice thing here is that we have set some state records, and obviously school records, and everyone enjoys that because all the kids at every position buy into what we're trying to do," said Brockett. "They all feel like they're a part of (the records), and for me as a coach that's important."
What's also important for now is rebuilding his offensive line. Candidates abound but answers are few. Without a solid line, there can be no championship repeat and certainly no rushing record chase.
"I have my concerns. You never know at any level how an offensive line is going to come together," he conceded. "You can do everything right in the offseason and in the weight room and in practice, but until you line up and put your hand down on the ground and block someone, you never know. We always talk about the next generation of guys stepping in and doing the job, whatever the position. Now is that time for the offensive line to step up."
One thing Brockett isn't worried about is Newsome worrying about the record.
"I wouldn't expect him to even be thinking about it or his individual stats because he knows how much goes into every play and every game, and how many things have to go right," Brockett said. "I know he has other things on his mind. We all do. We all know the only thing we have to think about is getting ready for our first game, and every game and every play after that."
But the Ansonia coach also allowed himself a brief moment to peer into the future. It was still summer, after all, and how many times does a situation like this - and a player like Newsome - come along?
"It would be something special," Brockett said of the possible record pursuit, "when you think about how many teams and how many players have played high school football in 50 states for the last 60 years, and no one has ever broken that record. Even just within our own state, it would be special if you did something for the first time in 60 years. But for the entire country? All those players?
"I guess we'll see."
Cleaveland has no doubts.
"I realize (Ansonia) has a lot of work to do on the offensive line, and maybe Arkeel is going to take a small step back and not put up the same extraordinary numbers that he did last season," the writer said.
"But we're talking about taking a small step back from 3,700-plus yards. I would fully expect him and the team to have another good season this coming year, and then be back in the same place next season that they were last year. Even with a slight drop this season, I'd be surprised if he didn't make that run at the record as a senior. I expect he will."
Jim Stout is the CBS MaxPreps Media Manager for the Eastern
U.S. He may be reached at jim.stout@cbsi.com or @MaxPrepsPR
