NEW AND INTRIGUING TALENT SPARKS OPTIMISM AT FERNDALE, AS EAGLES LOOK TO REBOUND FROM ROUGH '09 SEASON

 

They might not have the high-profile names on their roster like some of the other prep football teams in the area, but make no mistake about it, the Ferndale Eagles have some real potential thoroughbreds in their proverbial stable this season. Coming off a disappointing 2009 campaign where the team finished 2-7 overall and missed the playoffs first the first time in three years, the 2010 squad, headlined by a group of under-the-radar talents stacked to the gills with raw skill and speed, are ready to put things right again in Eagle Country.

 

"We had a productive offseason," said fifth-year head coach, Ryan Dunlap, during a short break from the heat and hurry of a recent practice. "These guys were in the weight room from early last November and have putting in all the necessary work to get this program back to its winning ways. Our agility and speed are at the best level they've been at in a while".

 

As greener pastures appear on the horizon, Dunlap wants to leave the letdown of last season in his and his team's rear view mirror.

"There was a lack of leadership and accountability on last year's team", he said. "I don't think that's the case right now. These guys are bringing a more positive approach and that's encouraging everyone to go out and do their best for themselves and the team all the time".

 

The "super sleeper" tandem of twin brothers, Jameal and Jamarius McTear, have the chance to each have breakout seasons. Jameal is a 6-5, fleet-footed quarterback who shows a satin-like touch when throwing the ball downfield. Jamarius, an inch or two shorter than his sib yet a millisecond or two faster, will be Ferndale's top option at receiver. The Mc Tear brothers are both all-state performers in track during the spring, sporting 4.3 40 times and the Eagles' coaching staff will try to utilize this valued asset as much as possible when the team has the ball. Rashan Livous, another speedster, will line-up on at split end opposite Jamarius and give Jameal a solid No. 2 option.

 

"Jameal had an awesome winter getting ready to take over the QB spot and really impressed everyone who say him this summer in our 7-on-7 scrimmages", Dunlop said of his new field general. "Him and his brother have the chance to be a special combination this year".

 

Senior Anthony Garland will be Dunlop's featured tailback and is another lighting-quick player on the roster that is poised for a bustout in the stat sheet this fall. Garland is the definition of multi-purpose on the gridiron and he will see time at quarterback and wide receiver as well. Due to injuries the past two seasons to all-conference signal caller, Deonte Cooper (Michigan Tech), that forced him out of a series of games, Garland has seen his fair share of time under center and has been helping Mc Tear get used to his new job running the team's offense.

 

Javon Edwards and Jonathon Dozier take center stage on Ferndale's line play and will help provide quality protection for the team's first-year QB. Dozier (6-8 370) is a "one man gang" of a lineman and is currently getting looks from a number of Division 1 schools.

 

Defense could end up being a real savior for Dunlap and his crew of grass-stained gladiators. The defensive side of the ball for the Eagles is fast, gutty and more experienced than the team's offense, thus might be forced to step up to the plate early and hold the fort down when Mc Tear and company get their wits and adapt.

 

Returning all-conference linebacker Joey Ashmore is a ferocious tackling-beast going sideline-to-sideline and calling plays on defense for the Eagles' attack. His attitude and work ethic are staples of the team environment and he will serve as one of the squad's primary vocal leaders along with Garland.

Augmenting Ashmore in the line backing corps will be David Anderson, a transfer from Orchard Lake St. Mary's. Edwards and Dozier are expected to pull double duty and aggressively plug the gap in the center of the defensive line, allowing Ashmore and Anderson to roam more freely and cause more confusion with stunts and blitzes.

 

Josh Allen is an underrated "lockdown" cover-corner and will be the team's No. 1 defensive back. Roemmil "Do-Do" Duldulao is penciled in at the Eagles other corner spot and word from the coaches is that he is one of the most improved players on the team since last season.

 

Seeking the program's first district title in more than a decade, the early-portion of the schedule will be a tell tale sign of how this team stacks up against the rest of the competition in the OAA Blue. Ferndale's first four games of the year are against Berkley, Bloomfield Hills Lahser, UofD-Jesuit, and Auburn Hills Avondale, all squads expected to be in contention for the postseason this fall.

 

"We'll be able to figure out pretty quickly where we're at as a team with the kind of opponents we play in out first month of the season", Dunlap said. "Everyone is eager to get started and see how things are going to play out.

 

Dunlap is confident in his players and isn't afraid to express it.

 

"One thing I know is that these are all tough kids to the core. With those kind of kids on your roster, you can find ways to win".