As New Season Approaches, Excitement Builds at La Salle

On La Salle coach Antoine Peterson’s watch, football practice runs from just before three to around 5:30.  After practice, he watches his 40-plus players do their own voluntary workouts on the field, work with their assistant coaches, and run separate routes with their quarterbacks 

A completely different regime has erupted at La Salle High School. After an abysmal 0-10 with a number of key injuries and blowout losses, the Lancers have already looked past the final whistle of 2010 and have begun a brand new focus in 2011.

“Last year we went through a tough season,” senior wide receiver Stephen Wright said after Thursday’s practice. “We had a lot of guys that were thinking more about themselves. It felt like people weren’t working as hard in practices and it would show on the field. Everything has changed for the better.”

A whole new program

Immediately after the 2010 campaign, La Salle parted ways with Peterson’s coaching staff, and brought in a new regime, which includes a host of former athletes. Dwight Hicks is on the top of the list, a two-time Super Bowl winner and four-time Pro Bowler in the NFL. Former USC standouts Shawn Walters and Elic Mahone also entered into the program as running back and line coaches. Newly hired athletic director Anthony Harris has taken duties as the team’s offensive coordinator.

“The coaches have really helped us step up to be more committed to perform at our best level,” Wright said. “It carries both on the field and in the classroom. Basically they are showing us the way that hard work will pay off in the long run.”

Around 15 to 20 players are moving up from a junior varsity program that had won back-to-back league titles. Varsity players who were on the team last year have welcomed them and have noticed a definite change.

“As we spend more time together, we have become closer as a team,” Junior quarterback Austin Wallis said. “Each day we try and get better, and by scouting each other and gaining experience things have built for the better.”

Quarterback Battle

Last year Will Harrity and Michael Novell both took the snaps for the varsity squad, with Novell getting the bulk of the action. With Harrity gone due to graduation, this has made way for a very healthy quarterback battle. During the passing league tournaments over the summer, both Novell and former JV quarterback Austin Wallis have shared the reps with the first string offense.

“It’s taking staying well after practice and looking at film every night to get to where I want to be,” Wallis said. “I’m just trying to do whatever it takes to win that spot.”

Novell last year had a rough outing, throwing for only four touchdowns and nine interceptions.

Wallis on the other hand completed 50 percent of his passes with 22 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, leading his junior varsity team to an undefeated season in the Del Rey League.

Looking into the Future

Struggling in 2010 gave the Lancers a huge wake up call, and Peterson and the rest of the program believe they’re now headed in the right direction. Discipline on the football field is as high as ever, and with a very experienced coaching staff, it seems as if mistakes will be kept at a minimum.

“Everyone has stepped up throughout the offseason,” Wright said. “As a unit, we know we can get to where we want to be. Last season is in the past, and with everything that has happened since then, I can’t wait to start the season.”