Basic coach expecting a smooth transition

Richard Brian

Basic coach Jeff Cahill (in hat) may be in his first year as the Wolves ‘ head coach, but he knows the program after growing up at the school. The coach is pictured with, from left, receivers Jeff Pozdol and Justin Burdno, and linebacker Anthony Ireland.

By Jared Harmon (contact)

Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008 | 2 a.m.

With 12 first-year coaches taking the field in Southern Nevada this season, likely none will have a smoother transition than Basic’s Jeff Cahill.

Cahill, a 1992 Basic graduate, is a product of the Wolves’ system in every sense. He grew up with his father, Dan Cahill, coaching in the program and played under longtime coach Cliff Frazier for four years.

He returned to Basic in 2002 as a junior varsity coach and now, following Frazier’s retirement last winter after 15 years, takes over a program he calls the most storied in Nevada.

“So far everything has gone real smooth,” Jeff Cahill said. “Cliff helped out a lot when I was given the position. He sort of helped me get going and has been there for any questions I’ve had — football-related or otherwise.”

Cahill said there was a good turnout for offseason workouts and feels the players have responded well to changes because of their familiarity with him.

“I’m not a new face to them. They all know me and most of them have played for me,” he said. “They know me and what I expect from them. They know what I want to see out of my athletes.”

Senior tailback Anthony Ireland said the Wolves have seen few, if any, speed bumps from the change.

“Coach Cahill is a good coach and he’s getting us prepared,” Ireland said. “I don’t think anyone has had any problems making adjustments. We’ve gotten a lot stronger, physically. Our line was a little weak last year but we should push people around this year.”

After starting last season with five wins, the Wolves suffered a five-game losing streak to end the year while scoring the second fewest points in the Southeast Division — 181 points in 10 games.

While quarterback Josh Ross and team leader Greg Henderson have graduated, Cahill said the Wolves return a more than capable quarterback in Robby Faiman. They also return senior receivers Jeff Pozdol and Justin Burdno who combined for 687 receiving yards last year.

“Our offense will stay basically the same,” Cahill said. “We’re going to stick with the same principles these kids have played under for years. These kids are excited to get out there and show what they can do. Robby can be one of the best quarterbacks in Southern Nevada.”

Basic has been playing football since the 1940s and its schedule is loaded with rivalry games — Aug. 29 to open the season against longtime foe Boulder City High, Oct. 17 at neighboring Foothill and Oct. 30 in the season finale against Green Valley High in Henderson Bowl XVIII.

Jared Harmon is a reporter for the Home News. He can be reached at 990-8922 or jared.harmon@hbcpub.com.