Falcons ready to regain lost ground

Heather Cory

Foothill running back Algernon Sewell, left, and quarterback Aaron Dupin look to lead the Falcons back to the playoffs one year after missing the postseason for the first time in seven years.

By Jared Harmon (contact)

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

Foothill junior quarterback Aaron Dupin is out to prove last year was a fluke.

The Falcons were Henderson’s top program for most of the past seven years as they won five Southeast Division titles. But they missed the playoffs last year for the first time since the school’s inaugural year in 1999, opening the season with five straight setbacks and finishing 2-7.

Dupin said fans should expect to see a very different offense from the Falcons, one that could surprise their rivals.

“Last year we kind of went through some growing pains,” Dupin said. “Last year was just a down year and now people are going to see us get back to where we should be. I think this will be a breakout year for a lot of us.”

Foothill coach Marty Redmond said the Falcons looked strong at Utah State’s football camp this summer.

“We got a lot better at camp. You could see kids improving as they played,” Redmond said. “We hope to be pretty balanced on offense this year. Aaron has a great arm and is a lot more mature. We should be able to throw more and that should allow (senior running back) Algernon Sewell to pick up some yards.”

The Falcons averaged 20 points a game last year with an offense that combined for 847 rushing yards and 655 passing yards. Dupin, who posted the bulk of those passing yards with 33 completions for 491 yards and three touchdowns, said he’s ready to carry the load. Also, Sewell should provide a steady force on the ground.

“Coach said he’s putting the offense on my shoulders,” Dupin said. “We should do a lot better this year. Our receivers have improved a ton. Algernon’s in our backfield and I can get comfortable because our line is looking really good. There’s a lot of excitement on our field right now.”

The offensive line will be anchored by senior tackle Jake Broyles and junior guard Matt Westover who, along with senior Ikiaka Dix, will also lead the defensive line.

“We’re young on defense but we’re big up front and very athletic,” Redmond said. “Ikiaka should make some hits for us.”

The coach said his team has the right attitude to overcome last year’s struggles.

“We need to get back to playing more disciplined football,” he said. “We’re a more athletic team than we were before. These kids take care of business.”

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