Time with weights pays off for Foothill senior

Richard Brian

Foothill High running back Algernon Sewell, right, cools off during practice Sept. 24.

By Jared Harmon

Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008 | midnight

Algernon Sewell

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Foothill senior Algernon Sewell has tallied seven touchdowns and 660 rushing yards this year while claiming the starting running back position for the Falcons.

Prior to the start of the season, however, Sewell wasn't sure where he fit in on the team.

The 5-foot, 8-inch, 210-pound power back was coming off a season in which he rushed for only eight yards on 10 carries.

"I honestly wasn't sure how much coach was going to let me play," Sewell said. "I felt like I had improved but I just didn't believe in myself last year. I didn't make a very good impression my junior year. I knew I had it in me to be better and I guess coach saw that, too."

Unhappy with his junior performance, Sewell spent the offseason in the weight room adding muscle.

"Algernon is a big strong kid and when he gets moving south he's tough to take down," Foothill coach Marty Redmond said. "That's mainly how we've been using him this year — letting him wear teams down — and he's made the most of it. He's not a blazing speed guy. He's got decent speed but when his strength came along he really improved."

Sewell credits his breakout year to the offensive line in front of him.

"It all comes down to the offensive line," Sewell said. "I couldn't do what I've been doing without them. They open up great holes for me and that makes it easy. "

After going 2-7 last year, the Falcons are off to a 2-3 start this season. Sewell said their attitude is more positive and their commitment level is higher.

"We're much more of a team this year — last year there were a lot of individuals," he said. "We had to pick it up this year because we knew we couldn't have another season like last year. We want to bring Foothill football back to where it was ­— back to the playoffs."

As one of four captains, Sewell said he is ready to carry his portion of the leadership responsibilities. Redmond said he's seen others respond to Sewell's enthusiasm and expects that to continue.

"Algernon is great kid," Redmond said. "He's the kind of guy his teammates respect. We have that kind of team this year. They respect kids who work hard and lead by example and that's what he does."

Jared Harmon can be reached at 990-8922 or jared.harmon@hbcpub.com.