By: Malcolm Shields
After being the defensive coordinator at Cardinal Newman for the past three seasons, Kevin Fleury is back on the sidelines as a head coach for Olympic Heights in 2012. One of the first tasks for Fleury was to change the atmosphere that surrounded the program after a losing season in 2011.
“We talk about is accountability,” Fleury said. “[We’re] making sure that these kids are accountable, whether it’s in the classroom or on the field.” His formula for success has worked before. In 2005, Fleury led Palm Beach Gardens to a state championship.
With the departure of senior quarterback Matt Kelly, the Lions have had a close quarterback competition between Nick Brooks and Richard Thompson throughout the spring. In Olympic Heights’ spring game against Wellington High School, both quarterbacks will get significant playing time.
Although both quarterbacks are talented, each brings a different skill set under center for the Lions. “Richard has a bit more of an advantage as far as athleticism with Nick having more of an advantage as a thrower,” Fleury said. “We are pretty much looking at 1 and 1A right now.”
In the backfield, running back John Clerister will have other backs to help him carry the rushing load. “He will be one of our guys with Wesley Innocent and Emilio Fernandez,” Fleury said. Degaulle Sama will also get some carries for the Lions. Clerister is familiar with splitting carries. In 2011, Clerister spit carries with four other runners. He received the most carries with 99.
On defense, Andy Bien-Amie and Walvenski “Wally” Aime will anchor the defensive front seven for the Lions. In the secondary, cornerbacks Gaetan Dolbrice and Sama have been solid throughout the spring.
With its matchup against Wellington High School on May 30, there is one main goal the Lions want to accomplish. “We got to pull a win out. Everything is about winning,” Fleury said. “We’ve been practicing since May 1. We got to see where we are at. A lot of guys are going both ways. We’re also facing an option team that is going to be tough. We got to be very discipline.”
Head Coach: Kevin Fleury
2011 Record: (3-7, 3-2 District 14-6A)
Spring Game: May 30 at Wellington Community High School 7pm
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