Grant hopes to build on quarterfinals appearance
Known for being energetic and animated on the sidelines, Grant coach Kurt Rous might seem downright subdued this season.
But it's not because he's any less excited about his team than usual.
Rous has reason to be optimistic that his Bulldogs can build on last season's trip to the state quarterfinals. He'll just have to keep himself in check for the sake of his hip.
Over the summer, Rous had hip surgery.
"I have a bad hip," Rous said. "It's genetic and probably a little bit due to sports. It was pretty much bone on bone in there. I was laid up for four weeks. I didn't like that."
Usually, Rous spends his summer working out with his team. It's a great way for him to stay in shape and to keep track of his players.
"Our assistant coaches did a great job with the guys," Rous said. "But it was tough for me. I felt like I was totally out of it."
Rous was quickly debriefed upon his return. And, turns out, he's got a pretty good, hard-working team to work with this season.
"We were pretty senior heavy last year," Rous said. "And some of our current seniors played only a little last year. But I feel a lot better now than I did at the beginning of the summer. We did a good job of working hard."
Coaches love it when one of their best players is one of their hardest workers and Rous is blessed with that scenario.
He says that fullback Dan Hourihan, who gained more than 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns, didn't just become an impact player by chance.
"Dan lives in the gym," Rous said. "He runs track, he just works so hard. He was great last year and he's better now."
Speaking of improvements, returning quarterback Justin Cokefair made some to his game.
Rous says that Cokefair has gotten better at rushing the ball and is much more vocal than he was last season.
"I think Justin has gotten quicker," Rous said. "And he's taken on that leadership role pretty well. It just worries me that we have four new faces on the line. Dan and Justin can't do it all."
Travis Stefanowski should be able to lend a sizeable assist. He's the one returning starter on the line and he's no slouch, checking in at 6-foot-3, 265 pounds.
"Travis is one of the best offensive linemen we've had in years," Rous said. "He'll open up some holes but we're going to run the ball a lot so we're going to need the entire line to come together."
Defensively, Grant will be anchored by returners Austin Thorsen, Kyle Hunter and Scott Ray. Rous is also excited about a player with a great name, Quinton Quarles. He's 6-feet, 200 pounds and will be the only sophomore in the starting lineup.
GRANT BULLDOGS
Coach: Kurt Rous (4th season)
2008 record: 8-4
2008 playoffs: Lost to Lemont (35-14) in the Class 6A quarterfinals