William Allen Canaries Hire New Offensive Coordinator
Seamus Reed| Writer
With the William Allen Canaries opening the season with a strong 2-0 start (as of Sept. 10), fans and players attribute this success to new offensive coordinator Trent Clay.
The William Allen Canaries came out swinging this year, opening the season with a 39-0 victory over the Thomas Alva Edison Owls on Aug. 29, and a 31-23 win over the Martin Luther King Cougars on Sept. 4. This has players and fans excited about what the Canaries can accomplish this season.
“If there was ever a time for them to win, it’s now,” said Canaries football fan, Alyssa Washington.
Senior quarterback Julian Pagan said his initial reaction to Clay being hired was positive.
“My initial reaction was, this is going to be a great thing,” he said. “He’s a great person, he knows what he’s talking about, and this could be a brand new start for everything.”
Pagan said one of the biggest differences since Clay’s arrival has been the way the offense uses its players.
“We were able to spread the ball around and open up a new look for the offense,” Pagan said.
Pagan, who passed for 1,109 yards and eight touchdowns last year, has thrown for 703 passing yards and 12 touchdowns (as of Sept. 18), putting him on pace to pass for over 1,500 passing yards and 30 passing touchdowns. He attributes Clay’s leadership to having made a big difference.
“Trent’s ability to be a leader and take control are unmatched,” Pagan said.
Clay's reasoning for choosing Allen went much deeper than football.
“The bonds I had with the kids, and coming back to where it all started to be an offensive coordinator where my dad coached was an amazing opportunity,” Clay said.
Clay believes the reasoning behind the Canaries’ 2-0 start also comes from the players’ “growing confidence in their coaches and their own abilities.”
Although the Canaries have started the season 2-0, Clay said the team still needs to stay humble and improve their attitude and effort. He believes the team has the potential to make the playoffs, compete in every game, and even win a playoff game, which he said could “change the narrative about Allen football.”
Much remains to be seen for the Canaries as the season continues. While the 2-0 start and new offensive approach have created excitement around the team, the rest of the season will determine whether Clay can help Allen reach its goals.
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