By Kyle Nagel, Staff WriterUpdated 12:47 AM Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Taken From the DaytonDailyNews.com. 8-25-10
KETTERING — As in years before, the Alter High School football team traveled to Thomas More College in June for a team camp. There, the two-time defending Division IV champions spent several days in a mix of team building and football education.
“It took a toll physically, but it was more mental,” said Matt Hurtubise, a senior running back. “They would tell us, if you don’t know the play, ask now, then be ready later.”
Preparation and discipline have been the keys to the Alter formula. The Knights have won 30 consecutive games on the field (although they had to forfeit the first two victories of the 2008 season). Opponents in the Miami Valley have faced trouble staying close. Alter has won its regular-season games in the past two seasons by an average margin of 32.3 points. In that time, they have allowed an average of 7.6 points per game.
So there’s been a question lingering since last December, when Alter topped Chagrin Falls 37-7 for the second title: Can they do it again?
“The biggest thing is we’re concerned with Week 1, not looking to Week 15,” said Alter coach Ed Domsitz. “I’ve been in programs where the expectations have been low. I prefer high expectations.”
They could hardly be higher. In the previous nine seasons, Alter has made nine playoff appearances and compiled a combined 103-18 record (an 85 percent winning clip).
The Knights return eight starters (five on offense and three on defense) while inserting more inexperienced players who did, however, see late-game time in lopsided wins.
“It’s all on you as a class,” said Sean Kernan, a wide receiver and one of 21 seniors on the 74-player roster. “People remember you for what your class did, and we understand that.”
