Commack Varsity Football Looks Ahead to Next Season

Despite not making the playoffs, Commack's Varsity football team improved to a 4-4 record, and learned to work with each other when their star running back, Brandon Cook, ended his season early in the second game against Central Islip.

Cook took a hard tackle and suffered a head injury that kept him out for the entiriety of the season. Cook was expected to be the feature back in the running game,  slashing through gaps created by SR Mark Recio.

"He was such a huge part of the team and when he got hurt it really affected the whole team, because of how great a player he is," QB Tyler Smith, senior, said. 

In his two games, Cook's elusiveness forced opponents to commit extra defenders to stopping the run, and opened up the field for WR Connor Mcqueeny with one on one matchups.

However, John Donovan filled in for Cook, and speedster Cody Olsen really opened some eyes with his play in the open field. Olsen became a major problem for teams to deal with in the open field, as his agility and break away screen gave the Cougars a screen and outside run element to their offense that will only grow next season.

"I was very proud and happy I made all-league and next year I plan on getting all-county with hard work and dedication," Olsen said.  

He did express worry about the upcoming season for the one elephant in the room – Commack's inability to make big stops on defense this season. 

Commack's team, despite some weaknesses, showed remarkable resilience over the year.  After suffering a demoralizing defeat at homecoming, the Cougars' managed to rattle off a big road win at Pat-Med and a game at home against Connectquot, where the Cougars valiantly fought in a 1 touchdown defeat. Smith said, "The high point was the win at Pat-Med where we scored 52 points."

Smith also took heart in the teams improvement from last year.

"I thought this season went extremely well, we finished 4-4 which is a lot better then previous years. All the seniors played great and the younger classman stepped up and played a big roll in our season," Smith said. Fans of the Cougars can look forward to next year, even as its star QB moves on in effort to play in college.

As for the local team, Olsen has high goals for both the team and himself.

"Next year as a junior, I plan on being a big role model and leader I also plan on working very hard in the off-season to get a prestigious award from Section XI," Olsen said.