Butterflies of Excitement; Southwestern ‘Ready’ for Season Opener at Gowanda

Much like his players, Southwestern’s newly appointed head football coach, Jehuu Caulcrick, likely had trouble getting to sleep last night. And for good reason. Caulcrick, the former Michigan State standout who shattered nearly every record in the books back in his high school playing days at Clymer, knew that in just 24 hours, he would be coaching his first game of high school football.

With lofty expectations dangling above his head from the get-go, the first year coach is anxious to get his players out on the field.

“I had a conversation with Dave Emley, one of our coaches, who’s been coaching for over 30 years,” said Caulcrick. “I told him ‘you know what… on Thursday night I’m not going to be able to sleep.’ He agreed … I played football at every level and I slept like a baby because I was confident in my ability and my skillset. After Thursday’s practice, it’s out of my control; it’s all on the kids now.”

All on the kids. Surely, that’s how any competitor would want it to be. With what Caulcrick referred to as a ‘great’ week of practice under their belts, the new-look Southwestern Trojans are ready to make the trip to Gowanda on Friday night for their season opener.

“The guys really came out and played this week,” said Caulcrick, as he reflected on some of the things that stood out to him from this week’s practice. “Defensively, we were flying around, getting to the football. 11 hats to the ball, that’s what we preach. Offensively, we were communicating on the offensive line… receivers down field were making blocks… I like the way we practiced.”

With a tough Gowanda team on the horizon, Caulcrick can only hope his team’s play in practice translates to the game field.

Historically, the Gowanda Panthers are known for their defense. Advancing to the Section VI playoffs for the first time last season under coach Sean Gabel, it’s safe to say they will be swarming on that side of the ball. No stranger to big games, Caulcrick showed respect for Gowanda’s offensive capabilities as well.

“Gowanda is a very good team; they have a lot of rich tradition in their program,” said Caulcrick. “They may be known for defense, but their offense is going to be very good too. They have tall receivers and their quarterback is returning this year; he’s very good.”

Understandably so, some reservations are to be had when a legendary coach in Jay Sirianni has since been replaced. But rest assured Trojan fans: the program is in good hands.

“We’re going to go out there every game and compete,” said Caulcrick. “We’re going to be a physical team… at the end of the game, win or lose, our opponent will know they were in a fight… That’s the biggest thing people watching the game can respect; we’re going to go out there and put up a fight.”

Although Southwestern enters the upcoming season with the highest of expectations, the team still has a ways to go before they truly know their identity.

“It’s up to us to go out there on Friday and show our identity,” said Caulcrick. “We’ve been going against each other this whole time, we don’t really have a true identity yet… Friday night is when we find that out.”

Whether the Trojans prove to be an offensive-minded powerhouse who’re capable of scoring in bunches, or a group of defensive masterminds who make it difficult for the opposition; that’s yet to be determined.

One thing’s for sure: Every night, they’re going to leave it all out there on the field.