Football team putting in the work ‘all damn day’

The ARHS football team is off to a great start this season, with three wins (against Springfield International Charter School, Greenfield High School, and Agawam) and 1 loss (to East Longmeadow) as of October 7.

Senior captain Peter Tanguay said the team finished last year with a 5-3 regular season record and played two consolation games, finishing with an overall record of 5-5. He highlighted the team’s successful running game and the positive team culture they established and said the team identified areas they need to improve on this season. Last year the team’s motto was “Build the Culture,” while this year’s is “All Damn Day.”

Tanguay said that there are several standout players on this year’s squad, including Isac Kim (#1), Iuri Correia (#3), and Dane Coy (#10), #4 Brady Klaes, and #0 Jahrain Whitely.

“Brady plays running back, and Jahrain plays wide receiver and cornerback. They are both great athletes because they’ve put the work in to become better in the offseason,” said Tanguay.

Senior Ridley Cheremond agreed that Coy was an “outstanding cornerback” and said he was also impressed by Jackson Drake (#18) and Agho Menkin (#25). Cheremond joined the team because he likes “the physicality and atmosphere of football.” He also gave props to his captain and coach, noting that Tanguay is “a great leader and player,” and Coach Jack Putala “takes a more optimistic approach when it comes to coaching and has a lot of discipline.”

Tanguay is currently the only captain of the team and works to be the best one he can be. “I lead stretches daily, help teammates with any problems they might have, and am a leader on and off the field,” said Tanguay.

Tanguay said he likes that Putala brings an “old-school energy” to the team. He said people are not cut from the team; anyone can join. “That is the beauty of football,” he said.

The team follows a weekly practice schedule. Mondays are dedicated to watching film and installing plays. On Tuesdays, they focus on offense, including position periods, team periods, and conditioning. On Wednesdays, they focus on defense, tackling, position periods, team periods, and conditioning. Thursdays are reserved for walk-throughs, where the team reviews plays and special teams, including kickoffs, returns, punts, and PATs.

Outside of practice, the team builds relationships before games through “team meals and hanging out as a team.”

Cheremond said that in addition to being dedicated to the sport, the team is “a great group of young men.”

The team practices Monday through Thursday on the community field and plays Friday games under the lights at home or away.

Tanguay said he enjoys football because it brings people together. ”I love how it reflects life, with people from all over coming together to work toward a common goal,” he said. “Football teaches valuable life lessons like communication and teamwork.”

He also had high hopes for the team. “My goal for this season is to win our league,” said Tanguay. “There are some pretty competitive teams, but I feel like we have a good chance of winning.”