When Matt Gallo took over the Snyder High School football program last year, he knew that it would represent a huge challenge, considering the Tigers won exactly one game in the season before he arrived.
So Gallo’s Tigers doubled that total last year – they won two games in a 2-7 season.
But the Tigers were far more competitive and far more disciplined under Gallo’s watch. Gallo got the Tigers involved in a lot of community service projects together, including feeding the homeless at the Hope House last February.
Gallo is confident that the Tigers will be much improved this season.
Part of the reason is the Tigers’ new quarterback in senior Justin Williams (6-0, 175).
“He’s a high character kid, an impressive kid,” Gallo said of his new signal caller. “He’s physically gifted. He’s the reason why we’re spreading it out a little this year. He has the capability to show off his talents as much as possible.”
The fullback is senior Corshon Cousins (6-1, 220).
“He’s a big bruising type of back,” Gallo said. “He’s developing a nice inside run game.”
The other running back is junior Ezekiah Daise-Adams (6-1, 165).
“He has good speed,” Gallo said of Daise-Adams. “He could be a game breaker.”
Junior Davione Williams (5-9, 160) is also in the backfield.
“We love the makeup of our backfield,” Gallo said. “We have four backs to rely on. It makes it harder for opponents to scout you.”
The wide receivers are senior Malachi Mallard (5-11, 160) and junior Jean Pierre (5-11, 180).
The offensive line features some decent sized performers.
Senior Najawon Johnson (6-0, 265) returns to his starting slot at tackle, where he is joined by junior Jordan Amaker (6-0, 275).
The guards are senior Khaled Faragalla (5-10, 200) and senior Justin Green (6-0, 210), with junior Jaquan Rivera (5-9, 230) returning as the starting center.
“We certainly like the size we have up front,” Gallo said. “They’re also able to move quickly. Size is not the only prerequisite in a Wing-T offense. You need guys who can move.”
Defensively, the Tigers will play a 4-2-5 alignment.
Green and junior Omar Gordon (6-0, 230) are the defensive ends, with Johnson and Rivera at defensive tackle. Rivera was a two-way starter last year. He’s a player to watch.
Cousins and Faragalla are the linebackers. Cousins is an absolute load and will cause his share of havoc defensively.
Davione Williams and Mallard are the cornerbacks, with Justin Williams (no relation), Pierre and Daise-Adams at the safeties.
“Defensively, for us, it’s all about the safety,” Gallo said. “That’s easily our deepest position.”
The Tigers lost their season opener to Lincoln last week and it doesn’t get any easier facing Gallo’s alma mater Hoboken on Friday, Oct. 9 – in Hoboken, no less, for a little Friday Night Lights.
“We’re just thankful to be having a season,” Gallo said. “I think we have a team and a foundation in place, but our goal now is to be the best. We know that it’s something we can do one night. It will happen. We have the elements in place, with good school and athletic administration. Everyone is on board with this goal.”
Gallo was asked if it was too lofty of a goal for a program that has won three games in three years.
“If you’re going to go, you have to go big,” Gallo said. “That’s our goal long term. Right now, the kids are having fun and that’s the best thing to watch.” – Jim Hague
