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Cordell Blue Devils Head Coach Zane Trammell. Photo courtesy of Zane Trammell.
This past season was definitely a rough one for the Cordell Blue Devils and their new head football coach, Zane Trammell. Despite the 1-9 record, though, Coach Trammell had plenty of good things to say about his new role, his fellow coaches, and his team, and he’s already approaching the 2020 season with an optimistic attitude.
In just about every game this year, the Blue Devils were up against older teams and were outsized at just about every position on the field, but it didn’t stop them from giving their all on every snap of the ball. But the crucible of the gridiron, Trammell said, has helped his young players develop over the course of the season.
“We had a lot of good moments, drives that looked good on the offense and the defense,” Trammell said. “There were definitely glimpses of light. Our players grew up a lot, mentally, physically, and emotionally. Our younger guys got a lot of experience.”
This year’s challenge of having a young, less experienced team should pay dividends for the team next year. The Blue Devils only had three seniors playing this season, Carsen Nickel, Ryan Pyeatte, and Alex Grissom, and Nickel was sidelined most of the season with an injury.
The Blue Devils were also challenged by a thin roster, with most starters playing on both offense and defense, and rarely having more than seven or eight players available as substitutes. Trammell commented that it was easier to count the players on the sidelines during substitutions to make sure the right number of players were on the field.
In addition to the problems a thin roster causes during games, it also impacts the team’s preparation, Trammell said.
“It’s hard to get live reps, it really limits what you can do in practice,” he said.
That situation should also change next season, Trammell said. He counted eight players coming up from the junior high team that should add depth to several positions. He also speculated that some students who haven’t played might be looking to join the team.
“We might get a couple out of the hall,” he said. “We’re going to miss the ones we’re losing, but we have a good returning core. I’m very optimistic for next year.”
Trammell commended his players and their parents for their commitment and dedication during the season.
“The parents here are very supportive, and that helps,” he said. “Sometimes it’s hard to keep kids motivated, busting their tails every single day, but these young men did.”
The coach also commended his assistant coaches, Dillon Ball and David Garmon, for their work during the season. Coach Ball, he said, basically had the reins with the defense.
“It’s really good to have guys you can trust to help share the weight,” he said.
Trammell also wanted to give a shout-out to the school’s administration for their support.
“They hire you to do the job, and they let you do it,” he said.
The coach ended with by thanking his wife for her support.
“The supportive coach’s wife is not an easy role to play,” he said. “But she’s there and has been supportive when I’m not easy to be around.”