Cougars Could Qualify For Class 4 State Playoffs

2009-10-23 Sports

Cougars Could Qualify For Class 4 State Playoffs
Team faces Bishop DuBourg Oct. 23; St. Mary's Oct. 30





	Senior quarterback Ladarius Davis has completed 19 of 35 passes for 243 yards. The Cougars' dominating offensive line also boasts a strong running game. file photo by Bill Burckhalter (click for larger version)

10/23/2009 - Before the 2009 football season began, Affton High School was picked to finish last in the Suburban East.

Quieting its critics, Affton is now in a position to qualify for the Class 4 state playoffs. The Cougars are 6-2 heading into the final two weeks of the regular season.

The Cougars lost a 21-20 overtime loss to Ladue in an evenly-matched game between two Suburban East rivals in the Class 4 District 3 opener on Oct. 17 at St. Charles West High School.

Affton expects to redeem itself against Bishop DuBourg (1-7) at 7 p.m. on Oct. 23, then again against St. Mary's (5-3) at home at 7 p.m. on Oct. 30.

If the Cougars win those games, they will play in the post-season for the second straight season. Two teams from each district advance to the state playoffs.

"It was something we let them know about," Affton Coach Dan Oliver said of the pre-season prediction. "It didn't go unnoticed. They got excited about it and they have played with a little edge. We've done OK. All in all, I've been pretty happy with where we are right now. The prediction has put us in a position to play in the post-season."

Although senior runningback/middle linebacker Marcus Golden has put up gaudy numbers offensively and defensively, Oliver said others, too, have stepped up.

"He's not our only weapon. Marcus is a big reason for our success both offensively and defensively. We're not as one dimensional as people think we are," Oliver said.

Offensively, Golden has rushed for 1,771 yards on 231 attempts and has scored 23 touchdowns and has added three two-point conversions. He has caught three passes for 44 yards and has completed two of three passes for nine yards. Defensively, Golden has recorded a team-high 80 tackles, seven quarterback sacks and has one interception.

"He's been a good leader," Oliver said of the 6-foot, 3-inch, 225-pound Golden. "He's been providing good blocking. He's played very unselfishly. He doesn't say much about his numbers."

Others have contributed on both sides of the football. Offensively, senior runningback Dominique Preston has gained 472 yards on 88 carries and has five touchdowns. Senior quarterback Ladarius Davis has chipped in with 217 rushing yards on 56 attempts and three touchdowns. He has completed 19 of 35 passes for 243 yards and one touchdown. Senior runningback Aaron Hudson has contributed 199 yards rushing on 37 attempts and has scored two touchdowns.

A dominating offensive line has keyed a strong running game. Right guard Max Donahue is the lone senior and is joined by right tackle Mark Adams, center Andy McDermott, left guard Adel Glebobic and left tackle Alex Blake, all juniors.

"We have been getting what we wanted running the ball," Oliver said. "We're sitting at a good spot. We haven't had to pass too much. We still have play left in our bag that we haven't pulled out."

Defensively, senior cornerback Cornelious Prince has recorded a team-high eight interceptions, including his latest deep into own territory at the end of regulation against Ladue to send the game into overtime. Junior cornerback Adam Leathers is next with three interceptions.

"Our defense has been pretty stingy," Oliver said.