Rochester High football looking to make season special By Christian Davis TROY — Facing adversity head on is something Rochester High football coach Drew Kisabeth wants to instill in his kids. The coach knows that in the game of football things don’t always go your way, and it’s bouncing back the next play after a mistake that is the challenge. “If a turnover happens in the game, we can’t go in the tank,” Kisabeth said during practice Aug. 27. “Years ago we might have gone in the tank because we didn’t know any better. We’ve trained these guys to go through adversity; nothing is going to be easy. Whether it’s an interception or a loss, we’re going to rebound.” Last season, Rochester finished 4-5 overall, marking the most victories since 1999. Kisabeth said this team is looking to build off that momentum. “The motto for the seniors, they picked it, is, ‘Our time,’” Kisabeth said. “It’s their time to make the playoffs and learn from last year’s team. … This team is ready to take the next step. “Certainly, I think it’s a possibility because they believe in themselves, but I don’t put too much pressure on that.” For Rochester to earn a spot in the playoffs or contend for an Oakland Activities Association White Division title, Kisabeth said the lines on both sides of the ball need to perform larger than their stature. “We don’t have a lot of size, but we’re fast,” Kisabeth said of the team. “I think we’re going to shock some people.” The Falcons almost shocked Troy High on opening night of the prep football season Aug. 28. After trailing 16-0 at halftime, Rochester scored 13 straight points, beginning with a touchdown pass from sophomore Nick Bradley to senior receiver Taylor Bighi. Junior Alec Camp then scored on a 47-yard interception return. The Colts added a touchdown and field goal to go up 10 with 11:03 remaining in the game, but the Falcons responded when senior running back Ziair Hill reached the end zone from 1 yard out. Rochester had a chance to win in the closing minute, getting down to Troy’s 3, but the Colts stopped three straight runs and the game ended 26-20. No matter the result, senior quarterback Chris Nicols said the Falcons worked too hard to let the season slide because of one loss. Nicols said the team has been working on its strength and agility together five days a week since last December, and he felt that the dedication shown by the Falcons during the offseason will keep them together. “When you got out of bed, there was this little guy on your shoulder telling you to ‘stay in bed, you don’t need it.’ But for the team, you got to go in there,” Nicols said. “It’s not just about you, it’s about the team.” You can reach Sports Writer Christian Davis at cdavis@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1062. |
