Fountain Lake: Cobras rely on seniors to fill gaps

After losing 17 seniors to graduation, some teams might call it a rebuilding season.

Not Fountain Lake.

After a crushing 33-15 semifinals loss to Harding Academy last fall, the Cobras (9-5) return poised for another deep postseason run. “Last season, we didn’t go as far as we had wanted to,” coach Tommy Gilleran said. “Overall, I think that it was pretty awesome for a team like us, which was decimated by injuries all season, to make it back to the semifinals.”

The Cobras have reached the 3A state championship two of the past three seasons, winning it all in 2009.

However, losing 17 seniors means there are holes to fill, including those left behind by quarterback Coleman Crawford (1,586 yards and 18 touchdowns) and running back Mark Makin (3,883 career yards and 54 touchdowns).

Assuming the quarterback position this season will be senior Michael Pope (6-0, 160), who saw time as Crawford’s backup in 2010. “He’s been working on his throwing a lot this year and really commands the offense,” Gilleran said.

Replacing a back of Makin’s caliber is no easy task, but Gilleran remains confident in the abilities of senior Dale Smith (6-0, 190) and junior Mackenzie Ross (5-10, 220). Smith rushed for 697 yards and seven touchdowns in 2010 while adding 526 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Ross ran for 787 yards and seven touchdowns.

Despite losing 17 seniors, the Cobras field 16 more in 2011. “I’m very impressed by our senior leadership. They come to work every day, they work hard and do a great job. They’re getting better every day,” Gilleran said.