4 Questions With Cardinal Gibbons Football Coach Matt DuBuc
We spoke with Cardinal Gibbons football coach Matt DuBuc about their state championship win and the key to building a successful program.
Q: Congratulations on a state championship this past year. Do you use that (championship) as a motivator over the offseason?
A: Yes, we do. A lot of folks don’t really know how hard this deal is. There are so many pitfalls in running a championship program day in and day out. We just try to stay ahead of the current and navigate the shallows. The culture is set, and expectations are in place. The kids expect it.
Q: Speaking of this year and last year’s team, how many contributors from that state title season will you have returning in 2021, and who are the key guys you’re counting on to be leaders this year?
A: We have a lot of returning guys in the trenches, which makes me feel better. Our DL is super talented and very deep. DE Mason Thomas is a Power Five guy, and so is Ahmad Moten. Tray Brown will be a four-year starter and Power Five LB. The secondary is a much-improved group from a year ago.
We have a lot of skill to replace, but we love what we have. Power Five tackle Jackson Crozier leads the group. We have the most talented QB room we have ever had to this point, led by Dylan Rizk and Luke Warnock. The skill is led by Davon Kiser, Jesse Anderson, and Elisha Edwards.
Q: What is the key to building, developing, and maintaining such a successful program as you have done at Cardinal Gibbons?
A: To build a strong program, it all starts with numbers and then quality numbers. The staff and its continuity also plays a huge roll. We like to carry between 65 or 60 on the roster.
Q: Do you think you have the team to do it again this year? What area of your team do you feel like needs a little more work before heading into the season?
A: We have a great shot! As always, we have to stay healthy and hit the Air Raid with a nice mixture of spreading the ball around the field and attacking the D. I think we need to continue to work throughout the summer on the little things. Our school is challenging, but I think it will make us the team to beat in the playoffs.
Written by: Phil Jones
