2015 was a very good year for Spencer High School’s football program.
Under the direction of first year head coach Pierre Coffey, the Greenwave of Spencer High rolled to the “winningest” season for the school in 38 years. The football team also gained a second round playoff berth while posting an 8-4 record. Six of those wins were against 5-AA region rivals.
Unlike many area football programs, Spencer will be returning several key players. The Greenwave’s quarterback Kahlil Thomas will be back for the 2016 season. The 6’1” 170 pound athlete was the leading passer for the team last year with 1878 yards on the season. He will be joined on the offense by returning wide receiver Ervin Davis. Defensively, the Greenwave will see the return of Ye’majesty Sanders, a powerhouse of a player at 6’5” and 310 pounds, and Dayquan Thornton, 6 feet and 230 pounds.
Those four athletes will help anchor the team for 2016 season and will be accompanied by other returning starters such as safety Travell Jones, defensive end Marquise Hamilton and DB/RB Jaleel Grimes.
Coach Coffey feels the team’s strength will come from having experienced starters. He notes their running game should also be fueled by Grimes and Jaharee Mons. The loss of 20 seniors from last year’s team will have an impact though. That’s why Coffey is hoping to mix of returning leaders and talented newcomers will be a recipe for success.
“Last season was a historic season for Spencer High School. We will be looking for build-off of last year’s success and it will be vital that our new starters gain playing experience and develop confidence in their play,” says Coffey.
There’s nothing like a winning season to charge up fans. The Greenwave Owls have enjoyed a loyal fan base like most high schools but with the kind of season they experienced last year, there is a new enthusiasm that had been missing for several years. This energizing effect is important for team morale, too, and Coffey would like to see it continue.
“It is vital that we build off the community support our fans showed us last year. We should strive to fill stadiums each Friday night with a sea of green and gold,” he says.
Many have asked the secret to Spencer’s seemingly overnight success last season. For Coffey, it isn’t complicated. He adheres to simple concepts. On offense, his players are taught to play fast, physical and be explosive. Defensive positions are expected to play fundamentally sound, fast and with good technique.
Sometimes, things just fall into place and line up for success. Good coaching, talented athletes and a team with a solid work ethic combined for football success. It was surprising to many in the community when Spencer produced a winning season. This year, the program will get more interest from fans and also college recruiters. Among those expected to be collegiate prospects are WR Davis, RB/DB Grimes (who runs the 40 in 4.49), DB Jones and WR Jaylen Taylor.
Both OT Ye’majesty Sanders and QB Kahlil Thomas are considered top prospects from their team due to their athletic ability and academic standards. Sanders maintain a 3.2 GPA and Thomas a 3.0 GPA.
Coffey displays a pretty humble attitude about the first year’s success with him at the helm. He directs attention to his players and sees his role as more than a football coach. He wants his program to teach athletes how to deal with adversity and how the game of football translates to various situations that one may encounter in life.
Going forward, the Greenwave will be looking to a few games with special intent. When they face Carver, this is known as the Heritage Bowl and it has a significant history. Also, Coffey views the game against Callaway as important because of playoff implications.
Looks like the fight is back in the Greenwave Owls of Spencer High School.
Spencer Greenwave
Greenwave Hoping To Build Upon Last Year’s Success
Written by Beth Welch
Photo by Spencer High School
