NYC Edition NYC_FALL_I_2013 | Page 18

BOYS AND GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL only have one road game remaining (against Brooklyn Tech) and the other two games are home against DeWitt Clinton and Lincoln. A strong reason the team has been successful over the past few years isn’t because of a star player. The Kangaroos have head coach Clive Harding in his 3rd season on the sideline, once again. Harding has seen his team change dramatically over the past year, or so, losing 24 players to graduation. “I have been pleasantly surprised,” Harding said. “At this point, we may be overachieving a bit, but anythi ng can happen. This team has been very good.” Harding has had the challenge of replacing numerous talented athletes from last year’s roster with young, less experienced players this season. So far, everything seems to be working out, but it’s a completely different team. Running back Najee Champagne and quarterback Keon March combined for 30 touchdowns last year, but since have graduated, leaving holes to fill on the offensive front. “I had a very emotional group last year, but this year’s team is very business-like,” Harding said, “They are very calm and are more laid back.” Seniors Dashawn Brice has taken over at quarterback, along with Hollis Superville at running back. These highly skilled 18 players have already made an impact after just six games this season. Brice has completed 41 of 63 passes for 515 yards and two touchdowns through six games. Superville has contributed eight touchdowns already, rushing for 310 yards on 34 carries and 161 yards on 12 receptions. The Kangaroos have been winning at the hands of these two players, for the most part, but Harding knows there are still areas that can use improvement. “We have room to get better,” Harding said. “We need to be a more cohesive group and do a better job on the offensive line.” The Kangaroos have been gaining some respect with the way they have playing but they know it is something they have to keep working on throughout the year, making sure not to overlook any opponent. “We have to take it one game at a time and stay focused,” Harding said, “We can go as far as we want to go.” The work is being put in and the wins have been coming along as a result. “We’re taking everything in stride,” Harding said, “We don’t want to get too high or too low, and it’s working for this group.” WWW.ULTIMATEATHLETEMAGAZINE.COM FIND US ON FACEBOOK! WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/UAMAGAZINE