By Mukala Kabongo
NEFJ Correspondent
Consistency and stability, that is something that has been plaguing the Lynn English football program for sometime but they are hoping that changes under new head coach Tyllor McDonald.
McDonald, who was a star player during his time at Lynn English is the third head coach for the program since former coach Chris Carroll stepped down after the spring 2021 season, the shortened covid season.
McDonald takes over after Anthony LaFratta stepped down at the end of last season and he’s hoping to restore the competitive nature the Bulldogs program is known for.
“I’m very excited. This year’s team I feel is very talented to win multiple games. I’m definitely excited,” said McDonald.
The Bulldogs are coming off a season where they went 3-8 and averaged 12 points per game. This is coming after they averaged 13.2 points per game during the 2022 season. In the last three seasons Lynn English has gone 13-21.
One key area where McDonald wanted to have consistency and stability was at the quarterback position. Last season Jaiden Rosario and Limbert Thomas III split time behind center, this season McDonald is sticking with one quarterback and he chose Rosario.
“Jaiden, he’s got talent, he’s got arm talent, he’s got size,” said McDonald. “He’s a smart kid. He’s got all the tools now he just has to perform.”
The decision was all but easy for McDonald, he sees the offense being much more proficient by utilizing Thomas III skillset and puts more playmakers on the field.
“Just having LT out there in the slot it just helps us out all our best players are on the field at once,” said McDonald.
Rosario, playing for his third coach in four years understands the expectations the coaching staff have placed on him and he has embraced it very well. He has all the faith that this coaching staff will put him in the best position to succeed and he’s already seeing the difference it’s making.
“He’s brought a lot of energy, he’s definitely made us have a stronger mind set,” said Rosario. He’s trying to turn this whole program around and I think he’s doing a good job so far.”
McDonald shares the same sentiment as Rosario, the energy you bring to practice is what is going to get the players excited and ready to run through a wall for you.
“You gotta bring the sauce,” said McDonald. You don’t bring the sauce everyday. I mean the kids, they’re not gonna believe in the guys that are running the program.”
The Bulldogs first test of the season is on Friday as they travel to Lawrence to take on the Lancers. Last season the Lancers came into Manning Field and pitched a shutout against the Bulldogs with a 27-0 victory.
If the Bulldogs want to change the program around this is a good test for them that can help in the long run and coach McDonald likes the chances he has with this group of players.
“We definitely got the kids this year for sure and I think this season could be something special,” McDonald added.