52 APRIL 2018 By Nick Smith To say last year was tough for the Arcadia High School football team would be a drastic understatement. A season that had started with the promise of a new era quickly turned into a worst-case scenario for the Titans, who lost all ten games they played in 2017. Now the school is hitting the restart button again. Tony Stillings, the first-year coach whose highly anticipated spread offense had replaced longtime coach Lenny Abt’s run- heavy game plan, is gone after just one season. In his place is the definition of a splashy hire, with the new coach bringing youth, experience, and name recognition to the neighborhood. Arcadia’s third head coach in as many seasons will be 29-year-old Kerry Taylor, and that name should ring some bells if you’re a local football fan. Taylor is a hometown star, who was a standout wide receiver at Hamilton High School in the mid-2000s, during the height of its run as the state’s dominant high school power. He went on to play for ASU, and bounced around the NFL for a while, even playing with the Cardinals for a time. “The first thing I did when I saw the job was open was research the school,” Taylor said. “I learned as much about the area as I could. The interviews went really smoothly, the plan I envisioned for the program matched up with what the administrators wanted. It seemed like a perfect fit from the start.” Taylor might seem young for a head coach, but he’s not new to the profession. He was an offensive coordinator for a Chandler High team that broke several offensive school records in 2015. He spent time as the head coach at Salt River High School and as a receivers coach at Phoenix College. Both programs had struggled mightily in previous seasons, but saw turnarounds during Taylor’s time with the schools. “Because of those experiences, I’m not scared to go into a situation that hasn’t been the best and help turn it around,” Taylor said. “I’ve seen it done before. It starts with culture, my very first message to the guys was that this is a new day. I don’t care what happened last year. This is a new start.” The new coach has hit the ground fast, establishing a staff of young, former players to help turn the Titans around. Former University of Oregon Ducks star Javes Lewis will be the defensive coordinator, while Taylor’s younger brother Kendyl, who played at the University of Washington and Northern Arizona, will r un the offense. Other new coaches include former ASU stars Ryan McFoy and Trent Marsh. “Being a younger coach, I kind of understand what it’s like to be where my players are,” Taylor noted. “Coming from the player side of things and having my background gives me instant credibility with them. I’m not telling them about some place I’ve never been, I’ve actually been where they want to go. I want to help them accomplish their goals.” Fans around the neighborhood have been hoping for a day when Titans football might become a contending team year in and year out. It might not be an overnight fix under Coach Taylor, but he isn’t interested in putting limits on his new squad. “I mean, I’d say the goal is to get into the playoffs this year,” Taylor said. “I’d be disappointed if we didn’t. We’ve got a new coach, new assistants, a new culture. I have confidence in these guys and it’s about instilling it in the players. Every team is going to follow the personality of its head coach. If I believe they’re a good team, the players will start to believe it too.” Titans aim for football turnaround with experienced coach New Arcadia High football coach Kerry Taylor brings a player’s perspective to the Titans. Taylor played receiver for Hamilton High School, ASU and the Arizona Cardinals (#18 above). Kerry Taylor Contact Roni@Arcadianews.com today to find out how you can save up to 46% on your ad investment! How to reach 50,000 potential patients or clients... advertise in DIREC TORY The Arcadia News Health & Wellness Directory is the perfect way to promote your practice or business to the affluent, educated and health-minded readers of the Arcadia News . The Health & Wellness Directory is mailed in the Arcadia News six times per year to homes in the Arcadia/Biltmore/Camelback Corridor. It is also distributed at over 70 retail locations. 2018 Health & Wellness Directory MAY 2018 Ad space and design 04/18 @ Noon Print-ready art due 04/18 @ 5 p.m. JULY 2018 Ad space and design 06/18 @ Noon Print-ready art due 06/18 @ 5 p.m. PRESCOTT, AZ www.friendlypines.com (928) 445-2128 info@friendlypines.com “An Arizona Tradition...” turning childhood moments into life’s rich memories.” • Boys and girls, ages 6-13 • One & Two-Week Sessions • Over 30 activities to choose from! • Join us for our new offering, Adventure week! JOIN US THIS SUMMER! SPACES ARE FILLING! ENROLL NOW!