Garey football team looking to turn a corner

Al Brown knew he had his work cut out for him when he took the head football job at Garey High School 17 or so months ago.

The school hasn’t fared well in athletic circles recently, the exception being soccer. The feeder system isn’t exactly strong and the athletes it has drawn haven’t been well-versed in the sport. So right now he’ll take the small victories.

Brown is optimistic, as all coaches are this time of season. A year ago there were just 50 players in the program so the school didn’t field a junior varsity team. That number has swelled to 100 this year. That is reason enough for hope.

Brown also go to have a hand in selecting his coaching staff, unlike last year when he was scrambling for whatever help was still available. Many of his current assistants have previous ties to the school. Brown is hoping having a vested interested will go a long way.

“I wanted guys to be here who really wanted to be here,” said Brown, who was not on staff but was in the school district last season.

The Vikings are coming off a 3-7 showing last year. Perhaps the biggest challenge is changing the mentality that surrounds the program.

“Most of the players we get haven’t ever played before,” he said. “So while other coaches are polishing and fine-tuning, we’re still teaching.”

Here’s the Garey schedule:

Aug. 30  Pomona (H)

Sept. 6 Ganesha (H)

Sept. 13 Barstow (A)

Sept. 20 Norte Vista (A)

Sept. 27 vs. Ontario (at Montclair HS)

Oct. 4 Chaffey (H)

Oct. 18 Montclair (A)

Oct. 25 Colony (H)

Nov. 1 Chino (A)

Nov. 8 Don Lugo (H)

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