Cougars eye turnaround in Chunko’s second year

Tristan Waldier (4) is switching from quarterback to receiver for his senior season. Ben Bamford / MVI Sports

By JEREMY TEPPER
MVI Sports

Excitement is the main word Chris Chunko uses when describing his team’s attitude going into this season.
After going 2-5 last year in Chunko’s first season as Yough’s head coach, the Cougars are optimistic that they’re ready to take the next step.
“We have 44 kids on our roster. I don’t know the last time we had 44. We’re coming in enthusiastic,” Chunko said. “I think they’re determined to win some ball games and they’re determined to make the playoffs. I think we have the team to do that.”
Chunko was unsure what to think about his team until a strong performance in 7-on-7 football showed him that the Cougars’ “compete level” is high.
Chunko believes last season was mostly derailed by injuries, with the Cougars losing eight starters in the first four weeks. Now healthy, Yough has improved physically as well as mentally.
“The progress the weight program has made from where we came in on Dec. 7 to when we last tested in the middle of May is unbelievable. They really bought into the weight program and they’re more comfortable with the offense and more comfortable with the defense,” Chunko said. “We can add. We only had about 20% of our offensive playbook in last year. Now that they’re more comfortable with it, we can add more.”

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