“Coach Snively left this program in good shape,” Aregood said. “It’s not broken. There’s no major problems that have to be fixed. It’s an easy job to take over and feel comfortable with. We’ve got a new AD that’s super to work with, a new principal that’s super to work with. So it all starts there.”
The Falcons finished 6-4 and fell short of the Division IV playoffs last season. They haven’t had a losing record since 2008.
Aregood, who will turn 65 next week, started coaching more than four decades ago. Fenwick is his first job with a private-school program.
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“The kids here are smart and pick things up really fast,” said Aregood, who’s set to teach mathematics and physical education at Fenwick. “They’ve got great attitudes. They work hard. It’s been a lot of fun so far. We want to keep the tradition going.”
He hasn’t been a head coach since 2005. Asked about the biggest change from then to now, Aregood replied, “Working on computers.”
And his future as the Falcons’ head coach? Aregood said he’s happy to step in and lead the program for a while, but he doesn’t believe he’s the long-term answer.
“I tried to get them to hire one of these coaches and have me help them … I guess they were just a little too inexperienced,” Aregood said. “If we can get one of these guys ready to take over next year, that’s fine with me.”
On the field, Fenwick figures to be in the mix for a Greater Catholic League Coed North Division title and a D-IV, Region 16 playoff berth.
Offensively, Aregood is transitioning the team from a Wing-T mind-set to the pistol, and he and Matt Money will run the offense. George Moore is the defensive coordinator.
“We want to be a disciplined team. We want to be a high-energy team,” Aregood said. “We are running a pistol offense where we can take advantage of people in space. Defensively, we’ll pretty much be doing what they did in the past … run a 3-5 defense, a lot of blitzing, a lot of slanting, pressuring the football.”
Aregood said senior Joe Durham, an inside linebacker and tight end, might be the Falcons’ most recruitable athlete. He also pointed to senior offensive tackle James Cromwell as a Division I prospect.
The quarterback position has yet to be settled. Senior Keegan Corbett and junior Sully Janeck are competing for the job.
“I’ve very seldom seen a two-quarterback system work. We’re looking for a guy to take over the position,” Aregood said. “We have two guys that are getting better every day. They kind of both offer the same thing. Keegan Corbett is maybe a little bit better leader. Sully Janeck is probably a little more crafty and does things with a little better technique.”
Fenwick will have two scrimmages, facing the St. Xavier “B” team on the road at 10 a.m. on Aug. 12 and hosting Franklin at 7 p.m. on Aug. 18.
The Falcons will face a typically difficult schedule before starting GCLC play. Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, Belmont and Lebanon are the nonleague opponents.
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