Royals look to start new tradition

Published 9:44 am Friday, September 18, 2009

LYNNWOOD

After going winless last year the Lynnwood Royals have moved into a new school, which means a new practice field, a new weight room, and hopefully for the Royals football team, a new beginning.

“I think we will be a competitive tough team that executes well. We will be more competitive than we were last year,” Lynnwood head coach Dorian Manza said. “I think the new school has something to do with that: it increases confidence a little bit.”

Senior quarterback and defensive back Michael Stanley put it even more clearly.

“Hopefully a new school starts a new tradition for Lynnwood to carry on,” Stanley said.

The 3A Royals don’t have it easy; they compete in the Western South Division, which means that four of their ten games are played against 4A schools. It is conceivable that any of the 3A teams from their division could go winless against their 4A opponents and still make the playoffs.

“I’m excited about our potential to win some football games this year,” Manza said. “It’s going to be tough, but I think we will have a greater chance to win football games this year.”

Part of the reason for that optimism might be the addition of senior Typhis Cochran. Cochran is a transfer from California, who will make his Lynnwood football debut this year.

“He’s incredibly fast, he’s got really good game speed, he’s aggressive, he’s just a football player. He’s one of the fastest running backs I’ve seen in a little while,” Manza said. “We haven’t had anybody like this in the last two or three years.”

Manza doesn’t think Cochran, who he says has “Division 1 potential” can single handily win football games, but knows his big play ability will help.

“He’s definitely going to make a difference in some games,” Manza said.

“I can help out the team with my speed and knowledge of the game,” Cochran said.

Manza believes one of the Royals strengths this season will be their skill positions on offense.

The Royals have also been working on team building activities to try and create more bonding.

“I’ve been working hard trying to get the teammates to bond together,” Cochran said.

“When we’re playing, we have to play as a family,” Stanley said.

Manza hopes that Stanley’s leadership at quarterback will help the Royals improve this year.

“He’s got great composure,” Manza said. “He makes really good decisions.”

Along with Cochran and Stanley, Lynnwood has a few other players that Manza feels will help the team improve. Connor Brott, a senior wide receiver and defensive end, Colton DeGraw, a junior defensive end, Jacob McCann, a senior middle linebacker and offensive lineman, and Coleman Bryant, a junior safety are expected to help the Royals as well.

Manza said that the team is living by “ACE” which stands for attitude, consistent and effort.

Both Stanley and Cochran are already buying into Manza’s teachings and believe that the days of losing at Lynnwood are in the past.

“We’re a changed team. Cochran said. “I see us making the first round of the playoffs.”

Stanley backed up Cochran’s prediction, “as long as everyone plays as a team.”

“The talent is definitely there,” Stanley added.

The stage is set for a new beginning and Manza hopes the team isn’t thinking too much about the past.

“We’re trying to let go of the last decade or so of football at Lynnwood High School,” he said.

The Royals open the season against Mountlake Terrace this Friday.