South football: New coach looks to build on 2011
Kevin Steiner was named South High’s football coach in June, a time when most high school staffs have already completed their plans for the upcoming season.
But having been an assistant on South’s staff for nine of the past 10 years, including running backs coach last season, Steiner comes well-equipped with knowledge about his players — and a full closet of Titan gear.
“You need to make changes (to suit) your personnel,” Steiner said. “There’s going to be small changes. But the terminology’s the same, so we’re speaking the same language.”
Steiner takes over a team that was the best of the City League’s second tier last season. The Titans (4-6) took their lumps against the league’s best, but won close games against East and North and easily handled West and Campus. They were rewarded with a Class 6A playoff berth, losing at Garden City.
“We had quite a bit of skill-position players graduate, but we have seniors being able to replace those skill positions,” Steiner said.
Senior quarterback Kaale McCullouch, a two-year starter, was third in City League passing last year, throwing for 781 yards. He’ll be pushed by senior David Lowrey, who started a game when McCullouch was injured.
Most of the offensive line remains, which will help a new starter at running back. Junior Darius Taylor (5-foot-7, 170 pounds) and senior Omar Martin (5-5, 150) figure to get the bulk of the workload.
The Titans gave up a 34.3-point average last season, failing to hold any opponent to single digits. Steiner will change a 3-4 defense to a 4-3, and will lean on safeties Martin and Davontae Harris to lead. Senior Dillon Young (5-10, 280) anchors the defensive line at noseguard.
South’s first winning season since 1996 is a possibility, as is a repeat trip to the playoffs. But sustained success is more Steiner’s goal.
“We can’t be happy with getting two wins in district,” Steiner said. “We need to raise the bar.”