The Skinny
Head Coach Andy Dyer has been at the helm at Archer High School since the first season in 2009. The Tigers have qualified for post-season play all but 3 of those years and last year, they advanced to their second semi-final appearance in the school’s short history. While the fans and community might be growing accustomed to the success of the program, we asked Coach Dyer about the challenges coming into this season.
“Each year is brand new and takes on its own identity. The challenge is to get your team to grow and develop and reach their max potential,” he said.
The Tigers return a host of offensive starters from last seasons Final-Four run including quarterback Carter Peevy, who passed for 2,565 yards and 27-TDs. While Peevy’s leading target from a season ago has graduated, look for Trey Messer (22 catches, 409 yards, 4-TDs) and Andrew Dyer (20 catches, 154 yards, 1-TD) to play a more integral role in the passing game. The offensive line will be a strength for the Tigers as they return 3 starters in Ethan Lane, Derek Harden and Israel Mukwiza. Lane was an All-Region selection last season and has committed to N.C. State.
The Archer defensive line will be lead by DE Jalen Mayala. Mayala was an All-Region selection in 2018. Kameron O’Rourke returns at linebacker. Last season he led the team in total tackles. Tyler Roach will also give the team depth at linebacker while a pair of juniors Edwin Mangual and Jackson McCrary are back to lead the Archer secondary.
We asked Coach Dyer about players on this years team that could be headed for a breakout season. He responded by saying,
“I expect each one of my guys to do their part and contribute and make their team the best it can be.“
Regarding games that are circled on the schedule or rivalry games.
Coach Dyer said, “We take them one at a time.”
So for a team that has been in contention for a region title almost every season, what will success look like in 2019?
Coach Dyer said, “If our team takes Extreme Ownership of each of their jobs and they learn to work and prepare themselves for each Friday night. They must develop a love for one another and an appreciation for each of their teammates.”
