East Aurora focused on improving each day

Updated: August 24, 2011 6:57PM

Get better every day.

Out on the new practice field at East Aurora, this is the mantra and the hope. It has been since Bill Bryant has been the head coach, and it’s something that is beginning to bear some fruit.

Laquan Brown sees it, too.

The senior quarterback, a four-year member of the Tomcats program, says his current teammates are working with more polished fundamentals.

The freshmen and sophomore classes have coaches excited with the talent they have, some of which has been moved up to the varsity level this season.

“There are some positives,” Bryant said. “But again, it comes down to how much game experience these kids have and they don’t have a lot. So every play is going to be a learning experience for them. Hopefully each quarter they play they’ll get a better understanding of schemes and those kinds of things.”

Experience is something the Tomcats are definitely lacking, with five starters returning.

Perhaps the most important returning starter the team could have is Brown, who was thrown into the varsity fire last year as a junior — and he’s been the definition of “getting better every day.”

Bryant said Brown has spent his offseason not only preparing his body for the rigors of the Upstate Eight Valley, but watching film and asking questions about the offense.

“I take it very seriously,” Brown said of his role. “I want to know everything that I can know. I want to know what I’m doing, what the offensive line is doing, what the receivers are doing. I want to know what the defense is doing to try and stop us from what we’re doing. It gives me a better understanding of what I can do to win battles.”

The Tomcats are excited about the return of senior receiver Chris Shaw (5-8, 155) and the addition of sophomores Desmond Gant (6-1, 177) and Marshawn Carter (6-2, 180), which might allow for big plays.

“We have a few new receivers and underclassmen who can go get it and our line is playing much better. I feel like we can come out and compete,” Brown said. “They can be playmakers.”

One of the reasons why the Tomcats feel they can get better every day is their new practice facility. The addition allows the freshmen to have their own practice space as well.

“It’s a whole lot better than it’s ever been as far as a practice field goes for us,” Bryant said. “It’s nice to be able to go out there on a field that’s in good shape and it’s not going to get torn up. That’s great for us. I don’t know how many injuries may have been attributed to the bad field conditions but I know now the kids seem like they practice better, they practice harder, and I don’t think they have the sore ankles and knees. My hat’s off to the administration getting that done.”

Now, it’s up to the Tomcats to do their part.

“I want to see us get better,” Brown said. “Me as a passer, runner and the ability to read a defense. Our receivers — the route running. The line — blocking and staying together. I just want us to improve.”

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