Greece Olympia/Odyssey is off to a 2-0 start this season — already equaling their win total from 2018. Head coach Eddie Long is in his third year leading the team.
“My first year coming in I really didn't know what I had as far as talent, but I came in and I had some really good JV guys and then I had some really good young skill guys up on varsity that I have now going on their third year since I've been here and I knew I could come in and instill that offense,” said Long.
That offense is much like the one Long ran at Bishop Kearney for eight seasons with the Kings, winning sectional titles in 2015 and ‘16.
“The thing about this program here is that they went through a little downspell for a little while and what I had going for me is that I did have some success at Kearney so understanding my past experiences, they bought into me a little bit quicker than the norm plus I'm an alum here. I played Division I football and I've won a couple of championships and plus the offense was fun so it didn't take long for guys to believe it and trust it,” said Long.
Greece Olympia/Odyssey features a balanced offensive attack.
“Previous years we didn't have a run game and teams would just know we're passing. This year with our run incorporated we're just going to have a wide variety of options that we can have and I think we're just going to pound teams with that,” said Corey Bright, running back.
“Everybody on the team cooperates with each other. It's cool. We all talk and have fun with each other, but when it's time to grind — it's time to grind,” said Xavier Hurrell, quarterback.
Going forward, Long and his players are especially excited about the future of the program.
“Everybody wants to play for each other,” said Scottie Parr, wide receiver. “Everybody wants to play as one.
“Every day he preaches about being a family and we show it on the field.”
“From freshman to senior year, it's a completely different atmosphere and culture. It's been great with coach Long,” said Bright.
Olympia/Odyssey visits Victor this week in our Friday Night Matchup. Spectrum News will carry the game LIVE with coverage starting at 7:00 p.m.