Anchor’s away! Navy vet takes over at New Haven
Is the Gatorade jug half empty? Or is it half full?
Larry G. Porter III, the new football coach at New Haven High School, prefers the optimistic perspective.
“I look at the 444 points allowed last year and I see an opportunity,” said Porter. “It is an opportunity to build a program from the ground up. I am not taking over a successful program. I can put as many new things into place as I want to.”
The new head of the Rockets’ program knew he was inheriting a team that had given up 444 pounds during a winless 2019 season. He knew that squad had only scored 48 itself.
But even a half-full jug of Gatorade offers plenty to drink.
Porter grew up in Muskegon Heights. He played high school football at both Muskegon and Mona Shores.
He joined the U.S. Navy after graduation and proceeded to quarterback the base team from Bremerton, Washington. That squad played teams from other branches of the military and was a frequent fixture in the military’s national championship game.
After a couple of seasons, he became the team’s coach.
“Here I was, 21 years old and I was coaching guys who were 35 or
36,” said Porter. “It was that experience which really got me interested in coaching. My dad was a youth football coach and I remember the impact he had on the lives of kids. Well, I had a team made of players from very diverse backgrounds and we managed to come together and do very, very well.
“I discovered things within myself. As a coach, you mentor players no matter what level or age group. You are not just a coach. You are also a father, a brother, a pastor. You are there to help your players,” he continued.
Porter takes over at New Haven after a couple of seasons at East English Village in Detroit. He is the 12th football coach in 11 seasons at New Haven and 14th in 14 years. The last coach to last more than a single season was Erick Franck, who coached in the fall of 2009 and 2010.
“I think New Haven is a great fit. It is similar to Muskegon. That is what this community reminds me of.
It has that same small, tight knit feeling. There is a lot of talent here and also a lot of love,” said the new coach.
Let’s check out some of the contents of the halffilled Gatorade jug.
Senior quarterback Zander Weaver.
“I played quarterback. When I look into Zander’s eyes, I see the leadership. He takes ownership of things. He’s been on the field every day for the past three months. Although I have not been able to be with him, I coach him via Zoom or through video. He has made great strides with his throwing motion,” said the coach.
Senior middle linebacker/running back Taylen Abbott.
“Taylen has great size and speed,” the coach said about his transfer from Au Gres. “He’s 5-11, 205 and is very, very focused.”
Junior defensive lineman Chris Craig-Miles. He is 5-10, 255.
“Chris is coming back this year. He was very dominant on one side of the field. He has been outstanding in the weight room,” said Porter.
Senior
receiver
Brent
Wiles.
“Brent has great hands. He can jump out of the gym. We might play him some at tight end and also on defense.”
Senior receiver Angelo Hamilton.
“Angelo also has great hands. We expect to use him a lot. He is very hungry to play football and we’re excited to get him on the field,” said the coach.
Sophomore receiver DeAndre Wise.
“DeAndre played as a freshman. He has experience and he has great feet. We look to use him in the slot. We’ll also utilize his speed on the perimeter,” said Porter.
The Rockets open the season with a home game against Capac.
“With the traction we have been gaining and the buzz we have gotten in the community, that will be an extremely important game for us,” said Porter. “We will have to play well against a very capable Capac team, but it is imperative that we gain momentum and confidence.”
Maybe the Gatorade jug is half-full. Only time will tell.