John Raffel
Sports Scene
Jake Daugherty has enjoyed a solid year as a lineman for a Big Rapids team that struggled to a 1-7 record this season after eight games.
But it still was a banner season for the capable athlete at right tackle and at defensive end. He played the same positions last season also.
“It was an all right season last year,” Daugherty said. “Being a sophomore on the varsity, physically it’s a little harder. I prepare myself mentally and physically for the challenge.”
From last year, “I improved a great amount,” Daugherty said. “I improved a lot during the off-season, lifting weights, training, and working with coaches. They’ve definitely put a lot of work into me, as I have into the program.”
“On the offense, my strength is that I have good feet, footwork,” he said. “My speed and agility are probably my biggest attributes. Defensively, I have a feel for where the ball is, reading guys, and knowing where they’re going.”
The Cardinals weren’t able to sustain a winning season as they have in past years.
“This year, we’re junior heavy,” Daugherty said. “We had a lot of young guys, it opened their eyes to varsity speed. I feel that as the season went on, we progressed. Even though we’re [1-7], the younger guys as juniors have stepped up and filled the role.”
Daugherty also plays basketball in the winter.