As the quarterback of a Harlan offense that topped the 40-point mark five times in last fall’s 8-4 campaign, Donovan Montanaro was often lost in the headlines that went to running back Jayden Ward and his 1,423 yards and 19 touchdowns and receiver Will Austin for his team-high 15 receptions and five touchdowns, plus the two TDs he scored on special teams.
Montanaro is back to prepare for the 2023 season while both Ward and Austin have moved to the next level, and coach Eric Perry is excited to see what his senior quarterback can bring to the Dragons’ offense in his second season at the helm.
“He was huge for us last year, and it was his first year of being our quarterback. He was a little leery about even doing it, but he matured a lot through the season. He’s come a long way, and he leads our team. Our kids respond well to him,” Perry said.
Strictly a defensive player until Perry picked him to replace Cade Middleton at quarterback, Montanaro wasn’t sure what to expect when he first moved under center. He feels more comfortable with a year of experience.
“I wanted to do whatever I could to help the team when I started playing quarterback last year. I feel a lot more comfortable in the pocket now,” Montanaro said during a break in a practice session last week. “I think I’m better at reading defenses and the fundamentals of playing quarterback.”
Darius Akal, a junior who was second on the team last year in rushing yardage with 664, will take on a bigger role, as will Montanaro’s brother, Nate, a junior who plays receiver.
“We still have a lot of athletes, but I will have to do a little more,” Montanaro said. “We still have Darius Akal and Tayquan Vick, plus our whole offensive line is experienced. They have worked hard in the offseason.”
Perry expects the year of experience to pay off for Montanaro this season.
“He is so much ahead of where he was this time last year. We’re expecting big things from Donovan,” Perry said. “I think we’ll throw it a little more. We’re still a running team, but Nate is a different kid than last year. He’s grown and has great hands. We have some other ones also.
“I think Donovan will be more confident. Some balls he held too long last year, but I look for him to let those go. He is so concerned about making a mistake. He didn’t want to let anyone down.”
While matching last year’s success as a team won’t be easy, Montanaro is confident the Dragons can continue to excel and challenge Middlesboro and Williamsburg for the top spot in District 7.
“I think we’ll be as good or better than last year even though we lost a bunch of players,” he said. “We’ll still be Harlan.”
The Green Dragons open their season Aug. 18 at Hancock County, Tenn.