In considering candidates for a 2010 Mahoning Valley coach of the year, Mathews’ David Harries would have merited strong consideration. In his first season as head coach of the Mustangs, the 2001 Howland High graduate transformed an 0-10 team into a 6-4 surprise.

This season, Harries’ Mustangs’ top goal is to win the school’s first playoff game. To do it, Mathews needs the playoff points up for grabs on Friday night when Leetonia visits. Last season, Mathews won at Leetonia.

Harries has a senior class of 13 players, the largest in recent history for the Division VI program, which is a member of the Northeastern Athletic Conference.

Q. Just how important is this rematch with Leetonia?

“We’re 1-1, they’re 1-1 so it’s a big game. We beat them last year at their place and they’re coming to our place, Coach [Matt] Altomare has a good program and we want to take that next step to get above [other regional opponents].”

A. Were the results of last season better than you expected when you took over the program?

“Going into the season, we really didn’t have a lot of expectations — we had been 0-10 the previous year. The kids really stepped it up and achieved most of our goals. Getting the kids to believe was one of those goals.”

Q. What was it like playing for Coach Richard Angle at Howland?

A. “I learned a lot from him and how to carry myself now. He was a major influence on and off the field. Playing for Coach Angle was great — it was about more than just football. It was also about family and life after football. I feel that playing for Coach Angle made me a better person.

Q. What’s your favorite memory from playing at Howland?

A. “Beating Kennedy [Warren JFK] our senior year. They were our rivals, not just in football but in every sport and we beat them three out of my four times when I was a student. Back then, they were our big rival in everything.”

Q. When did you know that you wanted to be a football coach?

A. “I guess just growing, my love of football just kept growing. You are only guaranteed so many years of playing, so coaching is a great way to stay involved.”

Q. What do you like most about coaching?

A. “Being around the kids and having an impact on daily life, seeing them grow and mature. We hope to set them on the right path.”

Interview conducted by Tom Williams.