The Art of the Flexbone Comeback
June 13, 2025
Here are seven of the most impressive “comeback stories” from the provided testimonials, based on significant improvements in win-loss records and overall program success after working with Dr. Lou Cella or attending his camps:
* Tyrone (OK):
* Before: 5-5 in 2019, missed playoffs.
* After (2020): Won Oklahoma Class C State Championship, scoring 668 points in 13 games (51 points/game). This is a dramatic jump from a .500 record to a state title.
* Falls City HS (TX):
* Before (pre-2010): Never won a regional championship in school history.
* After (2010): Won the Regional and State Championship for the first time in school history, scoring 680 points in 15 games. Breaking a historical barrier for the school makes this a huge comeback.
* Tussey Mountain High School (PA):
* Before (2015-2017): Went 2-28 (including 1-9 in 2017).
* After (2018): Went from 1 win to 8 wins in Anthony Sottasante’s first season, reaching the District 5 Class A Semifinals. Continued success with 26-6 over the next 3 seasons further solidifies this as a remarkable turnaround.
* Pamlico County (NC):
* Before (2016): Won 2 games, scored 108 points.
* After (2017-2018): Won 9 games in 2017, making the state quarterfinals and scoring 508 points. Followed by a 13-1 season in 2018 playing for the State Championship, scoring 611 points. This is a sustained and significant improvement.
* Haverford High (PA):
* Before (2023): Went 1-9.
* After (2024): Went 11-2, broke the school record for most wins, and won their first home playoff game in school history. A 10-win improvement in one season is outstanding.
* Timmonsville HS (SC):
* Before (2010): 1-9 record running the Spread Offense.
* After (2011): Went to the South Carolina Class A State Semifinals with a roster of only 21 players. A huge leap in competitive success with a small roster.
* Questa (NM):
* Before (previous 8 years combined): Won very few games (implied by “won as many games as the previous 8 YEARS COMBINED”).
* After (2024): Won as many games as the previous 8 years combined and made the playoffs in the first year under a new coach. This indicates an immediate and massive program-wide shift.
