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League: OAA White Last season: 0-9 Offense Coach John Bechtel has an inexperienced offense with only two starters returning. One of the two, however, is Norris, the anchor of the line. The Falcons also have weapons at their skill positions, and Bechtel said this could be the most explosive offense he’s had. With the chance to put up a lot of points, Bechtel said it changes his coaching philosophy. “If you do have the ability to create big plays … I think you’ll take more (chances) because you do have the ability to come back,” he said. Defense The defense has a bit more playing time under its belt but not much with just four returnees, including Finn. “He’s a big, strong kid, a big-time leader in our program. The free safety in our defense is the (leader), and we need that,” Bechtel said. The coach added that he’s seen good team speed out of the unit, as well. Special teams Iaderosa handles the kicking and punting duties. “He’s a real talented kid,” Bechtel said. “It’s just huge for the program in terms of what you can do. If he kicks it into the end zone and your opponents start at the (20-yard line) instead of them returning it to the 35 or 40, that’s huge.” Coach’s outlook “We’re incredibly optimistic,” he said. “Even though we don’t return a lot of starters, we have really good talent. We have a lot of young kids playing, but I think they’ll be up to it. I think it’ll be a good year for us.” Farmington Hills Harrison Offense After averaging nearly 28 points per contest last year, the Hawks have only one returnee to speak of and that’s Givens, who returns to his position at tackle. “He’s our captain and showing good leadership,” coach John Herrington said. “We have to work very hard to develop around him. We’re working with some younger guys.” The coach added that he has depth and talent at the skill positions, but there’s still a ways to go before he’ll be satisfied. “I would say that it’s coming along,” he said. Defense For any team looking to run the ball against the Hawks, Davis and Wilson will have something to say about it from their familiar linebacker spots. “They’ve been starting now for three years. They are big, physical and good football players,” Herrington said. The Hawks have five total players back from a defense that surrendered an average of 20 points per game last year. “We hope the defense can hold the offense off the board until we get our offense going,” the coach said. Special teams Pelletier is the punter and has a range of about 45 yards. Seniors Max Trotts and Mike Minkus are competing for the kicking duties. Coach’s outlook “It depends on how fast we develop,” he said. “We’re very hopeful we can make the playoffs again. We’ve been in most years and expect the same from these players.” North Farmington Offense Coach Todd Schultz wants to run the ball out of his I-formation, and the guy who’s going to get the touches is Bell. “He’s worked hard in the offseason,” Schultz said. “He’s improved quite a bit in running this year and he’s going to carry the rock quite a few times. He has good moves within the hole, and he’ll take it to you as well.” Defense In Schultz’s 5-2 defense, Sapick and Bell are back in their positions at linebacker. “Between Brandon and Mike, they are the heart of the defense,” the coach said. “It’s designed for the linebackers to make most of the tackles, and we’re going to need them to do that.” Four other returning starters are also being counted on to deliver big hits. Special teams Strother is taking on full-time kicking duties for the first time, and Schultz believes he’ll do just fine. “He’s really stepping into this role,” the coach said. “Time will tell.” Coach’s outlook “We’ll have a competitive division, and I think we’ll be in the mix of it,” Schultz said. |
