Running back Dan Purcell did not sugarcoat what his West Genesee football team has gone through the previous two seasons. In fact, Purcell was eager to bring up the topic.
“Going 1-15 the last two seasons did not feel good,” he said.
Those stark numbers were a byproduct of many different factors, but current players pointed to the fact that the Wildcats would start out well in games, but wear down late, especially on the defensive side, leading to plenty of points from the opposition.
“We took our lumps the last couple of years,” said head coach Joe Corley.
Now, though, WG just might have answers to those concerns over fatigue. Corley said that, barring any injuries, just one or two players might end up as two-way starters, with the rest able to concentrate solely on offense or defense – which, in theory, should make the Wildcats fresher and more energetic when the fourth quarter rolls around.
Liam Barry returns to start at quarterback, An injury to Brian VanBeveren forced Barry into duty right at the start of 2016, and he started every game last fall, going through plenty of ups and downs but gaining valuable experience.
Barry said his biggest off-season tasks involved improving his footwork and getting plenty of repetitions with his receivers, whether it was in drills or in the seven-on-seven tournaments in which WG took part.
More importantly, said Corley, “Liam is more relaxed and familiar with the system, so he’s making better decisions.”
Purcell returns to give WG a dependable ground attack, with Brad May offering support. Also back are a trio of wide receivers – John Northrop, Noah Sabatino and Ben Rustaz – while Chandler McAvin takes over at tight end.
It’s up to a brand-new offensive line to protect Barry. A.J. Valenti works at center, flanked by guards Shawn Sakran and Mamin Hussein, while at tackle the Wildcats look forward to having James Plunkett return from injury early in the season to join fellow tackle Steve Mavente.
Corley said he is confident that WG will have “a pretty good defense”, especially if they don’t have to worry about expending energy on offense.
McAvin works at one end in the Wildcats’ 4-3 alignment, with Cole Wade at the other end spot. Inside, Keith Gardner should make an impact at tackle along with Ahmer Gambino, while Matt Kot returns at middle linebacker, flanked by May and Brendan Hammerle.
There’s good athletes all over the secondary, whether it’s wrestling and lacrosse star Victor Elias at cornerback or Esisas Brumfield at safety. Nick Cotter and Christian Rossi fill out the secondary. Northrop could find himself handling most of the kicking duties.
Given all that’s gone wrong in recent years, a good start is vital to WG’s hoped-for turnaround, and the chance for it comes Saturday at the Carrier Dome when the Wildcats meet Nottingham in the Kickoff Classic.
“It’s our most important game of the year,” said Corley. “We need some positive momentum.”
Of WG’s first five games, just one is on the road – but it’s a visit to Alibrandi Stadium Sept. 8 to visit defending Section III Class AA champion CBA. How the Wildcats fare in that test, along with a visit from Fayetteville-Manlius Sept. 15, might dictate how things go the rest of the way.
According to Corley, at least some of the work is done, in terms of having a team that’s eager to erase its recent past.
“This group is very energetic and self-motivated,” said Corley. “They genuinely enjoy playing football and being together.”
