SOMERS, N.Y. - After three straight state championships, Somers fell last year in the Section One finals. As a result, a different reality has taken over at camp, according to Coach Anthony DeMatteo.
“We’re finally the one going out for the hunt instead of being the hunted. It’s definitely brought a different type of energy to practice, a different type of mentality,” he revealed. “It’s nice to feel that way again, and we are really looking forward to the season.”
In the thick of things, Tristan Iglesias gets the start at quarterback. “He looks fantastic. He got voted captain and is ready to take over a leadership role,” said DeMatteo. “His football IQ is through the roof, doing everything right and I think he’s primed for a big year.”
On the fly, his receivers are ready to contribute. “We have Cam Violante, Dean Monachelli and a host of other guys that are fighting for the position,” the coach assured.
The running backs will add to the frequent-flier mileage, too. Jaden Abruzzi and Luke Balancia, said DeMatteo, “They’ll be getting some burn as receivers, so we’re looking for an explosive offense.”
The ground game won’t suffer either. “They’re fairly similar. Abruzzi is more of a scat back, but he brings power to it,” said DeMatteo. “Luke is just a really good running back, and they both bring certain things to the table. One is not necessarily different from the other.”
Parting the holes, the Tuskers will have a mix of youth and experience. “Cole Kennedy is the big name that comes back along with Hudson Ruby,” said DeMatteo. “Coming up, Alex Gallino, Carmelo Gioffre and Connor Kasdan (of North Salem) are in the mix and then a bunch of young guys.”
The Tuskers will mostly flip it over on the defensive line and add Chris Fink. In the secondary, Ryan Bateman, Chris D’Ippolito and John Seeger will all be vying at linebacker, while Monachelli, Troy Rossi and Cam Violante are slated at cornerback. Derek Kuchinsky and Balancia have their sights set on safety and strong safety.
Finally, on special teams, Danny Hershfeld is taking over the kicking duties, while Monachelli will be the primary returner on punts and kicks.
Alongside, he’ll have Abruzzi and Luke Balancia, but the absence of the big trophy hasn’t minimized the expectations. So the release point comes through preparation, and DeMatteo is sure that’s where the difference will be made.
“We practice twice as much as any other program in Section One, and it’s going to show on Friday nights,” he concluded.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here