Yellowjackets gear up for fall

By RICHARD A. ROSS

A senior-laden football team is anxious to get going

	TRR photos by Richard A. Ross Linemen work on their blocking and timing during an early evening drill (Click for larger image)

ELDRED, NY — It’s early in the evening and the heat and haze hang over the steamy field as players in full gear race through their drills. Welcome to the first week of Eldred football practice.

Last season, Head Coach Frank Kean and Assistant Lance Schneider knew that this year could be special. As the season progressed, the young team got stronger but more importantly, they never quit despite some tough losses.

Last November, as the team sat in the stands at Dietz Stadium, watching the Division V championship game when Livingston Manor disposed of Roscoe, to a man, the Yellowjackets resolved that this year they would be playing in the championship game, not viewing it as spectators. If they stay healthy, that dream could become a reality.

With the return of the terrific running tandem of Vinny Reilly and Kyle Schneider, bolstered by the running of a healthy Tim Hallock, the team will face down opponents with its experienced seniors and juniors. In a nutshell, the local version of Gang Green looms large.

There is no substitute for experience, and seniors Rick Daboul, Todd Walters, Kyle Jasper, Matthew Counts, Nick Olcott, Dave Albanese and A.J. Martucci bring just that.

The strong contingent of juniors and sophomores includes Tim Hallock, Nick McKormick, Patrick Kean, Brian Daboul, Corey Proscia, George Fountain, John Adams, and Taylor Diguid.

	Running backs work on high stepping as they practice to elude would-be tacklers (Click for larger image)

On offense, the team shapes up for now as follows: quarterbacks are sophomores Nick McKormick and Patrick Kean, running backs are juniors Tim Hallock and Kyle Schneider and senior Vinny Reilly, receivers are seniors Kyle Jasper and Brian Daboul, tackles are junior John Adams and senior Dave Albanese, guards are senior Rick Daboul and junior Corey Proscia and George Fountain will play center.

On defense at outside linebacker are Kyle and Tim Hallock. Inside linebackers are Vinny Reilly and Corey Proscia. Cornerbacks are Patrick Kean and Jonathan Counts and the ends are Nick Olcott and Kyle Jasper. Tackles are Todd Walters and Rick Daboul. Taylor Diuguid is the team’s new kicker.

A yearlong program of weight training and conditioning shows on the lean and mean bodies of many of the players. Since practice started, several have dropped excess weight as they work on the timing and technique that will either make or break their season.

Coach Kean’s squad looks strong on both sides of the ball. The schedule shapes up as follows:

• 9/6 @ Rye Neck (7:00 p.m)

• 9/13 Hancock (1:30 p.m.)

• 9/19 @ Chester (1:30 p.m)

• 9/27 Liberty (1:30 p.m)

• 10/2 @ Milbrook (4:00 p.m)

• 10/11 @ Tri-Valley

• 10/18 @ Livingston Manor

• 10/25 Bye

• 11/1 Roscoe

The girls' soccer team features seasoned veterans

	The girls' soccer team takes to the field to begin their drills. The girls' teaam is loaded with experienced players (Click for larger image)

Like the football team, the girls’ soccer team seems ready to contend. Relying on a core of seniors, including Jenna Fredericks, Jenny Haas, Lauren Timan, Jenι Shafer, Brenda Ferry and Roberta Wolff. Also key for Coach Jolene Porter will be sophomore Kim French and junior goalie Ally Schombs.

Porter was putting the team through the paces of dribbling, passing and shooting drills. Lots of running of course is a prerequisite for the rigors of the upcoming season. The team will get its first taste of game situations on September 2 as they vie against Tri-Valley in the opening round of the Tri-Valley tournament. Chester will play Monticello and the winners will play for the tournament title on September 6 while the losers compete for the runner-up title.

Other September games include the following:  9/11: Chapel Field

9/16: Family School

9/18 @ Livingston Manor

9/23 @ S.S. Seward

9/25 Roscoe

9/30 Tuxedo

Harris, LaPut and Anthony bring experience to boys’ soccer

Though the numbers are down and the coach is new, look for the Yellowjackets to make some noise this fall. Jeremy Haris, Tyler LaPut and Kyle Anthony know what it takes. Recently hired physical education teacher Joe Rubino is enthusiastic and anxious to get going with soccer. Though his particular coaching strength is in wrestling which he will be heading up this winter, Rubino has already had a chance to exchange ideas with former boys’ soccer coach Roger Weyant.

Rounding out the team are Kyle Steimle who just switched over from cross-country, Andrew Babula, Colin O’Connell, Gregory Fotiades, Kyle Bosch and David Venturini.

The team will scrimmage against Monticello on August 27 and will open its season against Tri-Valley on September 3. The Yellowjackets will play rival Livingston Manor on September 5.

It should be an exciting year for Eldred sports teams this week. A preview of Cross-Country will be forthcoming.