Despite losing several players to the varsity squad this year, Hamilton Junior Ironmen head coach Ken McGuire believes that his club has the necessary tools to succeed.
Among those players who have graduated to the varsity ranks include former starting quarterback Kyle VanWynseberghe. However Coach McGuire is confident that the offense will be just as effective with newly anointed starter Liam Putt under center.
“I believe we have an outstanding quarterback in Liam,” said McGuire of his 3rd stringer from last season, “he has a great arm with amazing accuracy.”
Putt isn’t the only player receiving recognition from his coach. McGuire likes his receiving corps led by returning players Jake Williams and MacKenzie Sajder, while he figures that first year wideout Stefan Olvieri will fit right into the offense. Experience on the offensive line will also be a factor as three of the starting five (center James Mederios, Zack Polanskas and Paul Connor) are returning players.
With all this talent on offense, perhaps the biggest factor could be running back Brandon Gamble. McGuire has liked what he’s seen from Gamble thus far in camp and feels that he’s poised to have a breakout year.
“He worked hard and lost tons of weight and got himself in shape in the offseason, so now he is not only strong but he can move better as well,” praised McGuire.
If the offense is to sputter or hit a rough patch, the defense can be expected to pick up the slack. Coach McGuire believes that his starting linebackers will be a force to be reckoned with. The trio of Ben Pascoe, Desain Brooks and Brandon Bettencourt are the strongest that he’s seen at the position.
The most interesting development on the defensive side of the ball will be to watch how DB Angelo Delsordo handles the switch from offense to defense. Delsordo was the team’s backup quarterback last season, but is making the change to defensive back. McGuire expects there to be no growing pains for Delsordo while he adapts to his new position.
“Angelo is a great athlete,” McGuire raved, “I think he’s going to surprise everyone with the amount of interceptions he will get this year.”
With so many changes on both sides of the ball, it will be interesting to watch how the season unfolds for the Junior Varsity Ironmen…just don’t expect any growing pains.
Hamilton JV Ironmen 2012 Roster:
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