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Wednesday, August 16, 2017 | BataviasBest.org
A long offseason came to an end for defending Class D champion Alexander this week, as Training Camp got underway down at the ‘Field of Dreams’ practice field. The Trojans welcome several new faces into the varsity realm in 2017, as near 15 seniors graduated from last year’s team which achieved a higher level of success than any team in school history.
However, yesterday, Alexander appeared to be anything but a team in transition, but rather a team full of athletes who will be capable of turning the page toward further accomplishment this year – and into the future.
Second stop on the Batavia’s Best 2017 Training Camp Tour: The defending Class D champion Alexander Trojans #Football pic.twitter.com/tL317IQ87l
— Batavia’s Best HS () August 15, 2017
If the Trojans are indeed able to do so, it will depend heavily upon what they do defensively. Following a season which their defensive unit finished as one of the best which Section V had to offer, it will be interesting to see how this year’s Alexander defense performs come Week 1. On Tuesday, I was able to observe the team as they went through defensive individual sessions – beginning with the defensive backs:
The Trojans are going through defensive individuals here today. Here’s the DBs #TCtour #Football pic.twitter.com/NnR88n6ljm
— Batavia’s Best HS () August 15, 2017
Followed by the linebackers:
The Alexander LB corps looks strong despite a few losses from last year’s unit #TCtour #Football pic.twitter.com/odbR26NHeI
— Batavia’s Best HS () August 15, 2017
And finishing up with the defensive linemen:
Don’t forget about the big DL up front #TCtour #Football pic.twitter.com/ofbcRP7nKy
— Batavia’s Best HS () August 15, 2017
To conclude my time at practice on Tuesday, the Trojans’ skill players took part in a little 7-on-7 passing drill, which saw the offense get the better of the secondary in the early-going:
A little 7-on-7 passing as Alexander concludes practice #TCtour #Football pic.twitter.com/0jxMJYMJQd
— Batavia’s Best HS () August 16, 2017
Following practice, I was able to catch up with the Trojans’ top-returning players Job Smith, Mitch Gordon, Erik Scharlau, and Chris McClinic, all of whom played major roles in their squad’s 2016 Sectional Title. In addition, I also spoke with Alexander HC Tim Sawyer, who made it clear that this year’s team will have a chance to compete.
Job Smith – Alexander Football – Hopes defense can once again be the team’s strong point this season #TCtour #Football pic.twitter.com/tmNr8U9CGZ
— Batavia’s Best HS () August 16, 2017
Mitch Gordon – Alexander Football – Hopes this year’s stable of running backs can be just as good,or better,than last year #TCtour #Football pic.twitter.com/2PkP0cCEEF
— Batavia’s Best HS () August 16, 2017
Erik Scharlau – Alexander Football – Has been helping the Trojans’ new QB ease into the position #TCtour #Football pic.twitter.com/f9dZMW9Fby
— Batavia’s Best HS () August 16, 2017
Chris McClinic – Alexander Football – Believes if team keeps working, they’ll be able to continue the program’s success #TCtour #Football pic.twitter.com/657lB8N1dK
— Batavia’s Best HS () August 16, 2017
Tim Sawyer – Alexander Football HC – Really likes his team’s chances this season #TCtour #Football pic.twitter.com/aSpWbHDkUf
— Batavia’s Best HS () August 16, 2017
Lastly, I did snap a few photos during practice, although the wet weather and millions of mosquitoes made it tough to get more than a few shots. Maybe that’s why Alexander teams are so tough.
It’s gotta be the mosquitoes.
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