| BataviasBest.org
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Following a six-point loss in the 2013 Class D Sectional Finals, Alexander head coach Tim Sawyer and company return this season as a “new team with the same goal” – that goal being the GR League Title.
After losing two-year starting QB Nelson Burke to graduation this past year, Jared Browne hopes to lead the Trojans into a new era during the 2014 season. “Jared throws an excellent ball and has a good understanding of various coverages,” said HC Tim Sawyer. Along with his coach showing nothing but confidence in him, at the Trojans practice this past Tuesday afternoon, Browne threw the ball incredibly well during the short time that I was there. He throws a tight ball with good velocity over the middle, and also has the arm strength to connect on the deep ball.
Joining Browne in the backfield, Tyler Laird will return as the team’s fullback this year after averaging over 7 yards per carry last season. Laird is a very strong, fast back who plays the game with an intuition like no other. He was also an All-League middle linebacker a season ago, and serves as the Trojans’ defensive quarterback, as well as one of the squad’s captains.
Along with Laird, several other running backs will take part in the “back by committee” approach that the Trojans will use this season.
Tristan Aldinger, after a successful baseball season this past spring, is set to go for his Senior season in the Alexander backfield. He not only averaged 11.3 yards per carry last season (on just 26 carries), but also scored a total of 4 touchdowns. Senior Alex Hadsall, who missed all of last season with injury, Junior Tim Calkins, and Junior Jacob Wozniak (13 TDs on JV last season) will also tote the rock for the Trojans this year. To go with their deep backfield, Alexander possesses a rather impressive passing game.
On the outside, Sam Browne, Jared’s older brother, will return for the Trojans after scoring 5 touchdowns as a wide receiver and kick returner a season ago. “Sam possesses excellent speed and is very elusive,” said Sawyer. “He will be playing free safety defensively as well and has a good nose for the ball.”
Jacob Riggs will join Browne as a prime receiving threat, after scoring 3 TDs last year, while also grabbing 2 ints as a defensive back during 2013. With all of the talent that the Trojans have at the skill positions, it would be worth nothing without their talent in the trenches.
Leading the group up front will be Junior Ricky Amico, who will line up as a nose tackle as well as on the offensive line. Amico started almost every game at right tackle for Alexander last season, but will move to guard this year in order to replace 2013 standout Johnny George who was lost to graduation. According to Sawyer, Amico could “play all day” and comes equipped with an incredibly high motor. Josh Hylkema, a Sophomore, will join Amico as an anchor on the offensive line, after he started every game at left tackle for the Trojans during 2013. Hylkema will also get the nod at defensive end this season, and is rumored to be a gym rat who loves the weight room.
As you can see, despite their youth, Alexander comes equipped with experience at several key positions; something that will serve them well come September 6th versus Finney, and beyond.”This team is young but very dedicated,” said Sawyer, “and is capable of good, tough football. It should be an exciting season and we should have a chance each week.”
After plenty of turnover in the GR League this season, each team seems to be entering this season with a realistic chance of capturing the League Title.
The Trojans are one of them.
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