| BataviasBest.org
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Following a disappointing 3-5 campaign a season ago, the Elba football team returns with plenty of experience in 2014, with hopes of making a run at the GR League Title.
After taking a look at the Lancers’ final roster for 2014, one thing that certainly stood out was the lack of underclassmen on this year’s team. With only one sophomore making the cut, Elba must be one of the most experienced teams in the GR League.
As a squad, the Lancers return a total of seven starters on offense, including four fifths of their 2013 starting offensive line. They also retain six defensive starters, which will certainly help their efforts as the team transitions into a new year.
Highlighting Elba’s list of returning players, is Steele Truax.
Truax had a monster year in 2013, accumulating 101 total tackles throughout the course of the season. Out of those 101 tackles, a whopping 22 went for a loss of yards. The Senior linebacker was also a standout on offense, averaging 5.8 yards per carry a season ago.
Joining Truax as both a runner and linebacker, Mike Shanley also put up impressive numbers last year.
The Senior averaged 6.8 yards per carry on the ground for the 2013 Lancers, and is a two-year Varsity starter. The combination of Shanley and Truax is certain to show the ability to run roughshod over opponents this year, but will need help from their experienced offensive line in order to produce at a high level.
Also dependent on the O-line, Garrett Chapell returns for his second season under center for Elba.
Following a 2013 season in which the now-Senior quarterback threw for 641 yards and 7 touchdowns, Chapell will join Truax and Shanley to complete a well-sized Lancers backfield this year. Chapell will also play defensive back for Elba, joining a back end that hopes to support a fantastic defensive front.
Leading the Lancers up front will be Austin Hynes-Fisher, who returns to the team after being selected to the All-GR League Team as a defensive lineman following his Junior season. Hynes-Fisher recorded 7 sacks as a Junior, and will most likely propel an Elba pass rush that has the potential to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks.
Losing to ER/Gananda during the first round of Sectionals in 2013, the Lancers will look to bounce back this year. As always, the GR league is sure to be highly competitive and it will take Elba’s best effort in order to walk away with the elusive League Title.
Stay tuned to Batavia’s Best all season long for increasing coverage of the Elba Lancers’ football program. Good luck to head coach Mike Cintorino and his squad!
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