Football: Goldsberry, Hersey reload with high hopes
Hersey is looking to strike gold this year.
The Huskies, who were 4-5 last season and just missed the playoffs, are hoping they can rebound this season behind the play of junior quarterback Owen Goldsberry.
"He will be one to watch," Hersey coach Joe Pardun said. "He is a great player. He is so focused, and a smart kid. He is fun to work with."
As a sophomore last season, Goldsberry split time with Tommy Jackson. It was the second season in a row that Pardun used his quarterbacks based upon the situations. This season, it will be all Goldsberry.
"He has really matured and makes the players around him better," Pardun said.
Goldsberry is one of six starters Pardun returns on offense. That, along with the six returning starters on defense, give Pardun and Hersey fans optimism heading into the 2016 campaign.
"We are definitely excited," Pardun said. "We feel that we can compete for conference title. This is a focused and talented group. Our experience will help us tremendously."
Goldsberry, who rushed for 390 yards and threw for 158 last season, will have a talented group of receivers to throw to, led by Sebastian Jackowski. He will be joined by Matt Abfall and Zach Blevins on the outside, along with sophomore Jake Mailloux.
Joining Goldsberry in the backfield will be Sig Serranilla, Luke Cecala and Nick Wiley, all who have limited varsity experience. But Pardun feels they can carry the load.
"It is a nice mix of some young talent,"Pardun said. "These guys have been working hard every day."
After Luke Schmeiderer (5-8, 190), the offensive line has limited experience. That's why Pardun has swung two-year defensive starter Gibby Eshoo (6-2, 225) over to the offensive side to help anchor down that line. Will Ebert (6-2, 260), Brendan Watson (5-11, 195) and Joel Park (5-9, 210) will make up the rest of the offensive line to begin the season.
"This is where we are trying to gel," Pardun said. "It will be our biggest question. We also have some young kids that as the season progresses, we can hopefully get them in the mix."
While the offensive line has some questions, Pardun's defensive line should shine for the Huskies. Kyle Stenzel, Bobby Szymanski and Mailloux should be disruptive enough up front to allow the linebackers in the Huskies' 3-5-3 to work well.
Eshoo, Colton Kamusz, Caleb Augustine, Jackowski and Joe Desmond should have room to roam for the Huskies. Absal, Blevins will be at the corners while Joe Samperi and Timmy Somary will battle for the safety spot.
Pardun says the first four games will be crucial for the Huskies this year.
"The front part of the schedule won't be easy for us," Pardun said. "We think it will be a good test for us before we get into our conference schedule. We just need to try to be consistent. That will be the key for us."