Looks like Maine West's getting stronger

Maine West needed to play a weighting game after Chris Hare's first season in charge.

Last year only one player could bench 250 pounds and no one could squat 350. This year those numbers increased.

It's the foundation of Hare's plan for success.

"Now they understand what's expected of them," Hare said. "We really tried to promote the offseason and we needed to get bigger, faster and stronger.

"We got stronger but it's going to take time. They understand the terminology but it's not where we want it to be."

But the Warriors should get closer as senior quarterback Frank Hess got significant experience running the spread offense.

"He's really started to fall into the leadership role the position needs," Hare said. "He's a dual threat who can run and throw the ball, which the spread offense needs."

For the second straight year the Warriors will start the season without their projected running back. Last year Jake Natali was injured on the opening kickoff and this summer Andy Kunzer fractured his fibia.

But at least this time Hare has time to adjust with sophomore Calvin Williams.

"He has the body of a varsity player," Hare said of the 5-foot-8, 200-pound Williams. "He's a punishing runner."

Kunzer will play receiver and the Warriors also have a big addition to the core as 6-8 Tom Solis returned to football. Left tackle Jim Voy saw some action last year.

There isn't much experience on defense as end Mike Greene, linebackers Chris Dexter and Parth Patel and defensive back Mike Flores are the only senior starters.

"They're aggressive and fly to the ball," Hare said. "One thing we've tried to stress is we need our defense to have 11 hats on the ball.

"We're not going to be a sit-back defense. We'll try to use a little more speed and attack more."

And throw a little more weight around as well.