Expectations same for defending BN-East champs Whips
The names at Hampshire may have changed, but the expectation remains the same.
Dan Cavanaugh, who directed the program to a state title in 1995, enters his 21st season as head coach of the Whip-Purs. He said despite heavy graduation losses from last season's undefeated Big Northern Conference East Division title team, the program should be able to rebound well enough to challenge favorite Richmond-Burton for the division title and vie for its fifth playoff appearance in six years.
For Hampshire to maintain the level of excellence it expects, several juniors and three sophomore call-ups on the roster of 32 players must step to the forefront in support of a handful of key returning starters from last year's championship team.
Those proven performers include seniors Ryan Burke (6-0, 175), Caleb Kendricks (6-0, 185), Ron Laramie (5-8, 165), Cooper Smith (6-2, 225) and Ryan Dechant (6-2, 200).
Smith is a three-year varsity starter and provides needed stability in the trenches on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Offensively, he'll play left guard and be joined by returning senior tackle Dechant.
Burke, a three-sport athlete, will play cornerback and wide receiver. He was the No. 2 receiving option last season behind all-area senior Bo Price, finishing with 8 catches for 124 yards and 1 touchdown. He could also see time at quarterback.
Kendrick and Laramie split time at one running back position last season in the wing-T hybrid offense that sometimes morphs into a double-wing. "They will probably both be back there," Cavanaugh said.
Kendrick was the team's third-leading rusher with 320 yards and 2 touchdowns on 51 carries (6.3 avg.). He was also a starting defensive tackle, a role he will fill again this season.
Laramie begins his third year on the varsity as one of Hampshire's top secondary defenders. His contributions to the offense in 2008 included 237 yards rushing and a touchdown in 52 attempts (4.6 avg.), but he'll get more carries in 2009.
The likely successor to graduated quarterback Evan Brenner is senior Joe Perralta (5-10, 190). He was the backup at that position as a junior. Playing fullback will be seniors John Cheline (5-9, 175) and Ty Hendry (5-8, 175).
The coaching staff has elevated three sophomores to the varsity: Chase Lundry (5-10, 165) at running back and defensive back; Cody Ackmann (5-11, 180), a linebacker and offensive lineman; and Tyler Watzlawick (6-6, 200), who will play tight end as well as defensive line. Watzlawick played on the varsity basketball team as a freshman.
For Hampshire to challenge for a repeat BN-E title, several inexperienced players must plug holes on the offensive and defensive lines.
"We have some young guys," Cavanaugh said. "On the offensive line especially it's a learning process. We've got some guys we're looking at here, but it's going to be a while before it jells."