Bartlett expects to show folks last year was a fluke
A final record of 3-6 didn't do justice to how competitive the Bartlett football team was in 2009.
Coming off a Class 8A semifinal appearance in 2008, the Hawks missed the playoffs last year for the first time in nine seasons, but they really weren't far removed from playoff contention.
Problem was, Bartlett lost the close games to good teams. The Hawks dropped four games against eventual playoff qualifiers by a combined total of 18 points, three of them by 4 points or less.
It wasn't a bad showing considering the team lost its top offensive threat in the first quarter of the season opener, was short an injured running back (Andy Puccini) for the first four games and started inexperienced sophomores at the pivotal positions of quarterback (AJ Bilyeu) and middle linebacker (Mike Partyka).
A year later, Bilyeu (6-foot-3, 175 pounds) and Partyka (6-2, 215) return with experience, as do two running backs and three of four down lineman to what should be a solid defensive front.
With fire in their bellies to prove last year was a fluke, the players on the 68-man roster are working toward competing for a Valley Division title in the Upstate Eight Conference and returning to the playoffs.
"I expect us to be champions. That's what we're here for, to win the thing," said Bartlett coach Tom Meaney, who has guided the program to two of its four UEC titles. "I think we have a great attitude. Both classes really enjoy each other and do things together. I think that's a big part of it. They get along, they push each other and they want to get better.
"They want to prove it every day. I'm real happy with the attitude and the work ethic"
Meaney said Bilyeu has shown improvement in the off-season. As a sophomore he completed 95-of-176 pass attempts for 967 yards and 5 touchdowns and scored 3 rushing touchdowns.
Bilyeu was intercepted 10 times, a number likely to drop with his added experience and the improving weapons surrounding him, like returning senior running backs Aaron Thabuteau (108 carries, 536 yards, 3 TD) and Puccini (61-267-2). Both will see plenty of carries, Meaney said.
Junior Zack Karys (5-10, 170) returns at wide receiver. He led the Hawks with 30 receptions for 207 yards and 1 touchdown.
Two offensive linemen are back: center Zach Shriver (6-2, 265) and right guard Danny Pawlus (6-3, 245). Juniors Tyler Bernat (6-0, 263) and Jon Foston (6-3, 220) have developed into starters, and Partyka could see time at guard.
Mark Pszczolkowski (6-21/2, 245) will see time on both sides of the line, Meaney said. On defense, the senior will play end alongside three-year starting tackle Brian Polubinski (6-21/2, 210) and tackle Ryan McCord (5-11, 210), who started several games last year. Tackle Randy Jackson (5-8, 215) didn't play in 2009, but he's back and benching 365 pounds.
Partyka is the lone returning linebacker. Puccini (5-91/2, 180) and Thabuteau (5-7, 170) will work double duty as returning safeties. Seniors Joey Scaminaci (6-0, 180) and Matt Konstanzer (5-9, 160) will man the corners.
"Right now the strength of the defense is the front four," Meaney said. "And on offense it's Puccini, Thabuteau and Bilyeu returning, and that's pretty strong.
"I think one of the biggest things this year is depth. If we have people who go down, we have other people who can come in and play."