Bartlett expects to be in UEC chase again
On the heels of a school-record-setting 2008 season, the Bartlett Hawks don't intend to rebuild so much as retool for another playoff run.
Despite the loss of all-State linebacker Kyle Zelinsky (Central Michigan), prolific quarterback Josh Hasenberg (Colgate) and several key starters responsible for Bartlett's undefeated Upstate Eight title, school record 12 victories and Class 8A semifinal appearance, coach Tom Meaney believes his team should again challenge for the UEC title and more, led by another strong defense and a promising if inexperienced offense.
Three-year starters Jim Crain and Mike Banks return as outside linebackers to lead the push for the school's 10th straight playoff appearance. Banks moves to linebacker after playing safety last season.
"I think our defense can be just as good as last year," Meaney said. "It's hard to replace a kid like Zelinsky, but when you have two outside linebackers like Crain and Banks it makes things a little easier for us, especially if they use their skills the way we think they can.
"We're really flying to the ball well. We cut the defense down a bit as far as coverage. We're very strong right now and we'll add as the year goes on."
Also returning is inside linebacker Grant Becker (5-11, 205). He started half of last season. He'll pair with impressive sophomore inside linebacker Mike Partyka (6-1, 200). The Hawks have depth at the linebacking positions with seniors Mitch Horne (5-10, 165) and David Smedley (5-9, 175) and juniors Ryan Brown (5-10, 175), Randy Draeger (6-0, 160), Andrew Parent (5-11, 200), Alex Busch (6-0, 175) and Eric Flood (5-8, 155).
Though the starters along the defensive line graduated, ends Eric Moreno (5-9, 170) and Brian Polubinski (6-2, 185) and tackle Joe Quartullo (5-10, 200) each gained valuable experience as key members of last year's rotation.
Senior safety Mike Crain (6-0, 165) is the most seasoned member of an all-new starting secondary. He'll defend passes alongside a group that includes safeties Ray Cuny (5-9, 170), Rob Prohaska (5-8, 150) and hard hitting Joey Scaminaci (5-11, 170) and cornerbacks Mike Coleman (5-8, 155), Matt Konstanzer (5-8, 155) and Jordan Barile (5-10, 165).
Calling the plays in the offensive huddle for coordinator Mark Williams will be 6-foot-4, 175-pound sophomore quarterback A.J. Bilyeu. "We like his height, we like his arm and he has great, deceptive speed," Meaney said.
Bilyeu will direct an offense that returns only two starters from the record-setting attack of a year ago: third-year starting tight end Greg Partyka (6-3, 235) and left guard Brendan Bauers (6-0, 220).
The backfield is new, but the coaching staff sees potential playmakers in speedy junior running backs Aaron Thabuteau (5-8, 170) and Andy Puccini (5-8, 170) and seniors Chris Cruz (5-9, 185) and Ardale Guteirrez (5-7, 165). Senior fullback Luke O'Connor (6-0, 200) will share time with senior Chris Fry (5-5, 185) and junior Joe Elliott (6-1, 270).
Senior track sprinter Zach Konstanzer (6-1, 180) will pair with senior Matt Kujak (6-2, 170) at wide receiver while sprinters Zach Karys (5-10, 160), a sophomore, and junior Nasir Almasri (5-9, 150) provide depth at the position.
Joining Bauers on the offensive line will be seniors Joe Schneider (6-1, 190) and Phil Leonard (6-2, 235) and juniors Dan Pawlus (6-3, 250) and Zack Shriver (6-1, 260).
"I think this offense can get going," Meaney said. "I think we have some playmakers in Thabuteau and Cruz, and Bilyeu can throw. Greg Partyka will catch a few balls and our wide receiver, Zach Konstanzer, I think will be one of the better receivers in the conference.
"We're going to mix it up. We'll have to keep people off balance. We're not going to sit in one offense all the time, that's for sure. We'll come right at you. We're optimistic."