Maine West looks for winning theme
Maine West hopes to experience the first part of one of this year’s themes after enduring more than enough of the second part last year.
The Warriors went winless for the first time since 1985 and second time in the football program’s 52-year history as inexperience and injuries — including back surgery for head coach Chris Hare — took a major toll.
But Hare believes they have the players to achieve “Victory Through Adversity.”
“The bottom line is this is a tremendous group of seniors,” Hare said. “They’re a real class act with good character. They work hard and it’s the best leadership we’ve had since I’ve been here.”
One area of adversity the Warriors will have to overcome again is depth. Six seniors — third-year starting linebacker Danny Cardamone, Matt Finnander, John Manicke, Sean Burke and speed threats Raul Anaya and Matt Romano — will be going both ways.
Anaya and Romano will be big parts of the Warriors’ option offense run by junior Matt Swanson, who got some valuable late-season varsity experience last year.
Senior Tom Heldak and sophomore Kyle Cook also return to an experienced line.
“It’s a very competitive offensive line and that’s really helped us lead the way,” Hare said. “Our offense is a running offense but we can definitely throw the ball if we need to.”
The Warriors have also showed promise in their switch to a 3-4 defense under new coordinator Eric Ramos.
Ryan Nordin (5-feet-5, 180 pounds) brings toughness to the three-man front. Cardamone, Finnander and Manicke lead an experienced linebacker crew and Anaya and Romano bring their speed to the secondary.
The goal is for all of it to lead to a return to the victory column.
“They learned from last year and what they went through,” Hare said, “and they’re working at those things to have a successful season.”
Probable starters
Warriors at a glance
Coach: Chris Hare (sixth year, 7-38)
Last year: 0-9, 0-5 (6th CSL North)
OFFENSE
Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.
QB Matt Swanson 6-0/185 Jr.
RB John Manicke 5-9/175 Sr.
T Sean Burke 6-3/215 Sr.
G Matt Finnander 6-3/215 Sr.
C Dan Cardamone 6-2/200 Sr.
G Kyle Cook 6-1/260 So.
T Tom Heldak 5-11/190 Sr.
Slot Raul Anaya 5-11/170 Sr.
Slot Matt Romano 6-0/170 Sr.
WR Jared Montalbano 6-5/175 Sr.
WR Brett Straessle 5-10/165 Jr.
DEFENSE
Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.
DL Ryan Nordin 5-5/180 Sr.
DL Sean Burke 6-3/215 Sr.
DL Kevin Strom 5-9/170 Jr.
LB Dan Cardamone 6-2/200 Sr.
LB Matt Finnander 6-3/215 Sr.
LB John Manicke 5-9/175 Sr.
LB Aaron Leiva 5-9/180 Jr.
CB Nick Spizzirri 6-0/150 Jr.
CB Matt Romano 6-0/170 Sr.
S Raul Anaya 5-11/170 Sr.
S Zack Brown 5-8/160 Jr.