Bartlett determined to perform worthy encore

Long known as one of the best football teams in the area, Bartlett entered the upper echelon of teams in the state with its finest season in program history last fall.

The Hawks hope to add to their proud tradition in 2009 with a 10th consecutive trip to the postseason, but living up to last year's accomplishments won't be easy. Bartlett enjoyed an undefeated run to the Upstate Eight Conference title in 2008 before finishing 12-1 following a loss to eventual Class 8A state champion Maine South in the semifinals.

Many key members of last year's squad are now gone to graduation, but coach Tom Meaney senses that his current group of players is up to the challenge of putting on a worthy encore.

"We've got some guys that are really working hard in practice and trying to make an impression," Meaney said. "It's not like the 16 returners we had last year, but there are a lot of kids that are stepping up and we're pleased with their progress."

Bartlett has only two starters back on offense, but one of those returnees is senior tight end Greg Partyka (6-foot-3, 235 pounds). A three-year varsity starter, Partyka earned All-Upstate Eight Conference honors for the second straight year last fall and will be a key both as a lead blocker and receiver this fall.

Senior guard Brendan Bauers (6-0, 220) is the other returning starter on offense. He'll be joined up front by junior Phil Leonard (6-2, 235) at left tackle and junior Zack Shriver (6-1, 260) at center. Juniors Dan Pawlus (6-3, 250), Sergio Vazquez (6-2, 250) and Joe Schneider (6-1, 190) will also be in the mix on the line along with sophomore Kevin Bauers (6-2, 235), the younger brother of Brendan.

Quarterback duties could end up in the hands of sophomore A.J. Bilyeu (6-4, 175). Junior Joey Scaminaci is also (5-11, 170) a candidate for the starting job.

The Hawks have plenty of options coming out of the backfield as juniors Aaron Thabuteau (5-8, 170) and Andy Puccini (5-8, 170) and seniors Ardale Guteirrez (5-7, 165) and Chris Cruz (5-9, 185) are in the conversation at tailback. Seniors Luke O'Connor (6-0, 200) and Chris Fry (5-5, 185) and junior Joe Elliott (6-1, 270) will handle fullback duties.

Senior Zach Konstanzer (6-1, 180) and junior Zach Karys (5-10, 160) will lead the way at receiver. Seniors Hector Reyes (6-2, 165) and Matt Kujak (6-2, 170) and junior Nasir Almasri (5-9, 150) will also contribute as wideouts. Seniors Nico Raggio (5-11, 190) and Hayden Bukas (6-1, 200) will bolster a strong group of tight ends.

Defensively, Bartlett is loaded with returning talent at linebacker. Senior Jim Crain (6-0, 195) headlines the unit along with senior Grant Becker (5-11, 205). Senior Mike Banks (6-0, 165) moves from the defensive backfield to linebacker and will be joined by sophomore Mike Partyka (6-1, 200) in the team's 4-4 attack.

Other players in the mix at linebacker are senior Mitch Horne (5-10, 165) and juniors Alex Busch (6-0, 175), Eric Flood (5-8, 155), David Smedley (5-9, 175), Andrew Parent (5-11, 200), Ryan Brown (5-10, 160) and Randy Draeger (6-0, 160).

Senior end Eric Moreno (5-9, 170) is the top returner on the defensive line. Junior end Brian Polubinski (6-2, 185) and senior tackle Joe Quartullo (5-10, 200) also have experience up front. Senior Will DeCoste (6-1, 195), junior Nick Kerlin (6-1, 185) and sophomore Ryan McCord (5-10, 205) could also see time on the line along with senior Parth Patel (5-10, 180) and junior Mark Pszczolkowski (6-2, 230).

Bartlett's biggest question mark lies with an inexperienced defensive backfield. Senior free safety Mike Crain (6-0, 165), twin brother of Jim, is back after missing last season after sustaining a concussion early in the year.

Senior Mike Coleman (5-8, 155) and junior Jordan Barile (5-10, 165) will handle cornerback duties. Scaminaci and seniors Ray Cuny (5-9, 170) and Rob Prohaska (5-8, 150) could also contribute as defensive backs.