Young Hampshire faces tough task in BNC East title defense
Defending a Big Northern Conference football championship is a tough chore. And losing the majority of the players to graduation who helped achieve that feat makes it even more difficult.
That's the challenge facing veteran Hampshire coach Dan Cavanaugh as he begins his 21st season at the Whip-Purs helm.
Andrew A. Nelles | For The Courier-News
Coach: Dan Cavanaugh (106-91 in 21st season)
"We've got good numbers, but there's competition at a lot of positions because of inexperience," said Cavanaugh, whose team rebounded from an 0-3 start to finish 6-4 and claim the BNC East Division title on the way to the playoffs. "It's going to be a trial by fire for a lot of our guys."
Cavanaugh, 106-91 in his career, has promoted five sophomores to the varsity. That is almost unheard of during his tenure.
"Not a lot of experience and we're most inexperienced on the lines," Cavanaugh said. "But they're coming along every day."
Two-way lineman Cooper Smith (6-foot-2, 220 pounds) is a third-year varsity member who should supply leadership while other senior returnees include running back/defensive back/linebacker Ron Laramie (5-8, 160), two-way lineman Ryan DeChant (6-2, 215), receiver/defensive back Ryan Burke (6-1, 180) and defensive back/running back Caleb Kendrick (6-0, 180).
"The senior group is a small group, but they're solid," said Cavanaugh. "We'll need to get leadership from them."
Senior Joe Peralta (5-11, 220) will play quarterback and has the ability to throw. Senior Chris Toman (5-10, 180) will handle linebacker and offensive line duties.
Stepping into the all-important fullback position in Cavanaugh's power running game is senior A.J. Sabate, who at 5-8, 180 is "low to the ground, a powerful runner and quick," said Cavanaugh.
"We have a lot of guys who are really battling for positions," said Cavanaugh. "I think a work in progress is an accurate thing to say."
