Run, Comets, run: Amherst impressive in scrimmage

Amherst’s running game is expected to be one of the strongest points for the Comets this upcoming season, led by their running backs, junior Jonathan West and senior Aidan Johnson.

West started off strong early to start the scrimmage, which got the offense going. His runs led to an early touchdown for the Comets.

“Yeah, it was good blocking from the outside, and we opened it up and made a good play,” West said.

Amherst coach Mike Passerrello, who is entering his third season, credits the offensive line for the great running game they had Aug. 16 against Valley Forge.

“Running game, I was very pleased with the offensive line,” Passerrello said. “The offensive line did a great job, and I would say our backs had enough creases to make plays.”

Overall, the offense and defense for the Comets looked strong against the Patriots. Amherst recovered a fumble, and it also gave up one late touchdown toward the end of the scrimmage.

“I liked their physicality,” Passerrello said. “I liked how we came out and were ready to play it right off the bat, and I thought that on both sides of the ball, we were able to play team offense and team defense and that’s what’s going to allow us to be successful this year.”

West echoed the same sentiments from his head coach.

“I liked the team’s aggressiveness and physicality, and I liked our teamwork,” West said. “We really stuck together.”

Both Passerrello, and West detail the goals and expectations for the Comets this upcoming season.

“Our goals and expectations are to continue moving this program and have winning records and hopefully we ... we had two opportunities the past two years to get in the playoffs, and we didn’t make it,” Passerrello said. “So hopefully we can continue with that.”

West added: “I think our goals this year is to make playoffs and go have a good season, always be aggressive, find our family out here.”

The Comets first game of the season is at Lakewood on Aug. 30. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

JENNIFER FORBUS — FOR THE MORNING JOURNAL The Amherst offense huddles up during their scrimmage against the Valley Forge Patriots on Aug. 16.