Savage has hopes for ’Dawgies to compete
MORRISVILLE, PA. >> One thing you have to admire about coach Derrick Savage and his Morrisville High football team is that no matter how tough things get, there’s always a willingness and sense of optimism in terms of turning things around.
This year is no different as Savage has welcomed back five starters on offense and four on defense as the team prepares to improve on last year’s two-win total.
“Many of our players up and down the roster saw a lot of playing time last year,” said Savage. “We expect big contributions from everyone on the roster. We like the way our line and backfield are coming together, and think we will be much more fundamentally sound. If we can avoid turnovers and penalties we should be much more competitive.”
Although the team is inexperienced at quarterback where sophomore James Williams seems destined to inherit the starting job, there are some quality skill position players back in the fold.
Headed up by Braedon Alward, the team appears set at wide receiver. Senior Zymir Williams (477 yards, six touchdowns) as well as juniors Zeek Kershaw and Isaiah McDavidson are part of a running group that Savage describes as an “athletic group that can run, catch and block.”
Consistent line play up front has been one of the team’s most inconsistent areas. Stalwarts up front this season include Joe Jacobs and Nick Kremer. Jacobs was named all-league at tackle last year.
As has been the case at Morrisville for a long time, the biggest problem is a lack of players and depth. As such, an injury can prove devastating with no one really on hand to fill in.
“Our depth is a major concern,” said Savage. “Most starters play both ways and that is not ideal. Being a small school we will definitely have to be in shape because some players will not come off the field.
Prior to training camp getting started, Savage said he was hoping for a turnout of around 35. If that proves to be the case, the Dawgies’ depth will be better. BRISTOL, PA. >> Turnabout isn’t always fair play. The Bristol football team is a prime example of that.
Last year, the Warriors were gifted when junior tailback Daryl Mehn transferred into the school district a week before the season started. This season, not only has Mehn transferred back out of the area, so has rising senior split end Samir Brisbon.
“Between the two of those guys, they took up four of our starting positions so that’s put us into an unexpected rebuilding mode,” said head coach John Greiner.
“They were two of our more athletic players that I was expecting to come back. Now, we have to take it a little more slow and steady and build up the fundamentals with the younger guys.
Mehn put up more than 800 yards rushing, despite missing the first two games of the season and Brisbon was a favorite target of then quarterback R.J. Collins, who graduated after throwing for more than 600 yards last season.
Collins also took care of the football, throwing for nine touchdowns against only two interceptions. But Greiner thinks he’s picked a winner in selecting senior Parker Kelley to replace R.J.
“He’s like a Swiss army knife,” said the coach. “He plays multiple sports, he’s multi-talented. He does great in the classroom so his academic I.Q. helps him on the football field.”
“He’s a natural-born leader; the kids gravitate toward him. All around, I think Parker will be a great player for us.”
With Collins now at Juniata College, Greiner looks to Kelley to quarterback the offense in 2016. Starting last season as a running back Kelley got off to a great start, scoring three touchdowns and rushing for over 62 yards in Bristol’s opening day win over Kensington. Kelley