Blue Devils looking for big year from experienced defense
The Ewing High football team will go into this season feeling confident about a defense that is experienced, physical and fast.
As for the offense, it’s more of a wait-and-see approach.
“The plan is to play good defense and run the ball,” said coach Drew Besler. “We have a lot back on defense; a lot of them have been three-year starters. We can rely on them.”
Linebackers for Ewing include seniors Chris Seifert and Javon Strong. Both are excellent against the run and Seifert may very well be the strongest player on the team.
Behind them is an excellent secondary that includes senior safeties Devon Doggett and junior Tony Wynn along with senior cornerbacks Caleb Stokes and Jalen Williams. Throwing the ball against the Blue Devils will not be easy.
Among the defensive linemen are seniors Jaden Holman and Obi Ezeigbo. If they can help generate a pass rush, Ewing’s defense will be even an bigger problem for the opposition.
Stokes also projects as the starting quarterback and will hand the ball off to the likes of sophomore Gabe Abel, and juniors Ricky Francois and Paris Wright.
“Ricky and Paris are both dynamic and run the ball hard,” said Besler. “They each have home run potential; I think we can run the ball effectively. “And Caleb is looking good at quarterback. He’s throwing the ball well.”
Among his passing targets are sophomore James Joseph, junior Rafael Torres and senior James Kim, who will often line up in the slot. Senior guard James McMillan will anchor an offensive line that struggled at times last year and wasn’t helped any when returning senior starter Miles McCoy suffered a year-ending injury before the season even got started.
Assuming Ewing’s defense lives up to its potential, this will give the team a good chance to improve on last year’s somewhat disappointing 4-6 record.
It won’t be easy, however, with a schedule that includes fives teams from Burlington County and only two from Mercer.
“We feel good about the team,” said Besler. “It’s a hardworking group that’s anxious to do well.”