Seniors looking to put MHS on top of Delaware Valley League again
Harry Hester admits that last season left a sour taste in the mouths of McLouth football players and coaches.
A year after winning the Delaware Valley League and going 10-1, the Bulldogs finished last season 3-6.
“Our returning seniors, with their leadership, are making sure that doesn’t happen,” Hester said. “We’re looking forward to this season.”
McLouth will begin its season Friday against Troy at home. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Troy defeated McLouth, 42-21, in the first game of last season. Troy also won the DVL last season.
McLouth has nine seniors returning from the 2006 campaign. Mark Stewart will lead the Bulldogs’ offense in his senior campaign at quarterback. Stewart will also handle MHS kicking and punting duties and contribute as a kickoff and punt return man.
Ryan Smith will provide senior leadership at running back. Senior Jesse Snyder will anchor the offensive line. McLouth has produced a 1,000-yard rusher the past three seasons.
“You can have all the fancy things you want, but the bottom line is you have to be able to run the football,” Hester said. “We’re going to run the football. It’s who I am and what we do.”
Senior newcomer Aaron Roberts should give the offense a boost as well. Roberts is a tall target — he’s listed at 6-foot-7. Roberts transferred to McLouth from Colorado Springs, Colo.
Top defensive seniors will include Stewart, Smith, nose tackle Brian Kabus and lineman David Buckley.
“We’re tackling better in practice,” Hester said. “We know that was a problem last year. We didn’t tackle very well. I expect our defense to take big steps forward, as long as we stay healthy.”