Hamilton-Wenham head football coach Andrew Morency knows the key to his team making a return trip to the Division 3A playoffs isn't in any game film from last year's historic season.
If H-W wants to make a run at the revamped NEC/CAL Tier 4 league title, the Generals need to do more than simply pick up where last year's squad left off.
"Obviously we hope to carry some of the momentum over from last year, but this year the theme is to establish our own identity, become our own team," noted Morency, who lost 11 seniors to graduation. "We have senior leadership, kids who got some valuable playing time last year. This year's seniors are a good, level-headed group of hard workers. And we are thrilled about our captains and their potential as leaders."
Why shouldn't Morency and the Generals staff be excited? Shane Jenkins, Elliot Burr and Kevin Anthony, this year's captains, were all instrumental pieces on last year's team and will be key in leading the other 42 members who signed up to get their gear this summer.
Burr is a big back who runs to punish as much as he does to score while Anthony and Jenkins will be the guards on an offensive line that looks as if it could be bigger and nastier than last year's.
Ryan Foringer (last year's starting center) and Taylor Drinkwater will be the tackles. As long as one of the underclassmen can step into the center's role, H-W quarterback Trevor Lyons should have plenty of time.
Lyons, a junior this year, played half-back and quarterback on last year's squad and is the leading rusher, passer and receiver returning to Morency's team. Arguably the fastest kid in the league, Lyons should be running through some pretty big holes with Burr and the behemoths up front leading the way.
"We feel our o-line is a strength. The kids are excited and they've worked hard. It's been a good off season for us," noted Morency. "We are excited about Trev (Lyons) and the possibilities he offers. He's another guy who worked hard in the offseason so we are hoping that pays dividends. He's rearing to go and looking better than ever. He's also a team player, and a leader. "
One of the biggest gains the Generals have seen since falling 28-16 to Cardinal Spellman in the playoffs last year is Masco transfer Luke Wendt, a big-bodied tight end. On the defensive side of the ball Wendt may be new to Morency's system, but the rest of the Generals are even more comfortable in the scheme than last year.
Look for big years out Matthew Putur, who had a game-changing interception in last year's CAL Small clinching win over Lynnfield. The Generals also return experience in defensive back Dakota Stevens, who also could see some carries on offense.
"We have smatterings all over the place (on defense). We feel like Matt is a big player and Luke Wendt, he brings something to the table. Defensively, the kids understand the system we have implemented now for a few years so they feel comfortable. That should bode well for us," said Morency. "We have potential to be really good. We will go as far as our seniors take us."
GENERALS chatter
Last year's record: 8-3
Head coach: Andrew Morency (sixth season, 28-23)
Team captains: Elliot Burr, Sr., running back; Kevin Anthony, Sr., OL; Shane Jenkins, Sr., OL.
Top returning rusher: Trevor Lyons (574 yards, 6 TDs)
Top returning passer: Lyons, 5-for-11, 142 yards, 1 TD)
Top returning receiver: Lyons, 18 rec., 227 yards, 2 TDs).
Last league title: 2010 (CAL Small)
Did You Know?: The Generals graduated 11 seniors but return four of five starting linemen.
2011 Schedule
Sept. 9at Triton7 p.m.
Sept. 17Pentucket1 p.m.
Sept. 23at Newburyport7 p.m.
Oct. 1Amesbury1 p.m.
Oct. 15Bishop Fenwick2 p.m.
Oct. 21at Manchester-Essex7 p.m.
Oct. 29at Lynnfield11 a.m.
Nov. 5North Reading1 p.m.
Nov. 12Georgetown1 p.m.
Nov. 24at Ipswich10 a.m.
