Sports
Three-Point Stance: Nelsonville-York Fields A Young, Athletic Team
< < Back to three-point-stance-nelsonville-york-fields-young-athletic-teamEditor’s Note: Three-Point Stance is Gridiron Glory’s written preview series leading up to its 15th season on WOUB. Gridiron is visiting training camps for all 32 teams in the coverage area as they prepare for the 2013 football season. The series continues in the TVC-Ohio, where five teams look to knock Athens from the top of the standings.
In each of their four conference victories last season, the Buckeyes dominated by holding their opponents below eight points. But with key playmakers like Joe Young and Clint Handa gone to graduation, a road of adversity is ahead for Nelsonville-York. The Buckeyes are choosing not to look at this season as a rebuilding year. In 2012, the Nelsonville-York Buckeyes were unmatched in the TVC-Ohio until they fell at the hands of the league champion Athens Bulldogs, 42-21. The hard-working attitude of the young players gives head coach Dave Boston confidence the program can stay on top and compete when it comes time to contend for the title.
Here are three things to know about the 2013 Nelsonville-York Buckeyes:
1. Finding Their Stride
“They’re young athletes, but they’re good athletes.” Coach Boston said about his new offensive chemistry. The Buckeyes have been working their “hard-running” and “slashy” backfield throughout the off-season. Coach Boston noted that the backs are not the usual size of what their program has seen in the past, but looks to freshman fullback Noah Andrews to bring the power to the rushing game. With Gridiron Glory Player of the Year nominee quarterback Joe Young gone, the Buckeyes are striving to find new leadership. Veteran signal caller Colt Adams and freshman Hunter Edwards have been rotating in as quarterback. Coach Boston is confident that Colt Adams, who stands at 6-foot-4 will settle in to the position and offer some exciting potential to the run game as a dual-threat quarterback.
2. Swarming Defense
Last season, the Buckeyes dominated on the defensive side. A majority of the TVC-Ohio was practically denied scoring when competing against Nelsonville-York. This year the defense is determined to keep that mentality. “Defensively we’re going to be solid,” Boston said. “We have just three or four returns, but we’ve had some good football players waiting in the wings for their opportunity.” The aggressive style and swarm to the ball looks to remain the same as last season.
3. Come Together
When any team loses key players, chemistry among teammates is bound to change. Coach Boston expressed confidence that his team will continue to perform and mesh into the high ranks of the TVC-Ohio.
“This is going to be an extremely young football team. We have the potential of starting four or five freshmen along with some sophomores, but they’re exceptional football players,” he said. “The thing I really like about this team is that they’re more family-oriented than we’ve had in the past. There aren’t the “I” or “me” guys. They’re a group, which makes it more fun and exciting.”
The Buckeyes' 2013 season begins with a tilt with TVC-Hocking giant Trimble, Saturday, Aug. 31 in Glouster.
Follow @gridironglory on Twitter and Instagram and Like the Gridiron Glory Facebook page for continued coverage throughout the preseason. Gridiron Glory returns Friday, Aug. 23 at 11:30 p.m. on WOUB.