Sports
Alexander Spartans Preview
By: Frank Bumb
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The Alexander Spartans are coming off a solid 8-3 year where they made the playoffs and were a game shy of the TVC-Ohio crown, losing only to eventual TVC-Ohio champion, Nelsonville York. But the Spartans face the difficult task of replacing a solid backfield, after the departures of two year quarterback Michael Chapman and Gridiron Glory Player of the Year finalist Cody Lawson. Lawson, despite battling injuries throughout the season was a 1,200 yard back and a spark for the Alexander offense.
Replacing Lawson and Chapman will be no easy task, but Head Coach Shaun Arno feels he has a leg up from the traditional replacements. “Because of injuries, we had guys step up the entire season,” said Arno. “Trey Bennett was trained by Michael, and he and the other guys, even the starters coming back, they’re all part of the program that our seniors built. Being humble, getting the job done, they know what it takes to succeed.”
Whoever Arno decides to place in the Spartan backfield will have the enormous advantage of being protected by an offensive line that returns all five starters. Arno is extremely confident in his group’s talent and says that his only areas of concern at this point in the season are, “Injuries and leadership, you know, if our seniors will lead. But those are concerns that every coach has. We’ll work out, go through practice and maybe then some concerns will crop up,” said Arno. “But if we’re healthy, I’m very confident in this group.” Look for Alexander to start showcasing that talent on August 26th at Eastern.
Other Info
KEY LOSSES: Michael Chapman (QB), Cody Lawson (RB)
KEY RETURNERS: Entire O-Line, Trey Bennett (QB)