By Frank Vajcner
After a 5-5 campaign that ended with a close loss in the playoffs, Whiteford looks to keep going in the right direction. Six starters each return on both sides of the ball.
Head Coach: Jason Mensing (114-74, 18th season; 76-19, ninth season at Whiteford)
Assistants: Kris Hoag, Todd Thieken, Ben Avis, Bob Ondrovick, Tony DuPree, Brent Orr, and Jason Vida
Offense: Sophomore QB Shea Ruddy returns to lead the Bobcats’ double wing offense, and looks to build from his freshman campaign. Senior RB Devon Shaw is the top returning rusher, and will be complimented by junior RBs Cole Giesege and Levi Hilliard. Mensing mentioned Clay Speweik as someone who could see time at FB. Senior Luke Masserant returns at end, and will be joined by junior Jack Andrews. Up front, the Bobcats are headlined by junior tackle Noah Bauman, who is entering his third season as a starter, and was an all-stater last year.
Defense: Much like he will do for the offensive line, Bauman will be the anchor of the defensive line. Nick Freeman and Andrews also return on the defensive line. At LB, Shaw, Speweik, and Brayden Luse will be the mainstays. Masserant (CB) and Hilliard (FS) will lead the way in the secondary.
Coach’s Outlook: Although we return a lot of players with experience this is the youngest team we have ever had. We are optimistic because our young players are very talented athletes we hope to develop quickly.
FNV Outlook: Three of the Bobcats’ last four games are on the road, with the lone home game being a visit from Pittsford on October 9. All four will show how much a young team will have grown up.
With Clinton in the LCAA, Whiteford is the standard in the TCC until someone proves otherwise.