By Frank Vajcner
Despite having low numbers last season, Summerfield just kept on keepin’ on as they finished 6-4. What will Year 4 under Alex Lipka bring for the Bulldogs?
Head Coach: Alex Lipka (14-15, fourth season)
Assistant Coaches: Dylan Szegedi, Steve Bolster, Levi Ladd, Leroy Wood, Al Gilson, Darrel Polter
Offense: The Bulldogs have been running the air raid, and while they will be able to sling the ball around with QB Bryce Kalb, they should also be able to run the ball too. Lipka highlighted senior RB Brandon Thompson as well as FB Dakota Kohn as players to watch in the backfield. Jake Wadsworth will see time in multiple positions on offense, whether at RB, receiver, wing, or TE. Keep an eye on sophomore WR Tyler Dafoe as well as sophomore TE Brenden Myshock as potential impact players at the skill positions. Up front, the Bulldogs return a pair of guards in Mason Hall and Josh Whaley, while freshman Hayden Dusseau will start at tackle on the line.
Defense: Linebacker figures to be a strong suit for the Bulldogs, as Kohn and Wadsworth will lead the way there. Myshock and Whaley will be names to watch on the line, while Thompson will anchor the secondary from his free safety position. Lipka also pointed out sophomore CB Hayden Noland, who had two interceptions on varsity last season, as another player to watch on defense.
Coach’s Outlook: I think the TCC is going to be unbelievably talented this year. I think all 5 teams will return to postseason play, and the league schedule is nothing short of a grinder. I believe the battle for second place is between us and SC. Whiteford lost a lot but are very deep and for us to beat them we are going to have to be at our best.
For us overall, I expect a return to the playoffs and to make a run. This team has a lot of potential, and I have a really good feeling about them. We are going to be VERY young….However, these young players are very talented. We are going to be a team that learns and gets better by the week and I feel that we are going to have a successful, exciting season.
FNV Outlook: The current sophomore class at Summerfield is loaded with talent. The question is how quick will the young Bulldogs grow up? A Week 2 visit from Fowler could offer a good indication, but getting through the meat of the TCC slate will be the ultimate measuring stick.