Andover Football went winless last year, but the team hopes to perform much better this year with strong leadership and a new crop of talented players, particularly post-graduates.
Led by Captain Jack Ward ’13, Andover certainly seems like it will be able to make the transformation.
“Jack has changed the culture of football in this school… He has gotten kids to work out and to buy into his plan to have a great work ethic. Whether it’s a new Junior or a post-graduate, Jack is a role model to everyone,” said Coach Leon Modeste.
On the offensive side Andover will look to new quarterback Joey Verhaegh ’13 to run the passing game.
“At 6’3’’ and 215 pounds, Verhaegh brings an ideal build, a lot of leadership, character and the ability to throw the ball well and read defenses. Verhaegh will also be our punter, which gives us an extra opportunity to convert on fourth down by passing the ball if we don’t want to punt it,” said Modeste.
With a strong arm in Verhaegh, Andover will run a 60-40 offense, in which the team will pass on 60 percent of plays and run on 40 percent of plays.Verhaegh will look to wide receivers Jake Howell ’14, Will Young ’14 and Alex Kramer ’13 to haul in receptions this season.
Nate Scyocurka ’13, the team’s post-graduate slot receiver, will also play an important role in picking up quick yardage and first downs.
Moreover, Andover’s offensive line will be vital in protecting and giving Verhaegh enough time to pass the ball.
Ward will start at offensive guard and will be calling the plays. John Cifrino ’14, the left tackle, will be protecting the blind side, and Justin Aimonetti ’13 will be snapping the ball at center. Aaron Obrest ’13 and Connor Farrell ’13 will round out the line.
Andover will need to stay injury-free in order to have a successful season. Injuries marred the 2011 season and made it difficult for the team to stay afloat. Andover had to to shuffle players around to positions they were not comfortable with which added to the chaos. In order to combat this problem, Andover has focused on training players this year to play on both sides of the ball.
“Last season we learned that injuries happen all the time, so everyone has to be ready to step in at anytime. We are improving on that this year by making sure everyone knows how to play a bunch of positions on both sides of the ball,” said Robert Needham ’15.
Modeste added, “Injuries can decimate you, and if you can avoid them, you’re on the path to success. Hopefully, the work that people have done in the offseason will pay off.”
Andover hopes to see the hard work of its players pay off on Saturday in a scrimmage against BB&N.
