MONTPELIER VARSITY FOOTBALL … (Front) Karmello Jones, Braiden Smith, Gavin Zyjewski, Ashtyn Mason, Garrett Girrell, Kaiden Snow, Jamison Grime. (2nd Row) Paul Frisby, Chavez Martin, Athen Vankham, Eli Fackler, Landon Fackler, Nathan Rummel, Grant Girrell, Brayden Brink, Brennen Friend, Carter Wade, Brody Terry, Ash Walz. (3rd Row) Griffin Cooley, Tyler Plourde, Kamron Smith, Jarron Dohner, Trayson Godfrey, Jaxon Stahler. (4th Row) Logan Pontious, Johnny Fritsch, Harley McCoy, Joel Dohner, Carter Watterston. (Back) Assistant coaches-Steve Brancheau Troy Roth; head coach Andy Robinson; assistant coaches-Todd Friend, Anthony Coleman. (PHOTO BY LINDSAY PHILLIPS, STAFF)
By: Nate Calvin
LAST SEASON: 1-7 overall, 1-2 TAAC
HEAD COACH: Andy Robinson (1st season)
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Landon Brigle-QB; Monte Treesh-OL/DL; Logan Carpenter-OL/DL
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seniors: Jamison Grime-OL/DL/K; Jacob Lamontagne-RB/DB/K; Garrett Girrell-TE/LB; Ashtyn Mason-OL; Gavin Zyjewski-DL; Karmello Jones-DB; Braiden Smith-LB; Juniors: Ash Walz-RB/LB; Brennen Friend-RB/WR; Eli Fackler-OL/TE/LB; Carter Wade-OL; Nathan Rummel-WR/DB; Brayden Brink-WR; Grant Girrell-QB/DB; Landon Fackler-OL/DL; Chavez Martin-WR; Sophomore: Kam Smith-WR/DB/KR
STRENGTHS: Experience offensive line, experienced athletes
WEAKNESSES: finding a new QB; learning new system
SEASON OUTLOOK: “For the first time in a few years, we will have a very experienced group of young men taking the field on Friday nights.”
“We must take time to understand the new offense. Doing so will allow us to play at a fast and confident offensively.”
“We must take care of the ball and have quality possessions each time to keep the defense off the field.”
“We need to score points when we’re in position to do so.”
“On defense, it is vital we make tackles in open space, fly to the football, and create turnovers.
“We are stronger than we’ve been and hoping that it will give us confidence to be more physical and take pride in our defensive effort.”
LEAGUE OUTLOOK: “Ottawa Hills brings back a talented group with a good offense, defense, and the best kicker in the area.”
“They will be one of the tougher teams in the league. Edon and Northwood both bring some talented athletes and will be strong on both sides of the ball.”
“I think the TAAC will have some talent this year and will be a competitive league. I look for us to be competitive at a level that we haven’t been at in a few years.”
ABOUT THEIR SCHEDULE: Season Opener: vs. Antwerp (Aug. 19th); TAAC Opener: vs. Edon (Sept. 16th)
Nate can be reached at sports@thevillagereporter.com
