Scott Keyes
Sports Scene
Alma’s football team is a close knit, hardworking group of players that play an unselfish brand of football.
It might not be flashy or overpowering, but Alma was sitting 4-0 before its huge Sept. 23 Tri-Valley Conference Central Division showdown against an undefeated Hemlock team. No results before press time.
Last season Alma had an outstanding running back in Tyler Bradshaw, who set the single season rushing record for the Panthers
This season Alma has another solid group of runners that have shown they are very capable of leading the ground attack for the Panthers.
Senior Dylan Brown has already rushed for 680 yards through four games, quarterback Vinny Costanzo has 250 yards on 41 carries and Chaz Bradshaw, Tyler’s younger brother has 171 yards on 23 carries and he also caught 11 balls for 123 yards.
“This year I really like our one-two punch in the backfield,” said Alma coach Jeff Ingersoll.
“Dylan is a threat to break a run through the middle on any touch, while Chaz hits the edge on sweeps. They compliment each other and provide a nice change up. Dylan is more than a “bulldozer back” though as he has good speed and after breaking a tackle or two can run away from DB’s. We also have the added element of an explosive running quarterback this year in Vinny so it is hard for a defense to key one guy.”
Ingersoll described Costanzo a player that makes the machine go. He feels that he and Brown are a great complement to one another.
“Vinny is capable of running or throwing on any play,” Ingersoll said. “Dylan Brown has been amazing this season. He has broken tackles like a running back twice his size. But what must not be ignored is our offensive Line; These five guys, led by three-year starter Nate Smith at center, work as a unit and are doing a great job.”
On defense, Alma is led by a linebacking corp that does a great job at plugging holes and are always flying towards the ball. Kyle Vedrode leads the linebackers and junior Aaron Gilbert is fast and he leads the team with interceptions.
Meanwhile the defensive line of Liam Widman, Sam Cameron and Brett Latoski are taking the middle away from opposing teams.
So with everything clicking, did Ingersoll expect to be 4-0 to start the season?
“Our staff is pleased as can be with being 4-0,” Ingersoll said.
“Keep in mind we have played three of our first four games on the road in some tough stadiums to win at (Swan Valley and Shepherd). We have a tough road yet and our players need to keep that in focus. They are great kids, they know what they have to do and I believe they will keep things in perspective. I am very proud of this group, it is a privilege to coach them. They are positive, hard working and we have a lot of fun in practice. I hope their parents are proud of them as well.”