Scott Keyes
Sports Scene
It only took the first six minutes in a 65-0 win over Dryden September 17 for the New Lothrop High School football team to flex its muscles and showcase its talents on the field of play.
The Hornets scored touchdowns on a kick-off return, a punt return, an interception return, a run, and a pass against the Cardinals.
Mind you , all these scores occurred in the first six minutes of the first quarter.
New Lothrop has a history of starting the season fast. Last season ,the Hornets finished the regular season 9-0 but lost early in the playoffs to Fulton.
New Lothrop, 4-0 at press time, appears to be on track for another successful season, but coach Clint Galvas knows the team can’t rest on past success.
“So far this season I have learned that this year’s team shows up ready to play every single week,” Galvas said.
“I really like the focus and intensity that this team brings on a weekly basis. We have a number of players that have really stepped up this season and are playing at a very high level. One of those individuals is senior Wade Erhardt. He has been a good sure-handed receiver for us this year, but it’s his presence on the defensive side of the ball that has been most impressive. He stepped in and filled the shoes at strong safety for us this year, and he loves to come up and hit. Also, senior Joe Jamick flys under the radar and often doesn’t get credit for all that he does. Joe runs the defense, making all the calls from his free safety position. He is a very intelligent player and makes coaching a lot easier for me and the staff.”
Defense,one of the reasons for the team’s success a year ago, set a school record for fewest points allowed in a season last year, and this year’s team hasn’t missed a beat.
“The positives are that so far this year we have been able to rotate guys around and plug people into different positions without missing a beat,” Galvas said.
“Defense is definitely our strong point this year, with many returning starters from our team a year ago, and we look for them to carry us throughout the year. We have to keep our intensity throughout the season and continue to work hard at each and every practice. We are still gelling as an offensive unit and still need to improve on all aspects from the offensive line to our passing attack. We look to continue to improve with each week.”
Once again, senior Austin Severn has emerged as one of the premier players in the area, making his presence known on both sides of the football. Aside from being a standout football player, he is also considered one of the top wrestlers in the state.
“Austin Severn is an outstanding player with superior football skills,” Galvas said.
“He seems to be everywhere on the field, and I don’t think there is a position he can’t play and excel. Austin Newman is our young junior quarterback, who I think has opened the eyes of a lot of people around the league. He does a great job of managing the offense and being a leader. He has a good strong arm and has deceptive speed that goes unnoticed. Jon Toma has been an absolute beast on the defensive line for us this year. I don’t think that one person has been able to block him all year. We look for him to continue his dominance on into the playoffs. Zach Tayler, our kicker, has been Mr. Automatic for us this season, going 35 for 35 on PATs so far this season through four games.”
Meanwhile, Galvas feels the Genesee Area Conference Red Division is shaping up to be a three team race between Bendle, Byron, and the Hornets. Bendle and Byron are both strong teams that will be likely be playing come playoff time.
“Byron presents a strong aeriel attack, and Bendle does a good job of running a pro-style offense with an aggressive defense,” Galvas said. “We are taking it one game at a time with hopes of meeting Byron week nine for the conference title. Our biggest thing that we preach to the kids is never become satisfied, and always strive to become better. That’s how we approach every week of practice, and to make sure we treat each game as though we are playing for the state title. No regrets.”