League leading rusher Brad Shippee is gone. He took with him 74% of the teams rushing yards, 66% of its scoring and the teams top tackler (by more than 50 total hits).
Despite the loss of Shippee and 10 other seniors the cupboard is not bare. There are 17 varsity veterans returning and 9 starters on the 27-man roster.
The teams top QB is back in Ed Stevens but the Comets only threw the ball 9 times a game with 59 of them coming from Stevens. He had 157 yards passing and 1 TD.
Although the Comets are dropping back down to Class D they will have to contend with the likes of Onondaga, Weedsport and Watertown IHC. “Class D is TOUGH” Coach Stevens admits “I don’t have a good idea of the other teams” when asked what his outlook was for 2007.
On both sides of the ball Sandy Creek will rely on the same core of players. They include: Ed Stevens (Sr, 5’7 166) QB/LB, Koby Fowler (So, 5’10 207) RB/LB, Brent Trexler (Sr, 5’10 150) RB/DB, Paul Hallock (Sr, 6’2 173) WR/DB, Lyle Burnett (Jr, 5’10 220) OL/LB, Zach Presley (Sr, 5’8 210) OL/DL, Logan McNitt (Jr, 6’3 246) OL/DL, Troy Shirley (Sr, 6’1 232) OL/DL, Steve Thomas (Jr, 6’1 220) OL/DL ,Josh Nutting (Sr, 6’0 230) OL/DL and Jason Brennan (Sr, 6’1 170) WR/DB. Stevens points to the line as his teams strength. “We have good size and experience” he said. The line has experience but the top returning ground gainer (Trexler) had only 99 yards rushing in 2006.
The offense will run the I formation and the Gun to take advantage of their versatility and flexibility in allowing many variations. The defense will throw a multitude of looks at their opponents including the 5-3, 4-3 and 6-2. “We like to use many different defenses to match or adjust to our opponents.” Stevens said. His best ballhawks coming back are McNitt (70 tackles and 3 sacks) and Stevens (57 tackles and 3 sacks).
Coach Stevens hopes some of his top newcomers will contribute to a successful 2007. They are: Mike Elkin (Jr, 5’11 150) QB/DB, Dylan Shiel (So, 5’8 165) RB/DB, Orrin Burnett (So, 5’9 177) OL/DL, Chris Loran and Jake Snedeker.
Although the Comets missed the playoffs in 06’ and finished 4-5, two of the games were decided by 10 points or less.
Stevens is like most coaches at this stage of the preseason. He hopes to be competitive and shoot for the playoffs but knows his lack of depth may be a problem. “ We’ll be playing old school football. You are not going to see many players coming off the field from ‘O’ to ‘D’ or even special teams.” He forecasts. “We are going to need to be in shape and stay injury free and healthy.”
2007 Roster