COACH: William Bell (3-7), second year
OFFENSE: “I feel the need. The need for speed.” Yes, that is an obscure quote from the 1986 movie “Top Gun” but an apt description of the way the Falcons want to play offensively through their triple-option attack. “Our goal is to play up-tempo and fast-paced, be a vertical threat down field and spread the field horizontally,” Bell said.
Charged with guiding that attack will likely be quarterback Tim Hanratty, running backs Ray Coates and Joseph Jennings, slot back Joshua Coffman and wideouts Michael Zichelli and Steven Zichelli. They’ll look to bolster an offense that erupted for 30 or more points on two occasions but was limited to 15 or fewer points in the team’s other eight contests.
Alex Rott (6-foot-3, 197 pounds) and Luke Childress (6-3, 250) will look to open up the holes for Bell’s quick-hitting run attack that the coach believes will garner better production with a full year of experience under the team’s collective belt.
“They’ve grown a lot more, and this offseason we had more numbers in the weight room,” Bell said. “Our junior and senior classes are very strong. They are working really hard and picking up the scheme.”
DEFENSE: The Falcons will attack, looking to find ways to allow their players to make “plays in the backfield and tackles for a loss,” said Bell, whose squad’s base defense consists of a three-lineman, five-linebacker set.
Some of those same key offensive players could see time on defense, including Childress and Rott, who will be joined by Griffin Patrick on the line, Coates and Jennings at linebacker and Coffman and the Zichellis manning the backfield. Hanratty could so see time at defensive back.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Hanratty is not only a key member on offense, but his punting also helped pin opponents deep into their own territory. The all-county and second team all-state punter averaged 37.5 yards per punt last year and was a holder for extra points and field goals. John Compere will handle the kicking duties.
OUTLOOK: Bell thinks his squad will be competitive this fall if it can stay healthy, an issue that plagued the Falcons in their early season loss to Old Mill. Severna Park lost its starting center and quarterback the week before facing the Patriots.
“(The coaches are) really excited for this season,” Bell said “(The Falcons) had a big offseason, more than doubling our numbers from the year before. We will compete each week and play hard and smart. A key to our success this season will be to stay healthy.
“We are looking for strong leadership from our senior class, and a lot of production from our younger players to step in and contribute right away. If we stay healthy, we’ll be in good shape.”
The Falcons will once again be on the road this season, playing their home games at Northeast High School as school and field renovations continue for the foreseeable future.
Compiled by James Peters
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Luke Childress, Sr., OL/DL, 6-foot-3, 250 pounds
Tim Hanratty, Sr., QB/P/DB, 6-foot-1, 195 pounds
Ray Coates, Sr., RB/OLB, 5-foot-10, 190 pounds
Griffin Patrick, Sr., TE/DE/OLB, 6-foot-4, 200 pounds
Alex Rott, Sr., OL/DL, 6-foot-3, 197 pounds
Michael Zichelli, Sr., WR/DB, 6-foot-1, 150 pounds
Steven Zichelli, Sr., WR/DB, 6-foot-1, 160 pounds
Joseph Jennings, Jr., RB/LB, 5-foot-10, 220 pounds
John Compere, Jr., K, 6-foot, 170 pounds
Joshua Coffman, Jr., SB/DB, 5-foot-10, 160 pounds
2015 RESULTS (3-7)
Old Mill, L, 63-0
South River, L, 21-7
Glen Burnie, W, 7-6
Southern, W, 37-0
Northeast, W, 15-2
Annapolis, L, 38-0
Chesapeake, L, 35-14
Meade, L, 19-14
Broadneck, L, 24-7
Arundel, L, 61-30
2016 SCHEDULE (home games at Northeast HS)
Sept. 2: Old Mill, 6:30
Sept. 9: at South River, 6:30
Sept. 16: Glen Burnie, 6:30
Sept. 24: at Southern, 1
Sept. 30: at Northeast, 6:30
Oct. 7: Annapolis, 6:30
Oct. 14: at Chesapeake, 6:30
Oct. 21: Meade, 6:30
Oct. 29: Broadneck, 1
Nov. 4: at Arundel, 6:30
