Brandon varsity football coach Ron Gill is hoping the 2005 campaign will go as well as the team’s offseason program.
Gill, in his third year as the Blackhawks? head man, leads a team that returns between 15-20 seniors, including about 10 starters, from a team that went 3-6 overall and 2-4 in the Flint Metro League last season.
Despite the hot weather, Gill said the Blackhawks have brought an excellent attitude to preseason practices.
‘They’ve been working extremely hard, even as hot as it’s been outside,? he said. ‘We’ve put an emphasis on conditioning, both in the offseason and now. It’s been a tough camp.?
During the offseason, the Blackhawks participated in a 7-on-7 passing clinic at Atwood Stadium in Flint, and competed in 7-on-7 scrimmages against Grand Blanc, Davison, Flint Powers, Flint Central, and Flint Northern.
In addition, the team was in the weight room four times per week, and spent Thursdays working on skill practice and conditioning.
Key returning players for this year’s Blackhawks are split end Nick Toreli, fullback/linebacker Zach LaFlamme, offensive tackle/linebacker Matt Collier, wide receiver/defensive back Ryan Smith, safety/tailback Andrew Hyde, and defensive end/tailback Daryl Goodrich.
‘We have more starters returning than what we’ve had the past few years,? Gill said.
However, the Blackhawks experienced a setback at quarterback when junior Josh Tolan was lost for the season, leaving Brandon with one quarterback, senior Sean Montgomery, on the roster.
Gill said the Brandon coaching staff will likely have to convert Toreli to quarterback to fill the void.
As far as this season’s goals are concerned, Gill said he hopes the Blackhawks can get over the hump for a plus-.500 season.
‘Every year, you put all this time and work in, and we want to win,? he said. ‘We want to get better each and every day.?
However, Brandon will face a stiff test in their Aug. 26 opener, when they host Millington at 7:30 p.m. The Cardinals, a member of the Tri-Valley Conference, went 7-2 last season.
‘They’re a perennial playoff team,? Gill said. ‘In the past 15 years, they’ve missed the playoffs twice. They’re in great condition and will be bringing between 40-50 kids. It will be a very tough opening game.?