Octorara

By BILL RUDICK

brudick55@gmail.com

ATGLEN -- Octorara has struggled through a couple of one-win seasons the past couple of years, but in 2014, Octorara is looking to turn things around. Positive attitudes have been found in abundance on the practice field, solid performances across the board have allowed a ray of optimism to seep through.

“I think one of our strengths this year is going to be experience,” said head coach Jed King. “We’ve got a solid group of 10 seniors that have mostly played varsity all three years. They are hungry to win and have really put in the work to improve.”

Directing the offensive controls is quarterback Alex Gooden, who has developed into one of the most exciting and dangerous players in the Ches-Mont League, is a threat through the air as well as on the ground.

The creative and elusive Gooden is more than capable of turning a broken play into positive yardage, but is also more than willing to allow his teammates to get the spotlight, as long as it means team success.

“Alex is a kid who is a fighter,” said King. He is relentless on the field. He just never stops, whether it is on offense or defense. He’s totally unselfish and willing to do whatever it takes to make the team better. He puts in the work and is probably, pound for pound, the strongest kid on the team. I can’t say enough about the kid.”

Gooden and offensive lineman Brandon Gregor have turned into the kind of leaders any coach wants from his seniors.

“They lead by example, and both are nothing but positive,” said King. “Neither one will ever be heard saying anything negative, always there to pick up a teammate and offer encouragement. “

The Braves will look to senior Cory Cooper to pile up the rushing yardage, as well as giving Gooden a target out of the backfield in the passing game.

“Cory has made some big plays for us so far in our scrimmages,” said King. “He’s broken off some nice runs, and made some key catches.”

King and his staff have liked what they’ve seen in the early going from a couple of newcomers to varsity in sophomore Scott Burridge and junior Dan Crawford.

Burridge will line up at running back on the offensive side of the ball and at linebacker on defense.

“Scotty is tough and aggressive,” said King. “It’s really great to see a sophomore come in and step it up like he has.”

Crawford, a linebacker, didn’t even crack the starting lineup on junior varsity last year, but his hard work in the offseason has helped become a player who can contribute.

“There was probably no one that worked harder this offeseason than Dan,” said King. “He’s really aggressive to the ball, and has proved he belongs.”

The Braves have nonleague games against Fleetwood at home and Upper Merion and Pequea Valley on the road before heading into American Division play. They also have a nonleague contest against Bishop Shanahan, slated for late October.