Central Bucks West

By Kev Hunter

khunter@thereporteronline.com

Central Bucks West went into its offseason work propelled by a 9-3 finish last season and a trip to the second round of the district playoffs.

“Having a nice run here last year was really exciting for the whole school and the community,” coach Brian Hensel said. “The guys recognize that that was nice motivation going into the offseason for training but as we’ve progressed into the summer months and into training camp, the guys recognize that there are new challenges ahead.”

Those new challenges come in the form of some new opponents, as the Bucks are part of the realigned SOL Continental. They also have plenty of new faces — in the backfield, at the skill positions and under center.

But providing stability through this transition will be a solid, experienced offensive line.

“I think that’s gonna be the strength this year,” Hensel said. “We return a lot of guys on both sides of the ball — offensive and defensive line — and we’re gonna have to turn to those guys to carry the load, much like our skill guys did for us last year.”

The offensive line includes seniors Brett Kimberly, Garrett Rooney, Brian Miller and Chael Wilson, and, along with junior Max Cascerceri, the focus will be to pry open holes for some new, eager backs.

“With a running back like Marvin Todd graduating, it’s a committee of guys that are trying to step up and fill that void,” Hensel said.

Dallas Owen and Ralf Silva will handle the running back duties for the Bucks, who scored 30 or more points seven times last season.

Offensive success will depend on some different people this year, including Eddie Shields and Reece Udinski, who are battling for the starting quarterback spot going into the final week of camp.

But that big o-line can help settle things.

“Good size,” Miller said of the unit, “with the speed to move the ball upfield.”

The same can be said for West’s defensive front.

The Bucks will be moving to a 4-4 alignment under new defensive coordinator Joe Wade, and the scheme seems to be a pretty good fit.

“I like what I’ve seen so far,” Hensel said. “We’re progressing. We have a new defensive coordinator in Joe, and he’s brought some new enthusiasm, some new ideas that he wants the kids to buy into, and so far they’ve done everything he’s asked them to do.”

“Fast, furious and aggressive,” senior linebacker and wideout Matt Kilkenny said of the group.

Very much is new about the Bucks this year, from who they face to who they have in the huddle. But the goal remains the same.

“We feel like we can be better than last year’s team,” Kilkenny said. “I feel like we can definitely win our league and make it a little further than we did last year.”

Follow Kev Hunter on Twitter@khunter10.