At an Aug. 11 scrimmage against Villa-Angela St. Joseph, the Bison started off strong and put pressure on this traditional powerhouse team.
“They beat us last year in our scrimmage, and we just came and shut them out 42-0,” said senior captain Brandon Rotsky. “I was very proud of our team, we came out from the get-go and made some huge plays.”
Some of the biggest contributors were senior Captain Corey Jones and sophomore Nate Hamilton, making big plays and running the ball very well.
“Our defense, as a whole, also came up very strong and made some huge plays,” commented Rotsky.
The BHS football team set lofty goals as they diligently trained through the long summer days. While the team was very successful last year, there were two goals that remained unmet. These were the acclaimed Chagrin Valley Conference championship, and a bid for a spot in the OHSAA post-season playoffs.
“Our goal definitely this year is to make the playoffs,” stated head coach Ryan Williams. “The team hasn’t made the playoffs since 1989. We’re gearing towards that, and a conference title.”
Frankly, these two objectives are the only thing that these players can see this season, as this is what they are working towards.
Williams described these two goals as “hand-in-hand.” This means that securing the CVC championship will most likely guarantee a playoff position, and making the playoffs will probably mean a conference championship.
Thus far, the Beachwood football team has been looking quite impressive during summer practices and scrimmages. Even though it is only the pre-season, the Bison appear to be an extremely formidable team with a shot at reaching the highest of goals.
A major asset to this team is the amount of experience returning from last season. As a result, the skill level is high. “We look pretty good on both sides of the ball,” stated Williams. “We’ve only given up one touch down in these two scrimmages.”
The Bison are also quite conscious of their weaknesses and the obstacles that stand in their way. One of the major downfalls to the football team this year is their low numbers compared to previous seasons.
“As far as weaknesses, we just don’t have a lot of depth,” said Assistant Coach Jack Rotsky.
“Last year we had more numbers,” commented quarterback and senior captain Corey Jones. “So we just have to condition a lot in practice so we don’t get tired.”
Another obstacle that may pose a problem to the team is the construction. “We grin, and bear it,” Coach Rotsky said. “These players certainly have handled it well.”
With the high school facilities unavailable, the team has turned to the Mandel Jewish Community Center to work out and the middle school fields to practice on a regular and daily basis.
“Guys want to win, and will do what it takes to win,” commented Captain Brandon Rotsky. “When I go out there on the line and look to my right or left, I know that the guy next to me is going to give everything he’s got for me and I’ll give everything I’ve got for him.”
