WEEDSPORT - Weedsport football's first season back in Class D couldn't have been any more noteworthy.
The Warriors finished 13-0 and defeated Tuckahoe 22-21 in the state championship to finalize the most successful season in school history.
Weedsport's new head coach, Jason Trousdale, says 2004 is a season to remember but being the defending champs doesn't win them any extra games this season.
"Last year was a great year but that's behind us," Trousdale said. "We don't talk about going back to repeat but at the same time, we all know what we want to do. What I won't do is sit here and say we're going to win 'X' amount of games."
As if Trousdale didn't have enough pressure taking over a rich tradition at Weedsport, he has to do so without the help of Class D co-player of the year, Brad Bach, and first-team defender, Brandon Bach. In all, the Bach brothers combined for more than 3,000 rushing yards and literally carried the Warriors to the state title.
"We lost seven starters," Trousdale said. "I think the kids might feel a little pressure. I don't feel any yet, but the closer to gametime we get, the more pressure I'll feel."
The 2005 Weedsport team won't be as physical as past squads.
Last season, their offensive line did a good job of bowling over defenses and paving a path for the tailbacks. This year, the Warriors will will rely more on their speed to drive the offense.
"Past years we've been kind of physical up front," Trousdale said. "I'm not sure if that will be the case this year. What we do have is a lot of speed, which may have its advantages."
Weedsport returns all-state quarterback Mike Coolbaugh, who Trousdale is relying on to be the offensive leader. Coolbaugh set up the ground game with an accurate arm and also scored the winning two-point conversion in the state championship game.
"Mike is an outstanding player," Trousdale said. "If he's not the best player in the county, he's one of the best players in central New York."
The Warriors also return all-state defensive tackle Bob Bradtke and second team all-leaguer Kerry Green. Green will be in on almost every play on defense. Green is also making the change from guard to fullback on offense.
Newcomers Jake Ekross and Oliver Jordan will contribute right away at defensive end while tailback Nick VanWie will get a bulk of the carries on offense.
VanWie is also one of the team's quickest players.
Trousdale is excited about his younger players and expects them to grow up quick. While he isn't worried about his team's youth, he is worried about the their health.
"When you only have 25 guys and most play both sides of the football, you can't afford injuries," he said. "If we stay healthy and our core guys step up, it'll take a really good football team to beat us."
Weedsport's new head coach, Jason Trousdale, says 2004 is a season to remember but being the defending champs doesn't win them any extra games this season.
"Last year was a great year but that's behind us," Trousdale said. "We don't talk about going back to repeat but at the same time, we all know what we want to do. What I won't do is sit here and say we're going to win 'X' amount of games."
As if Trousdale didn't have enough pressure taking over a rich tradition at Weedsport, he has to do so without the help of Class D co-player of the year, Brad Bach, and first-team defender, Brandon Bach. In all, the Bach brothers combined for more than 3,000 rushing yards and literally carried the Warriors to the state title.
"We lost seven starters," Trousdale said. "I think the kids might feel a little pressure. I don't feel any yet, but the closer to gametime we get, the more pressure I'll feel."
The 2005 Weedsport team won't be as physical as past squads.
Last season, their offensive line did a good job of bowling over defenses and paving a path for the tailbacks. This year, the Warriors will will rely more on their speed to drive the offense.
"Past years we've been kind of physical up front," Trousdale said. "I'm not sure if that will be the case this year. What we do have is a lot of speed, which may have its advantages."
Weedsport returns all-state quarterback Mike Coolbaugh, who Trousdale is relying on to be the offensive leader. Coolbaugh set up the ground game with an accurate arm and also scored the winning two-point conversion in the state championship game.
"Mike is an outstanding player," Trousdale said. "If he's not the best player in the county, he's one of the best players in central New York."
The Warriors also return all-state defensive tackle Bob Bradtke and second team all-leaguer Kerry Green. Green will be in on almost every play on defense. Green is also making the change from guard to fullback on offense.
Newcomers Jake Ekross and Oliver Jordan will contribute right away at defensive end while tailback Nick VanWie will get a bulk of the carries on offense.
VanWie is also one of the team's quickest players.
Trousdale is excited about his younger players and expects them to grow up quick. While he isn't worried about his team's youth, he is worried about the their health.
"When you only have 25 guys and most play both sides of the football, you can't afford injuries," he said. "If we stay healthy and our core guys step up, it'll take a really good football team to beat us."
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