It was hot and very dry on the Ellenville Varsity Football practice field last Wednesday evening. Along with Ellenville Blue Devils head coach Tony Borriello and assistant varsity coach and offensive coordinator Merrill Conner were assistant coaches Mark Logan and Paul Westbrook, who are also the coaches for the junior varsity team. They were running a shoulder pad and helmet practice.

Despite the heat, the dry hard field and the strenuous workout, the boys of the varsity football team were in high spirits with some high hopes for the season. "Our goal this season is, first and foremost, to make it to the postseason," said Borriello.

This year the league was divided up into two divisions with the top two teams in each division making it in to postseason play. "I feel this goal is realistic and achievable," said Coach Borriello. "We would also like to end the year with a winning record". Borriello was quick to point out that, "We step on the field every time with the intention and belief that we can win." That belief will be tested this season as Ellenville's bracket includes perennial powerhouse Highland, along with Liberty, Burke and Spackenkill.

Coach Borriello

But one key to Ellenville's success this season will be returning Senior and this year's co-captain Steven Coutant. Coutant is the team's quarterback and, according to Borriello, "is everything you want as a quarterback. A leader who is calm, responds well to pressure and has great intensity."

Jarred Blades, is a second year varsity player as a junior and co-captain. He is described as a quiet but committed leader. At center, Blades is perfectly positioned to be the backbone of the team as he carries every player's phone number on his cell phone. Borriello credits Blades with large practice turnouts and strong leadership for both the offensive and defensive lines. Borriello also pointed out that, "Jarred has done everything he can to improve himself as a player in the off-season."

Other key athletes to watch for this fall according to Borriello are Marc Sassenchied, "a great all around athlete," Anthony (TJ) Bell, Jason Lutz, Ethan Beck and Chris McQuillan. Transfer student, Lenny Armstrong, is also on Borriello's radar screen. Transferring from Valley Central prior to his senior year, Armstrong is big, strong and quick. Borriello has the enviable job of deciding if Armstrong will be a lineman, running back, kicker or any other number of positions.

Borriello cautions that it is early in the pre-season and players that have not been mentioned are not being overlooked. He is accustomed to having players that do not always standout in the pre-season becoming impact players when the regular season gets under way. Borriello concluded, "We have a young team. We are hoping for good things."

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