By Bob Suttton
Special to The Alamance News
Members of Western Alamance’s football team are anxious to see the Warriors take more steps in the right direction.
Progress a year ago has given more importance to details that could make a difference in a big way this season.
“Lots of studying and asking a whole bunch of questions,” receiver/defensive back Jaxson Poole said.
The Warriors hadn’t won more than six games in three consecutive seasons until putting together last year’s 8-4 mark.
It wasn’t long before that stretch that Western was Alamance County’s kingpin.
So the Warriors want to return to the top.
“Chemistry is a big thing,” linebacker Weston Greene said. “Worry about ourselves and it will resolve itself.”
Of Western’s last 14 victories covering the last two seasons, three came by a combined four points, another in overtime and two others by single-digit margins. So they might be well-tested when it comes to pressure situations.
Interest in the program remains high with more than 100 players participating.
“Everything has been very positive,” veteran coach Jeff Snuffer said.
It’s a matter of making it all mesh.
Junior quarterback Ethan Oakley is a returning starter. He’ll look to emerging receivers to make the offense click in the passing attack after the departure of speedster James Newton to college football.
“We’re lacking James, of course,” Oakley said, noting how others will have huge opportunities to emerge as key playmakers.
Jordan Hall was the leading rusher in terms of yards per game on last year’s team and he’ll be intent on bolstering his numbers. He said the Warriors need to handle responsibilities at every position.
“Preparing to make sure everybody is super-focused,” Hall said. “Everybody has a special job.”
The Warriors are encouraged by what they’re capable of doing along the defensive front.
“Stopping the run is really powerful this year,” Greene said.
Western has five new opponents compared to a year ago. The Warriors have played tight non-conference games vs. Cummings the past few seasons and now that’s a conference matchup.
