Bedford Football 2006

ham55 · Post by **ham55** » August 8th, 2006, 5:47 pm

It's that time of the year again. The time of year when teams are starting to get things moving toward camp and the first scrimmages. Where do most teams stand after last seasons seniors graduated? Who step up and fill in where those guys left last year? I can't say much for any other team, but I'll do my best with what I know about the Bisons this year.

Returning on offense for the Bison is a standout speedster at TB in Jesse Feaster. He was one of the shining stars on a star-studded Bison rushing attack last season, and with the seniors ahead of him leaving, it will leave the field all to his own for him to showcase his talents. Cory Arnold will more than likely return upfront for the Bison at his right guard position. He saw significant playing time last year for the Bison and was a starter in every win last year(did not start week 1, 2, or 10.). Brett Shippey, Arnolds replacement on the line, will more than likely step in to play center or the other guard. The other 3 jobs are more than up for grabs at this point in the year, going into summer camps. Look for the tackle spots to be held down by two huge kids, Kyle DiVito and Corey Rhodes, by the first games of the year. Both of them are over 6'3" 230lbs.

The WR core of the Bison will be made up by Levi Clapper and Zach Forgas. Both will be seniors coming into the varsity level very green, but both have above average speed and catching ability from what they've shown in passing league games thus far this summer.

Taking over at signal caller for the Bisons will be decided in a battle between Harrison Grubb and Pete Westwood. Westwood recently moved into the area from the Everett School District and played QB last year for the Warriors. He has more experience in game situations of the two, but Grubb knows the in's and out's of the Bedford option rushing attack and passing game. How quickly Westwood developes and how well Grubb plays this fall will be the deciding factor in who wins the outright QB spot for the team.

Another transfer from Florida, is Eric Groat. He is a WR/RB/HB type of player who will more than likely find himself at a wing in Bedford's offense. Matt Henry will probably be the starter at FB for the Bison coming into this fall. Also look for Jeremiah Jaber to possibly fill this position.

On the defensive side of the ball, the front seven will more than likely consist of Arnold (LB) Groat (LB) Henry/Jaber (LB) DiVito/Rhodes/Nick Beegle/Shippey/Krupa(DL). In the secondary you will have Feaster(CB/S) Forgas (CB) Westwood (CB/S) Kevin Miller (CB).

From what I've seen thus far in the very limited time I've had to see any passing league games or workouts, Bedford appears to have the athletes on both sides of the ball to give every opponent in the LHAC a difficult time matching up evenly. There are a lot of unknowns, one HUGE unknown is upfront on O for the Bison rushing attack. Getting a line together, getting them to play together and learn the O, and keeping them healthy will be huge in how far the Bison go this season in the top heavy LHAC.

A good start will be key for the Bison as well. They travel to Bishop McCort in week 1 and play Somerset and Forest Hills at home in weeks 2 and 3 respectively. Other key match-ups on the year include games @ PC and CC. Bishop Carrol at home in week 9 and on the road to Fishertown in week 10 to take on Chestnut Ridge.

Thoughts or predictions for the Bison this year? Thanks.

vman · Post by **vman** » August 9th, 2006, 8:42 am

Transfer from here, couple of Fla. recruits there....sounds like a big east team retooling....just kidding & it is what it is; if families moved into the district, kids should be allowed to play but you'll get some more Bishop Bedford ribs I'm sure...
Re. the 1st week matchup with McCort I'm not sure if it benefits either side(meeting that early)...
I see a lot of similarities (new qbs, questions on the lines) so I guess it's a level playing field. The Bedford coach has impressed me & that team obviously got better last yr...I think his adaptability will be tested with the losses @ the skill positions but Bedford always plays hard & I'm sure it will be a hard fought contest. Best of luck to both squads!

footballman07 · Post by **footballman07** » August 10th, 2006, 12:48 am

sounds like bedford could be tough like usual. Their offense seems always hard to defend, anytime i watch them its hard to follow the ball from the stands even

frostlion · Post by **frostlion** » August 10th, 2006, 1:14 am

Best of luck to my Alma Mater, especially when they take on Ridge. I was a freshmen during that year Ridge tied us, and I still can't stand it.

duckb32 · Post by **duckb32** » August 10th, 2006, 9:54 pm

Good luck to the Bisons! Cant wait for week 1. Also, it so good to see Bedford vs Ridge again!!!!

Post by **Head Roadie** » August 20th, 2006, 11:39 pm

I agree with your last paragraph in theory. But Ridge doesn't have a lot of choices. It was stay with the county schools in all-sports and have football drop down a level in competition. Bedford chose one route, Ridge chose the other.....neither one is totally right or totally wrong but when the LHAC declared All sports or none choices had to be made. Bet Bedford wishes they were back in the BCL in B/G basketball, baseball and softball though. Would make for better crowds, competition, and less travel. There basketball crowds were a total joke the past couple years.

Post by **Coach** » August 23rd, 2006, 7:47 am

Please end the Westwood talk. I had an email complaint and I try to work around this type of thing. Also, if posts are found to be degrading, etc just flag the post you think should be deleted instead of emailing. I ended up deleting them all I think even though some were fine in the way things were stated.

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