maestro
07-31-2007, 07:06 AM
The Needville Bluejays appeared to have all the pieces necessary to be a playoff team in 2006.
They had a strong running game, respectable play in the passing game and a solid defense that, through seven games, had allowed more than 20 points just once.
Somehow, it didn't add up.
After a 6-1 start, the Bluejays lost two of their last three — including a dramatic 29-21 overtime battle with Wharton in the season finale.
What appeared to be a great season suddenly ended with the Bluejays watching the playoffs from the sidelines.
"Everybody walked off the field devastated because we felt like we had the game under control and had the chance to win it," Needville coach Ryan Roark said. "But you turn the ball over four times, which we did, you don't deserve to win a game."
This season, the Bluejays are determined to finish strong. They return 11 starters (five offense, six defense).
Key starters returning include three offensive linemen (center Jayson Fuchs, guard Ricky Salazar and tackle Craig Calmes) and running back Thadeus Wilkerson.
The 5-11, 200-pound Wilkerson is coming off a stellar junior year that consisted of 1,725 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns.
Needville hopes he can better those numbers.
The Bluejays are also adding sophomore Kobie Hajdik and junior Harold Hunter to the mix; both had stellar seasons in sub-varsity play last year.
"Our running game should be our strong point," Roark said. "We have a lot of offensive linemen coming back, and combined with Wilkerson, we feel real good."
The top returning Bluejays defensive back, Bryan Buzek, will step in at quarterback. Four starters return from last year's front seven — tackles Matthew Kramer and Cody LeCroy and linebackers Greg Monville and Creed Henry.
And the Bluejays are counting on that experience. But they have had to battle an unusual obstacle in preparations for this season.
Their spring practice was wiped out after the school was damaged by a fire in April.
Freshmen and sophomores were separated from the upperclassmen in the spring, and when fall practice begins Aug. 6, some players will be working out together for the first time.
"We have a very regimented schedule for the spring and the fire put us behind," Roark said. "We haven't had all of our football kids together once. It's going to be a concern."
Still, Needville is a popular pick to win 24-3A. Whether they win district, the Bluejays want to be playing in the postseason.
"You don't want to look too far ahead, but we'll definitely be disappointed if we don't make the playoffs," Roark said.
They had a strong running game, respectable play in the passing game and a solid defense that, through seven games, had allowed more than 20 points just once.
Somehow, it didn't add up.
After a 6-1 start, the Bluejays lost two of their last three — including a dramatic 29-21 overtime battle with Wharton in the season finale.
What appeared to be a great season suddenly ended with the Bluejays watching the playoffs from the sidelines.
"Everybody walked off the field devastated because we felt like we had the game under control and had the chance to win it," Needville coach Ryan Roark said. "But you turn the ball over four times, which we did, you don't deserve to win a game."
This season, the Bluejays are determined to finish strong. They return 11 starters (five offense, six defense).
Key starters returning include three offensive linemen (center Jayson Fuchs, guard Ricky Salazar and tackle Craig Calmes) and running back Thadeus Wilkerson.
The 5-11, 200-pound Wilkerson is coming off a stellar junior year that consisted of 1,725 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns.
Needville hopes he can better those numbers.
The Bluejays are also adding sophomore Kobie Hajdik and junior Harold Hunter to the mix; both had stellar seasons in sub-varsity play last year.
"Our running game should be our strong point," Roark said. "We have a lot of offensive linemen coming back, and combined with Wilkerson, we feel real good."
The top returning Bluejays defensive back, Bryan Buzek, will step in at quarterback. Four starters return from last year's front seven — tackles Matthew Kramer and Cody LeCroy and linebackers Greg Monville and Creed Henry.
And the Bluejays are counting on that experience. But they have had to battle an unusual obstacle in preparations for this season.
Their spring practice was wiped out after the school was damaged by a fire in April.
Freshmen and sophomores were separated from the upperclassmen in the spring, and when fall practice begins Aug. 6, some players will be working out together for the first time.
"We have a very regimented schedule for the spring and the fire put us behind," Roark said. "We haven't had all of our football kids together once. It's going to be a concern."
Still, Needville is a popular pick to win 24-3A. Whether they win district, the Bluejays want to be playing in the postseason.
"You don't want to look too far ahead, but we'll definitely be disappointed if we don't make the playoffs," Roark said.