New coach Damian Buggy helping Hamburg to bounce back
The Hamburg High football team had a turbulent 2013 season, which saw a lot of turmoil , including a 1-5 league record and 5-6 overall. Their head coach left after the season, and now new head coach Damian Buggy is left to pick up the pieces and rebuild this once proud football program. To date, Coach Buggy feels that the players picked up our system quickly. Even though we have a relatively young team, the players are making checks on their own, which is a great sign.
According to Coach Buggy, things are going well for the team. The players had a great off-season with very high attendance to team workouts. That commitment has enabled the coaching staff to confidently play some younger players.
“We have a solid senior class that brings a significant amount of leadership to the team,’ said Buggy. “I’m impressed how they have a positive attitude and lead by example.’
“I expect my team to be competitive in every contest, regardless of competition,’ said Buggy. “If we are competitive, then we have a chance to pull off a program-defining upset that will jump start the team to better production. But, we must take care of the little things in order to be successful.’
Offensively, the Hawks are getting away from the Wing-T and moving towards a multiple pro offense. Buggy feels that it is the best way to use multiple athletes and get them the ball in space.
Aaron Nelson will be a big key to the Hamburg offense at wide receiver. Nelson possesses some big play potential with his speed.
Robbie Henne is another threat at wide receiver. Henne has moved from running back to wide receiver this year.
The starting quarterback will be Nick Kuhn. According to Buggy, he has leadership skills, a good arm and loves to compete.
“He is definitely a player to build an offense around,’ said Buggy.
Joining Kuhn in the backfield is the 2013 team’s leading rusher in Ian Hamilton (532 yards) ,who has a tough, hard-nosed running style. To complement Hamilton’s power is Dariel Ruiz. With his speed, he averaged over 18 yards per play in 2013.
“Up front, the line returns TJ Romoho at guard, where he has started since his freshman year. Along side Romoho is senior Dustin Snyder. Snyder had seen some limited time last season, but will be an important part on a youthful front five.’
Other players looking to make an impact are sophomore Jordan McAllister, wide receiver; sophomore Andrew Payne (6’/165), offensive tackle; Sophomore Jake Metcalfe (6′ 2’/265), offensive tackle; and sophomore Quinn Nabozny (6’5’/310). Seniors Dustin Snyder (DT. 5’11’/255) and Damian Bausher (LB 5’7’/210) will be looking to make an impact.
Playing in the Berks County League Section two will not be easy. Buggy feels that it’s one of the most competitive AA leagues in the state. When you have Wyomissing winning states a few years ago, BC (Berks Catholic) making a deep playoff run last year, and Schuylkill Valley being a perennial tough team, it makes things a little difficult.
“The way we look at our league is that once we make playoffs, we feel that we will be playoff-tested because of the quality of our league schedule,’ said Buggy. “I feel that if we take care of the little things and gel as a team, we have a chance to be competitive because we have a number of play makers this year.’
