[tps_title] Plymouth-Whitemarsh Colonials [/tps_title]
Gene Walsh Digital First Media
Plymouth Whitemarshs Kirk Bell practice August 7, 2017.
Wilson, Bell poised for big seasons at Plymouth Whitemarsh
WHITEMARSH >> The Plymouth-Whitemarsh football team always wants to run the ball down its opponent’s throat.
This year is no different. The Colonials plan to feature their rushing attack on offense behind two seniors — running back Dontae Wilson and fullback Kirk Bell. 
“Our ground game is going to be our strength again like normal,” head coach Dan Chang said. “We have Dontae returning from last year who did a lot of nice things for us and Kirk, who played linebacker, is now going to be a pretty good threat at fullback.”
“We bring a lot to the table,” Wilson said of himself and Bell. “Power and speed. Mix it up. We’re not both the same type of games — we’ve both got different types of games to bring to the table.”
Wilson is primed to lead the attack. He entered last season as a receiver before moving to running back and didn’t get his chance until some players ahead of him on the depth chart suffered injuries.
Wilson made the most of his opportunity. He used his blazing speed to get past defenders. He had a 146-yard, three-touchdown performance against Cheltenham and a 159-yard, one-touchdown game against Quakertown in the final two games of the regular season.
“He took advantage of his situation,” Chang said. “He’s got breakaway speed. Anytime he gets into that open field, not many people are catching him.”
The 5-foot-8, 150-pound Wilson tried to improve all aspects of his game during the offseason. He worked on his strength in the weight room and continued perfecting his speed.
“I’m trying to improve my power game,” Wilson said. “I know I’ve got the speed and everything. I just have to get in the weight room and get stronger.”
Combining power with his speed, Wilson will be difficult for defenses to stop. He expects to be a force this season and has set some lofty goals for himself.
“I’m trying to get a thousand or more yards and trying to break the touchdown record,” he said. “Just trying to do big things this year.”
Bell played a little bit of fullback in 2016. He grabbed the attention of the coaching staff with his combination of size and speed.
New Quarterback
Stephen Maslij played quarterback for the first time last year. He led Plymouth-Whitemarsh’s JV team and served as the varsity backup.
“He’s improved tremendously,” Chang said of Maslij. “We hope that he’s going to be a leader for the team and be an asset for us.”
Maslij, a senior, can get the job done on the ground and through the air.
“He’s got a strong arm,” Chang said. “He’s getting used to our run game right now and getting better every day.
“He’s confident. He works really hard. Guys are excited that he’s going to be our quarterback.”
As the varsity backup, Maslij had a front row seat to see what this level of football is all about.
“He did get some exposure in the varsity games,” Chang said. “It’s still obviously a big change to get under the lights at a different speed. We’re going to have to get there, get used to that.”
Biggest Strength
The Colonials will go as far as the running game takes them. Chang is happy with his backs and the guys up front.
“I think our offensive line is going to be pretty good,” he said. “We’re really going to have to take advantage of that and be physical with teams.”
Biggest Weakness
The defending Suburban One League American Conference champions return only a handful of starters on each side of the ball. New players without varsity experience could spell a problem for PW.
“We have some inexperienced guys in some big positions that we just need to get them exposed a little more,” Chang said.
By Ed Morlock; emorlock@21st-centurymedia.com
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