[tps_title]Bristol Warriors [/tps_title]
John Gleeson — Contributed Photo
Bristol’s Eric Bell carries the ball in a game last season against Morrisville.
Experienced Bristol aiming for BAL title
Armed with a host of returning seniors and a highly-respected coaching staff, the Bristol High football team looks well positioned to enjoy yet another in a long line of successful seasons.
A year ago the Warriors went 6-4. Those four losses were by a combined 12 points, including two by just one point. As such, if Bristol can turn a few of those narrow losses around it could be on the verge of a huge season. 
“This is the year,” said coach John Greiner. “We have 10 to 11 starters back and they are a great group of kids.”
Senior Eric Bell returns at running back while All-Bicentennial Athletic League returnee Samir Brisbon is the new starting quarterback. Brisbon is a very good athlete and has the speed to rip off big chunks of yardage in the open field.
Bell isn’t the biggest back around and was listed at 5-6, 144 pounds on last year’s roster sheet, but he ran for over 1,000 yards and has a nose for the end zone. Bell has speed and adept at reading his blocks before bursting up field.
The cornerback position is in good shape with the likes of seniors Dante Lombardi and Xavier Corbin, who also project as two of the team’s top receivers. Among the top linemen are seniors Danny Collins and Tom Wallick. A defensive end who also is a very good blocker, Collins has excellent size at 6-1 and 270 pounds.
“Danny is a very strong kid,” said Greiner of one of his returning All-BAL players. “He’s a very good player and just a great kid.”
“We’re pretty solid at all the positions,” said Greiner. “These kids are a year older and most of them have been starting since they were sophomores. All that experience should pay off.”
As with any small school, Bristol can not afford injuries. Although that is always the case, it is particularly true this season because during the first week of practice it had only 24 players on the roster.
Considering the vast majority of those 24 are seniors, it’s another reason this is the year the Warriors need to make it happen.
By Rick Fortenbaugh; For Pa Prep Live
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