[tps_title]Avon Grove Red Devils [/tps_title]
MICHAEL REEVES – FOR DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA
Devils finally may have size and skill to compete in National
LONDON GROVE >> When the Avon Grove administration openly campaigned to be placed in the National Division during the Ches-Mont League realignment in 2007, it’s doubtful the realities facing the football program were fully appreciated. Competing against the big boys can be a tough slog, and progress often comes in baby steps, if at all.
In the last three seasons, the Red Devils have gone 1-17 against division foes. But now, in the fourth season under head coach Harry O’Neill, Avon Grove looks to be better equipped to compete against powerhouses like Coatesville and Downingtown East. 
“We are just better fundamentally than we’ve been in the past,” O’Neill said. “I don’t know if that translates into more wins, but we will definitely be more competitive.
“Last year, most of the teams in our division were physically bigger and better than us. Now, I don’t know if many teams will be physically bigger than us. I’m not saying we’ll be better, but we will be able to better compete.”
The numbers — particularly in the junior and senior classes — are way up. The practice habits have changed, and experience is no longer a major issue. And for the first time in O’Neill’s tenure, the Devils have the kind of beef up front to hang in against most.
“We knew the last couple years we were going to take our lumps, but we were willing to do it to get to where we are now,” O’Neill said.
“I got lucky having this senior class as freshmen when I came in. They’ve bought in completely. I have a solid 17 seniors — my first year we had four. And the junior class is 26 and most have started as 10th graders.”
There are concerns about the back end of the defense, and overall depth could be a problem, but size isn’t a worry. The Devils average 270 pounds per man across the offensive line, and that includes senior guard Joel Mogaka (5-foot-10, 255 pounds) and center Maxx Atkinson Jr. (6-0, 305), a three-year starter. Add two more returning starters in junior Connor Long (6-4, 250) and promising sophomore Nick Pino (6-1, 305) at the tackle spots, and you can see why optimism is on the rise for the Avon Grove offense.
“We return nine starters on offense, so I am hoping they can keep us in games until we figure it out on defense,” O’Neill said.
“Having so many big guys will allow us to compete on both sides of the ball,” added senior receiver/safety Tyler Boyd. “Traditionally, we’ve been one of the smaller teams and other teams have been able to dominate us. This season that is going to change a little bit.”
Size also shouldn’t be an issue at quarterback because senior Shane Wolford grew five inches since last season. Now 6-4, Wolford started the final five games of 2016.
“Shane’s accuracy is pretty good and he has a good feel for the game,” O’Neill said. “From where he was last year to today is like night and day.”
And the rest of the skill positions are solid, including a trio of dangerous receivers and a bruising, experienced runner. O’Neill says Boyd is “my best player,” and he is joined by fellow wideouts Dylan Lapham and Jordan Paone. And senior Kevin Francis was initially a fullback, but he is back for another season as the starter at running back.
“As a group, the receivers have far exceeded what I thought they would be,” O’Neill said. “And with the way Wolford can throw the ball, I wasn’t anticipating going into this season being able to throw it. Add in a solid offensive line that can pass block, I think our passing game is the one thing that has surprised me, to be honest.”
With Mogaka anchoring the middle at nose guard, the defensive line should be a strength for the Devils’ defense. The middle of the front seven is expected to be formidable with Dillon Estes and Scott O’Neill back as the starting inside linebackers. Boyd, however, is the only returnee in the secondary.
“I think we have the bodies on defense, but maybe not the experience,” O’Neill said.
“We are the first class coach O’Neill’s had for all four years,” said Boyd, who is already being recruited by Ivy and Patriot league programs. “We were 0-10 when I came in as a freshman. Now it’s completely different.”
Wolford growing into QB spot
Good coaching staffs are able to adjust to the strengths of the roster, and there is little doubt that there will be some adjusting with the Avon Grove offense.
“I’m confident we can throw the ball more than we have in the past,” O’Neill said. “I’ve had some decent quarterbacks, like Shane McLaughlin a few years ago, but the talent around the quarterback is probably deeper than we’ve had in the past.”
Star wideout Tyler Boyd says that the talent within the Devils’ skilled positions is “off the charts,” and that includes quarterback Shane Wolford, who has grown into the position — literally and figuratively.
“I never really put much into the notion that taller quarterbacks can see the field better, but now that I can see Shane out there, and he can see stuff that a lot of the previous guys couldn’t, I’ve changed my mind,” O’Neill explained. “Most guys will just pull the ball down and run with it.
“Plus (Wolford) is very athletic. He ran a 4.6 (40-yard dash) at a bunch of camps this summer, and I was shocked. That’s excellent speed for a big quarterback.”
Looking for an edge
It often gets overlooked, but special teams frequently tip a close football game one way or the other. Avon Grove will have the jump on plenty of opponents in that area thanks to veteran kicker-punter Kevin Sheehan. The senior is a four-year starter and is solid, proven performer.
The Red Devils may also be able to take advantage in another area: expectations. Avon Grove was 4-7 overall a year ago, but 0-6 against C-M National foes, and opponents may just assume another easy win over the Devils in in store for 2017.
“I hope they do, to be honest,” Boyd said. “But we’re coming to play.”
By Neil Geoghegan; ngeoghegan@21st-centurymedia.com
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