[tps_title]Council Rock South Golden Hawks [/tps_title]
Bedesem says Hawks ready to let it fly
HOLLAND >> Coming off a strong 6-5 year that included a playoff berth and a double overtime loss to district finalist North Penn, the Council Rock South football team appears capable of another successful season.
Although the team did take some major graduation hits, the Hawks have also returned a solid nucleus and should remain a solid contender in the Suburban One National.
“We lost a special group, but we have a good group back as well,” said veteran coach Vince Bedesem. “Our numbers are also up. Last year we dressed 37 players against Truman in the playoffs. In our first week of pre-season we had 62. We’re hoping to get it up in the 65 range.”
Rock South will again be a physical team with good size. This is reflected in the fact senior Noah Caldani (6-1, 225) is in the somewhat unusual position of doubling as the starting quarterback and a defensive end.
“Noah can throw the ball, but he also runs the ball like a fullback,” said Bedesem.
Two other standouts also go both ways with senior Dawson Fresses and Jason Schrager each filling roles as running backs and linebackers. Rock South will clearly not lack for a power running game.
“We’re going back to some old school stuff,” said Bedesem. “We’ll go for it in fourth-and-short situations. We want to keep the chains moving.”
Three more players sure to contribute are seniors Shemar Mills, Brandon Berghaier and Tim Vickrey.
Mills stands 6-3, weighs 245 and will double as a tight end and defensive end. “Shemar is a very hard worker,” said Bedesem. “He’s getting Division 1-AA looks.”
Berghaier will start as a defensive end and Vickrey is both a wide receiver and defensive end.
“Another thing I like is this is one of the most coachable groups we’ve had,” said Bedesem. “The attitude has been great. The players are really looking forward to the season.”
Look for a lot of close games this year as well for a team that has the potential to return to the playoffs.
By Rick Fortenbaugh, MediaNews Group
