CB West marches on with new coach, new team
DOYLESTOWN — A new era of Central Bucks West football has officially begun.
“The kids are chomping at the bit just to get the season started,” said first-year head coach Chas Cathers, whose team opens up with a non-league clash at Central Bucks South. “It’s nice to start off with that rivalry game, especially with it being over at their place.”
CB West held its Photo Day Friday morning, with a buzz of anticipation. The Bucks continue to round into form on both sides of the football.
“Offensively, we’re gonna run multiple sets, utilizing the strength that we have up front,” Cathers said. “Defensively, we’re gonna run a 4-2-5 and make sure we’re flying to the football — doing the important things, tackling and taking the ball away.”
Football is back at West.
Last year’s hazing scandal brought an unfortunate and abrupt end to West’s season, the Bucks forced to forfeit the final two games of the year, including their Homecoming.
It is the start of a new era.
“We’re moving forward. The kids are moving forward,” Cathers said, “and we’re just ready to play football.”
Cathers, a CB West grad who went on to play college ball at Ursinus, comes to the Bucks after serving as the defensive coordinator at New Hope-Solebury.
“(Head coach) Jim DiTulio over at New Hope has done a great job with that program,” Cathers said. “And it was nice for myself because I got to see how you develop and create a program from scratch, because that’s really what he did.
“He does a great job over there and he was a mentor for me for a couple years, and that experience is priceless.”
To run the offense, the Bucks have a poised and experienced quarterback under center in Eddie Shields, a returning starter from last season.
“We’re working hard to come out against Abington (in Saturday’s scrimmage). We’ll see what we’re made of,” the senior said.
Of the offense, Shields said. “We’re looking strong. It’s completely different from last year. We have a new offensive coordinator, coach (Tom) White, and he totally revamped the system. I’m interested to see how it goes this season.”
After its battle with South, the Bucks will take on longtime rivals Souderton Area and Pennridge before beginning its march through the Suburban One League’s Continental Conference.
“I like the schedule,” Cathers said. “I think we can compete well. That’s the one thing that our staff really likes is that we can compete throughout the season.”
Top Photo: Head coach Chas Cather leads Central Bucks West football players to the stadium Friday, Aug. 21, 2015. (Geoff Patton/The Reporter)
