Wyomissing adds experience to talent
Last year, Wyomissing was coming off an undefeated season as defending state champs, but had graduated 10 starting players on both offense and defense.
Despite the heavy turnover, the team ended the season with a respectable 4-2 league record and managed to go 6-6 overall, thanks in part to talented players who got some playtime the year before. This year, the team has a lot more experience going into the season and some key playmakers looking to make an impact.
One of those players to watch is running back Thomas Paolini. He had seen some play time as a sophomore two years ago and showed a lot of promise. Last year he put up some impressive stats, taking 112 carries 955 yards, averaging 8.53 yards per carry and leading the team in scoring with 16 touchdowns and four two-point conversions. It won’t take much of an improvement for him to have a 1,000 yard season in 2014.
Paolini won’t be alone out there, however, and although the team graduated other top scorers like running back Jack Baker and halfback Scotty McAvoy, fullbacks Peter Geyer, (who rushed for 240 yards through the season), and Caleb Naylor (who had 235 yards), will both return as seniors.
Another returning senior, quarterback Scott Kuczala, will continue to feed them the ball from under center.
With their biggest offensive producers being the running backs, the Spartans’ run game will surely continue to be the key to their success.
Despite last year’s learning curve, the young team managed to pull off a respectable season. This year, the added experience under these talented players’ belts should help make the Spartans a major threat in the Berks League.
