After starting out 1-2 last year, which included a 38-7 loss to cross town Wilson, the Governor Mifflin football team ran through the Berks County League Section One to claim another title. They lost a tough 22-20 District 3-AAAA playoff game to Central Dauphin East.
This is a new year, and veteran head coach Mik Vecchio feels that although they had a decent scrimmage, the team has a long way to go before their first game against Wilson. The first scrimmage was far from perfect. Fumbles, interceptions and penalties made too many appearances in the game for the Mustangs. Still, Vecchio feels that the team is progressing according to plan.
“We have a lot of kids back, so it makes it a little bit easier,’ said Vecchio.
One concern that Vecchio does have is depth, especially on the line. There are some players who will be playing both ways in the first game against Wilson – a team that won’t have that problem.
The expectations for the Mustangs are high, and a Division title is usually within the Mustangs’ grasp.
“I have talented players, but they have to buy into the team chemistry, and only time will tell there,’ said Vecchio.
The Mustangs are set ath the quarterback position. Third-year starter Jan Johnson threw for 787 yards and eight touchdowns last year, and rushed for 145 yards with a quarterback rating of 104.09. Vecchio has confidence in Johnson to run the offense.
His freshman year, Johnson was learning the offense. But he has two years of experience under his belt and is prepared for a big senior season.
“There are times when I make mistakes, but Coach (Vecchio) imparts his wisdom,’ said Johnson.
Johnson doesn’t feel like there’s any pressure on him ,or the other senior leaders ,but it’s expected of them to be the one leading the way for his teammates.
“We go out there to play and have fun,’ said Johnson. “We’re expected to win, but at the same time, it’s not the end of the world. Don’t get me wrong, we really want to win.’
The Mustangs are also returning their top running back Wilson Fontanez, who rushed for 1,072 yards with 13 touchdowns last year.
“We’re hoping he has a great year,’ said Vecchio. “We need him to rush for 1000 yards.’
Also returning for the Mustangs are: Evan Pollock, Garrett Henry, Matt Klusewitz, Keith Miller, Darren Schlegel, Adam Sebastinas, Daniel Timko, Hunter Bortz and Eliseo Ortiz.
While Coach Vecchio is expecting a lot out of Pollock this season, he didn’t seem overally concerned about it.
“It’s something that you really don’t think about,’ said Pollock. “It’s about how you do and how hard you work. If you think about it to much, it will go to your head.’
Vecchio feels that it’s too early to even think about the league. The Mustangs have three tough non-league games to start the season. They open up the season with Wilson, and then face Lancaster Catholic and Manheim Township before starting league play against Reading High at Shirt Stadium (Albright College).
Some might say that Governor Mifflin is the team to beat in Section One title.
“We should be, we’ve had several good years, so there should definitely be a target on us,’ said Vecchio. “They know that they have to stay focused, or we don’t have a chance.’
“Every team is going to want to beat us,’ said Pollock. “You have to play every game like it’s your last.’
“We have to go out there and play every game,’ said Johnson. “Someone could get hurt, we could play bad. We have to see what happens.’
