Football

 =Football begins with a bang = By Alex Overly Sports Co-Editor

The Buccaneer Football season started off with a bang of the schools cannon and a new school record for most points scored in a home game. The B. Senior wide receiver and outside Bucs defeated West Shamokin 63-0. Linebacker, Jesse Burton, scored two of the nine touch downs in this incredible game. One of his scored was an 80 yard run off the kick of the second half. Seniors Dayne Williams, Frank Perriello, Nolan Greenwald, and Cameron Nelson scored as well. Jon Novak had a fumble recovery of 25 yards ending with a touchdown, Jeremy Shybolski, a sophomore, who scored also.

In the second game blue and white pride overflowed at Deer Lakes Stadium with a Bucco win of 42-6. Senior John Gigler was unstoppable with a 35 yard interception resulting in a touchdown, along with two others. Senior Colton Staley recovered a fumble of 45 yards contributing to one of Gigler’s touchdowns. Jesse Burton was once again seen in this game intercepting the ball for a 20 yard touchdown.

The annual homecoming game was held between the Bucs and Summit Academy, where the Bucs won 42-6. Seniors John Gigler, Frank Perriello, and Jesse Burton all scored touchdowns. Burton’s score was set up by Sean Bates’ fumble recovery. Junior Dave Yakopec had a touchdown as well. Quarterback Cameron Nelson also had two touchdowns, and threw four others.

The Bucs have overcome many obstacles over the years, and have set many goals for themselves. “They’re working together because they see the bigger picture they want to accomplish.” said Coach Walt Chambers.

He went on to say that the team has matured a lot since last year and has grown as a team, which everyone can see when they come to the games.” Coach Brian Mike, a coach at Burrell for 12 years, stated “They are a cohesive unit, like a band of brothers, and they have the talent and desire to win. Mike also added, “I expect the team to win the WPIAL. If you expect anything less, that is exactly what you will get.”

The team began practicing and working towards their goal of a winning season at the beginning of summer. Jesse Burton stated “Last year was a lot more of a learning year, and this year everyone has really been playing well together since we know the system a lot better.”

A key part to the success in games is the offensive line, which includes Seniors Cary Flenory, Jimbo Hess, Dayne Williams, Jon Novak, and Dave Williams. The captains this year are Jimbo Hess, Mark Kaczanowicz, Chris Linden, Frank Perriello, and Dayne Williams.

When asked about being a captain Jimbo commented, “I like being a leader, and having the responsibility.” He also added “I expect big things this year, including a conference.” The captains are expected to get the team fired up before a game and practices.

Kaczanowicz said “It’s and honor to be named captain because the players are the ones who voted. I just try to set a good example and help lead our team to victory.” The captains expect the team to have a good attitude towards practice and to work as hard as possible. Kaczanowicz also added that the team wants to win it all and will not settle for anything less.

The team has had many stand-out players so far this season that have helped the team to achieve their numerous victories.

Chambers also pointed out that Frank Perriello, “is a great leader, and he has matured a lot and knows how to lead the team both on and off the field.”

Coach Mike also made honorable mention about Luke Gathers, who has made tremendous improvement as inside linebacker and leader of defense. “Cameron Nelson went from playing fullback in ninth grade to quarterback as a junior and has stepped up to the challenge and taken the reigns and led the team” said Mike.

Next year, many of the star players on this team will be graduating meaning that it is up to the now juniors and sophomores to show the younger players the way to a winning season.

“Losing the leadership of the seniors will hurt, but the underclassmen understand why the hard work is done and how it helps them achieve another winning season” said Mike.

Among these seniors, many of the underclassmen have stepped up to the plate. When asked who they see has improved the most among the underclassmen, Chambers gave mention to Dave Yakopec, Tyler Reynolds, and Brian Beattie.

“He has the potential to be a division one champ,” said Chambers about Junior Dave Yakopec. Pertaining to Sophomore Tyler Reynolds, a wide receiver and inside line backer, Chambers said that he shows a lot of good things and potential in the game. Captain Mark Kaczanowicz advises, “Work hard in the off-season and enjoy every minute of playing, it goes by very fast.”

Big things are expected from all the players, including a conference championship at the end of the season.