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September 3, 2010

Ti has chemistry, experience

By COURTNEY LEWIS Staff Writer

Coach Bob Sutphen has been as impressed with his players' brains as their brawn.

The Ticonderoga coach said he has a smart squad that has shown a good attitude and approach.

"The thing I'm most excited about is I've got a group of kids really focused on winning football games and improving," he said. "They're smart, they have good personalities, and there's no ego issues. I'm very excited about the chemistry of the team right now and the direction of it.

"I don't think they'll be too altered by a big win or a loss. I don't think they'll be surprised by anyone. They've got a very workmanlike approach. I'm happy with their attitude, and the leadership is as good as it's ever been."

The Sentinels begin their North Football Conference slate Saturday at Saranac Lake.

Ticonderoga went 5-5 in 2009 and fell in the sectional final. The Sentinels will be vying with Moriah and Tupper Lake in Class D.

Of the 29 players on the roster, 14 are seniors.

"We have three or four guys on both sides that are pretty experienced, but I think we're a little green," Sutphen said.

He added that he's concerned about a lack of depth at key areas. One of those is the secondary, which includes some newcomers and players who have moved from linebacker. Elsewhere defensively, Sutphen said the line is solid although it doesn't have a lot of size, and there's a good group of linebackers.

The offense will rely heavily on the ground game, as always. A pair of returning players, Dan Morrison and Ryan Borho will be the big two at running back, although there are a host of others who can also rush the ball.

Morrison, a tailback, was third on the team last year with 398 yards and two touchdowns, while Borho gets fewer carries as a fullback.

"Morrison shouldered a lot of our carries last year, and he has great work ethic — gives everything he has. So does Ryan," Sutphen said.

Morrison "is a little quicker than even we think he is. Ryan is a stockier kid. Morrison is a jack of all trades. He's not going to run away from people and he's not going to bull through people. He just does what he needs to do."

The two backs have been named captains.

Luke Bartlett, now a senior, has moved up from backup to starting quarterback. Last year's starter, Robert Kearns, attempted just 80 passes. Sutphen said Bartlett joined the track team to improve his speed and footwork. But how he's used will depend on a shoulder injury to his non-throwing arm.

The Sentinels will need him healthy because that's another position where they're thin — they don't have a true No. 2.

Sutphen said a key to the offense will the line, which features seniors Dillon Lafferty and Jesse LaRose.

The linemen "aren't the biggest kids, but they're strong, kind of quick and very smart," Sutphen said. "They're thinking through what they're supposed to do, not just gong through a block.

"What I like to see is linemen using good technique, thinking through how to block each play, how to block against different kids. They're doing a good job with that."

The Sentinels will likely face an opening-day challenge against Class C's Red Storm.

"I know they have a new head coach, but I don't think they'll skip a beat," Sutphen said. "I saw some (preseason scrimmage) video, and they look as good as ever. I expect a good football game. I know our kids won't back down. So we'll go out and see what happens."

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