Barker/Roy-Hart preps for title defense

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Anchoring the Barker/Roy-Hart lineup will be, in front, Ashton Ark, Max Townsend, John Brigham and RJ Townsend. In back are Jakob West, Owen Maedel, Logan Flint and Carter DerSarkissian.

Filling a number of holes at the skill positions will be key as Barker/Roy-Hart prepares to defend its C North Division football title.

The Bulls graduation losses at those positions included four first team All-Stars quarterback Tysen McCaa, running backs Joey Reiter, Vince Fazzio and Anthony Adinolfe along with second team honoree wide receiver Carson Schwab.

Looking to help fill those voids are junior quarterback Max Townsend along with senior wide receivers Ashton Ark and Carter DerSarkissian and junior running back Owen Maedel. DerSarkissian was a first team All-Star while Townsend and Ark were both second team selections. The receiving corps has also been bolstered with the addition of senior Matt Aquilina who did not play last year.

The Bulls return a solid group upfront on both sides of the line of scrimmage including seniors RJ Townsend and Logan Flint along with  juniors Jakob West and John Brigham. Townsend and West were both first team All-Stars while Flint was a second team honoree and Brigham and Honorable Mention selection.

“Up front on both sides of the ball looks to be our strength,” said Coach Bill Brunning.”Overall we’ve got good experience. We’ll be tough to beat.”

Barker/Roy-Hart will open the season by hosting Newfane in an interdivisional game at 7 p.m. September 4. The Bulls will then begin C North Division competition on September 11 at Tonawanda.

The Bulls, which went 6-0 in the division and 8-2 overall last fall, will tune-up for the season opener by competing in a scrimmage at Oakfield-Alabama on Saturday.