Large veteran group leads Purple Eagles

Photo by Mike Wertman – Albion head Coach David Skrip meets here with the Purple Eagles large contingent of veteran players. In front are Jabari Johnson, Jr. Morales, Bryce Froman and Ozzie Matos. In the middle row are Simon Ellison, Dayne Aina, Jacob Hughson, Angel Cruz, Alex Hafner and Amari Jones, In the back row are Ellwood Hafner, Brendan Lebaron, Ricky Lilly, Jahmeek Riley, Tyler Gibson, Chris Porter, Sh’Kwe Riley, Javon Jones and Coach Skrip. Missing from the photo is Declan McCue.

Boasting a large contingent of nearly 20 veterans and led by new Head Coach David Skrip, Albion is prepping for the September 3 B2 Division home opening football game against Roy-Hart/Barker/Lyndonville.

“It’s a real good group and they have high expectations for themselves this season,” said Skrip. “The kids have taken more of a leadership role which is great. They have some real good experience from the spring season and they know they can do it.”

Junior quarterback Amari Jones returns to lead the Purple Eagles offense which has plenty of  weapons with experience in seniors Jahmeek Riley, Bryce Froman,  Jr. Morales and  juniors Sh’Kwe Riley and Jacob Hughson at the running back spots along with seniors Ozzie Matos, Tyler Gibson, Ellwood Hafner, Brendan Lebaron and junior Javon Jones at the receiver positions.

Up front, the Purple Eagles likewise return plenty of experience in seniors Jabari Johnson, Angel Cruz, Simon Ellison, Rickey Lilly, Christopher Porter, Dayne Aina and Alex Hafner.

Senior Declan McCue also returns to handling the extra point and field goal kicking chores.

“They are good kids. They’ve been working hard and we’re excited to play,” said Skrip.

Albion went 2-3 during the state’s recent first ever spring season which which was played after the fall 2020 season was wipped out due to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.

The Purple Eagles graduation losses included receivers Bailey Blanchard, Chris Shabazz, Anthony Freeman and Kyle Woolston along with lineman Will Freeman, Jordan Boccacio, Adonis Guzman, Cameron Bell and Dominic DiGiulio.

Schedule

September: 3 – Roy-Hart/Barker/Lyndonville, 7 p.m.; 10 – at Maryvale, 7 p.m.; 17 – Wilson, 7 p.m.; 24 – at Burgard, 7 p.m.

October: 10-1 – Lew-Port, 7 p.m.; 8 – Cheektowaga, 7 p.m.; 16 – at Maritime, 7 p.m.; 22 – at Medina, 7 p.m.