Purple Eagles return good nucleus

Photo by Mike Wertman – Albion’s contingent of returning starters includes, in front, Israel Florentino, Manwell Taylor, Tommy Mattison, Kyle Smith and Kory Reynolds. In back are Tyler Rotoli, Mike Laine, Nate Trembley, Jarod Hollinger and Trey Hart.

Anchored by a good returning nucleus of 10 starters, Albion is prepping for the September 4 season home opener against Newfane.

Senior quarterback Kyle Smith heads that veteran contingent which also includes senior wide receiver/defensive backs Trey Hart and Manwell Taylor, senior running back/linebacker Tyler Rotoli, junior running back/linebacker Tommy Mattison, junior tight end/defensive end Kory Reynolds, senior linemen Israel Florentino, Mike Laine and Nate Trembley and junior lineman Jarod Hollinger.

Smith, who threw for 761 yards and 10 touchdowns, earned first team All-B North Division honors last year as did Hart who caught a team leading 21 passes for 403 yards and 6 touchdowns. Rotoli earned second team honors.

“We’ve got a great nucleus of returning kids,” said Coach Gary Parisi. “We’re just going to take it one game at a time. The only thing on our minds right now is game one against Newfane. You can’t take anybody for granted.”

The Purple Eagles are also looking for help at the running back and linebacker spots from juniors Tyler Nashburn and Brandon McGuire and sophomore Demetrius Gardner, at wide receiver and defensive back from senior JJ Downs and on the offensive and defensive lines from junior Tony Rotoli.

Albion, which went 3-3 in the division and 4-4 overall last fall, will open ‘B’ East Division competition on September 11 at Alden.

Th Purple Eagles will tuneup for the season by hosting Batavia, LeRoy and Elba/Byron-Bergen in a scrimmage at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Albion’s Schedule

Sept. 4 – Newfane 7 p.m.
Sept. 11 – at Alden, 7 p.m.
Sept. 18 – at Depew, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 25 – East Aurora, 7 p.m.
Oct. 2 – at Pioneer, 7 p.m.
Oct. 10 – at Barker/Roy-Hart, 1:30 p.m. at Barker
Oct. 16 – Medina, 7 p.m.