Purple Eagles set to begin the ‘Turf” era

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Leading Albion into the up coming football season will be this group of veterans. In front are Mason Lynch, Rashard Johnson, Kwame Riley and Luke Bell. In back are Seth Krenning, John Eible, Auston Johnson, Jett Conn and Blake Preston.

It’s the beginning of a new era for the Albion High football team as the Purple Eagles prep for the first season on their new artificial turf field.

Albion will open the season with a pair of road games at Iroquois on September 1 and at Dunkirk on Sept. 8 before the first contest on the new turf field against Roy-Hart/Barker on Sept. 15.

Filling the holes at the skill positions caused by graduation will be the Purple Eagles big early challenge. Those graduation losses included quarterback Amari Jones, wide receiver Javon Jones, running backs Jacob Hughson and Sh’Kwe Riley and receivers Nick Harling and Dallas Eckerd.

Senior Blake Preston will take over the key quarterback position. Auston Johnson, Kwame Riley and Cencere Lowe are among the running backs with Rashad Johnson at a wide receiver spot and Seth Krenning at tight end.

Anchoring the offense will be the veteran line group of seniors John Eible, Alex Diaz, Mason Lynch, Jett Conn and junior Luke Bell.

“Having that group of linemen back is a real key for us,” said Coach David Skrip. “The kids are excited about the season and the new field. We’re looking to keep to our traditions and play tough. We just have to put the pieces together.”

Albion went 4-2 in the B2 Division and 6-3 overall last year.

Purple Eagles Schedule: Sept. 1 – at Iroquois, 7 p.m.; Sept. 8 – at Dunkirk,7 p.m.; Sept. 15 – Roy-Hart/Barker, 7 p.m.; Thursday Sept. 21 – at Maryvale, 7 p.m.; Sept. 29 – Burgard, 7 p.m.; Thursday Oct. 5 – Lew-Port, 7 p.m.; Oct. 13 – Lake Shore, 7 p.m.; Oct. 20 – at Medina, 7 p.m.