Staff Reports
Chris Smith takes over the football coaching helm at Roy-Hart which is getting set to open the Class C Division season at 7 p.m., Friday against Gowanda in game to be played at Silver Creek.
Smith takes over a bit of a unique situation as Roy-Hart is not fielding a JV team this year due to a lack of numbers so all of the Rams 35 football players in grades 9-12 are part of the varsity team.
“It’s been a unique situation,” said Smith whose underclassmen dominated Rams squad includes some five seniors, 13 juniors, five sophomores and 11 freshmen.
“It’s an exceptionally young team but we’re hoping to build on the wins from last year,” Smith said. “The key will be our young kids picking up the terminology and sticking with it. And the older kids have been really good at encouraging and working with the young kids. They really want to win.”
Leading the Rams are seniors Jeff Swick (wide receiver/safety), Ryan Brigham (fullback/linebacker) and junior lineman Drew Albright.
Junior Connor Baker looks to handle the key quarterbacking spot while freshman Branden Buryta provides experience at running back.
The Rams are also looking to junior Korben Grover to help anchor the offensive and defensive lines.
The Rams home opener will be Sept. 11 against Cleveland Hill.
