Riders Prepare For 2017 Season
The Ichabod Crane Riders enter the 2017 season coming off a 1-9 season last year in coach Mike Cahill’s inaugural season. “The biggest thing I learned from last year is that you can’t an elephant in one bite. By that I mean that it takes a lot of time and effort from both players and coaches alike to change the culture and expectations of a program.” said Coach Cahill. Changing the culture will be very important this season, getting the fans involved and getting noticed will be big for the Riders. Coach Cahill also said “Our expectations are to be a playoff team this season.” when asked about his expectations for this years team. Making the playoffs will definitely help bring the football culture to Ichabod.
Everyone knows that a season starts in the offseason. By that I mean it starts in the weight room. “We had about 12-15 players in the weight room every day during the offseason. Our mantra for 2017 is BSF. Bigger, Stronger, Faster!” said coach.
The Riders lost 5 seniors last year. “Our biggest loss by far is MLB Mike Pozzi. He was the heart and soul of our team as well as a real leader in the locker room.” Despite losing Pozzi the Riders still return many experienced players such as quarterback Peyton Mavrides, lineman Adam Cole, and Bray Kowalski, running backs Tobi Zucco, and Marcus George, wide receiver Nate Ringwood, linebacker Robbie James, tight end Haydon Broockman, and 2016 Section 2 First team All-Star kicker/punter Josh Hall. The Riders also added wide receiver/running back Donovan Brown.
The Riders are a young team but that’s one of their strengths according to coach Cahill. “Our strength is definitely our young skill players and our system.” But every team also has weaknesses “Our weakness is our lack of depth on the offensive line.”
The Riders kick off their season on Saturday, September 2nd at 1:30 pm at Hudson Falls.
Picture Credit: Laura Pozzi
