2008 Bulldogs Not So Green

Delhi looks to improve on its 2007 record of 4-5 with the return of all but 5 players from last year’s team. Those returning include:

2 of the top 3 rushers

6 of the top 7 receivers, accounting for 61 of the 62 balls caught last year

5 of the top 7 scorers

7 of the top 10 tacklers

5 of 6 offensive linemen (including the tight end)

Delhi returns a very balanced group, with experience on most parts of the field. Perhaps the most difficult to replace, however, will be QB Trent Kathmann, as no one else got any significant playing time last season beyond mop up duty. 6’2” senior Luke Burns and 5’7” sophomore Anthony Salerno both got significant playing time in the scrimmage, and both may see playing time during games during the season. The non-starter will likely spend time at WR. Both bring good arms and considerable athleticism to the position.

Delhi returns senior starting RB Davionne Price, and sophomore FB Jack Fletcher was able to pick up significant playing time last year in a reserve role as a freshman, in addition to starting on defense. Juniors Rich Ennist and JJ Darling make up a 2^nd group of RB’s. The offensive line will be very experienced at making room for these gentlemen, as standout G/LB Mike Rama was the only graduate from the unit. Tackles Marty Cole (junior, 3^rd year starter) and Jacob Mason (senior), guard Chris Skovira (senior), and center Shawn Dacey (senior) all return as starters. Junior Kurt Beall, who moved up to varsity for the last game of last season, is the game one starter at the other guard spot. Sophomore Jacob Haynes is the starting tight end after winning the spot as a freshman. The line comes in very beefy, as the interior 5 average 6’2” and 240 lb, while Haynes lists as 6’2” and 205 lb. Junior Zach Newkerk will play a 2^nd TE in Delhi’s base 2 TE set. Delhi will look for overall balance, spreading running duties around to all the backs, and passing the ball around as well.

The Delhi defense returns a very strong number who started last year, though many were at different positions. Marty Cole will anchor the center of the field at nose tackle and has the size and athleticism to make plenty of messes for opposing offenses. Chris Skovira and junior Rich Ennist (up 35 lbs. from last year’s roster weight) join Cole on the line, and bring a great combination of speed and size. Kurt Beall and Ian Walker-Sperber will play the ends in the 5-2-4 arrangement. Jack Fletcher and Davionne Price move to inside linebacker, to make up for the loss of Mike Rama and Devon Bedient to graduation. These 2 bring very good strength, speed, and aggression to the position, and both have good varsity experience at other positions. Juniors Shawn Neumann and Garrett Ellis will reside at the corners, with Luke Burns and JJ Darling manning the safeties.

Delhi plays in 1 of 4 class D divisions with Deposit, Bainbridge-Guilford, and Hancock. The top 2 teams will make the playoffs, but it is not clear at this point how the playoffs will be seeded.