SARATOGA SPRINGS — Going into the 2013 season, a year after finishing 3-6, head coach Terry Jones is ready to see the Blue Streaks back with the contenders.
“We’re excited about the atmosphere out here, the attitude of the kids and the work ethic,” Jones said. “It’s really refreshing. Our goal is to get Saratoga football back where it belongs — competing for a Section II championship. That’s where this program should be.”
One characteristic that has stuck out to Jones this year is his team’s leadership. On Tuesday morning, Jones named his five captains: Jake Eglintine (QB, CB), Jordan Willcox (HB, LB), Nick Stiansen (TE, LB), Jack Graver (OT, DT) and Trevor Hallaran (OL, DL).
“Those five kids have just done a phenomenal job all through the off-season to now,” Jones said of his captains, a majority of which are three-year varsity players. “They’re taking charge and making sure guys are where they’re supposed to be. Not getting on guys but getting after guys and I think there’s a big difference. Our captains are very well respected, so when they speak, the other guys listen. They don’t question.”
The whole starting backfield returns with Willcox and sophomore Dakota Harvey, while the duel-threat Eglintine takes snaps.
“We tell [Jake], ‘The ball’s in your hands, make something happen,’” Jones said. “He’ll carry the ball a lot more. He started carrying the ball a lot more towards last season. He’s probably the strongest quarterback we’ve had since I’ve been at Saratoga and that’s going through the 2000s. You wouldn’t know it looking at him because he’s not a real big kid, but he’s very strong and he’s so elusive and so quick. When he puts his foot in the ground he can just change direction on a dime.”
Willcox is also expected to play a major roll as the Blue Streaks look to get back in the Section II Class AA conversation. The ball-carrier is in his second year at linebacker after transitioning from playing safety as a sophomore.
“His explosiveness and his strength on both sides of the ball, he’s a tough, physical kid,” Jones said. “He comes from a boxing family. I’ve never been a boxer, but anyone who goes into a ring knowing they’re going to get punched in the face and is OK with it has to be a tough kid. And that’s what he is out here. He has a lot of pride, he gives 100 percent all the time and no one is harder on Jordan than Jordan is.”
Expect this year’s Saratoga Springs offense to keep teams guessing with the ball being in multiple hands through the option, which will be run with some new looks.
“Right now, we’re deeper at the skill positions than we’ve been in the past two to three years, so it’s nice having that depth, but it’s nice being able to rotate people and put fresh people in and keep the defense on their heels,” Jones said.
The Blue Streaks also return four of their six big men in the trenches up front from last year, including senior Gustavo Loarca (OT, DT).
‘The O-line wins or loses the game,” Jones said. “If we’re going to win it’s because they’re getting the job done.”
The Blue Streaks have a four-team home scrimmage (Glens Falls, South Glens Falls, Hudson) this Saturday, starting at 9:30 a.m., to get them ready for week one. The season opener will be away at Albany on Saturday, September 7 before Saratoga Springs comes home the following week to host Ballston Spa.
Saratoga Springs Blue Streaks Schedule
Saturday, Sept. 7 at Albany 1 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 13 vs. Ballston Spa 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept 20 at Colonie 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 27 at CBA 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 4 vs. Bethlehem 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 11 vs. Shenendehowa 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 18 at Guilderland 7 p.m.
