Cambridge High School starts the 2013 season with 12 seniors and no freshman on the Varsity football squad. With what Head Coach Craig Bennett deems a "great off season", a "size bigger team", and a year of experience under their belts, he is optimistic about winning a few more games than last year. Bennett says he goes in to the season driven to win 10 games but is realistic about this second year team and says they will, at a minimum, "strive to close the gap" and compete in every game.
According to Coach Bennett, although there were plenty of coachable mistakes, he came away from the preseason scrimmage against the AAA ,7th in state ranked, Blessed Trinity team feeling pretty good. The full line-up of Varsity players only gave up 14 points before the less experienced and JV players started to rotate in. He felt the Bears attained better field positions against a tough team compared to last year when the team was just simply beaten.
WIth the loss of Daion Donaldson to Florida and a few seniors, the Bears look forward to notable performances from last year's starting freshman including the now sophomore Branch Morley as well as junior Josh Kania, who both worked incredibly hard during the off season. A welcome surprise is senior Dashun Soto (out last year due to injury) who gives 100% on every snap and has raised the bar on executing plays with his speed. Junior Brian Moore, who has put in a ton of effort off season, will strive to show he is worthy of being starting quarterback, while AJ Campbell with some throwing rehab remaining, is in line for QB consideration also.
Three in-region teams going through a rebuilding are Riverwood, Forsyth Central, and Creekview, due to the loss of many noteworthy seniors. Other schools will be watching for sophomore JD White who is bigger, stronger, faster, and has a year of varsity experience setting him up to again be a key offensive contributor after last year's 900 yards rushing and 3 kickoff returns. Cambridge has strong players returning from injury in seniors Malik McNeil and Drew Dixon. Recognized as an All-Region team punter, junior Hunter Smith returns and junior Clayton Hammer will be the place kicker.
Heading in to the second-ever CHS season, the coaches have done their best to prepare the boys mentally and physically for tough competition in a tough game. They addressed safety and readiness. They have developed team camaraderie and Bear loyalty and are ready for the season.
First game is 7pm Friday, Aug. 30, at Riverwood High School.
Go Bears!! All in All the Time
