Football Ready to Roll

With summer rapidly coming to a close, the start of the fall sports season is rapidly approaching. The Milford Buccaneer football team is ready to begin their second season under the leadership of coach Rod Milstead, looking to improve on last year’s 3-7 mark. On Wednesday, Milford completed their second and final scrimmage of the season as they hosted Tower Hill. While The Bucs were uneven during the event, there were signs that they are a team destined to improve over last season. The pre and post snap penalties that plagued the Buccaneers last season were minimal and the overall attitude of the team looked to be improved. Make no mistake about it, coach Milstead sets a high standard of accountability. The standard is set high and no matter how good an athlete you may be, playing time will be gained and lost due to a player’s ability to follow instructions and keep a proper attitude.

Speaking with Milstead following the scrimmage, it became clear that there is work to be done and jobs to be won.

“This was a little like our first scrimmage against Cape. We are moving players around a bit, trying to get the right combination of players on the field. Some of the things have worked, some haven’t but the effort seems to be there,” Milstead said. “While it may be a challenge for some players, that’s what this sport is about. It’s about being disciplined, smart and dedicated. We aren’t just building a football team here; we are teaching about challenges in life. Everyone meets adversity at some point and sometimes they take a step back. It’s not failing that is the issue, it’s how you respond to that failure or criticism that will define you throughout these young men’s lives.”

The off season went well this year, as weight room participation was up as were the number of players coming out for the team.

“I was really happy with the way the guys worked in the weight room,” Milstead said. “They were dedicated and committed and I believe that as the season goes by, the effort the players put in during the summer will pay off this season.”

Milford will look for leadership from several players, among them will be seniors Azion Rodriquez and Brandon Hinmon up front.

“I ask a lot of those guys, sometimes they have to play on both sides of the ball. It’s a challenge but I believe they are up for it, they are going to be crucial to us moving the ball and also playing defense.” Milstead continued “Trent Lovett is another guy we have seen a great deal of leadership from. He only plays very well, he is always picking his teammates up and making sure the guys on the field are on the same page.”

Another player who Milford will be counting on will be returning running back Andrew Sivels. While he is battling an injury right now, he is expected back at some point in the season. With Greg Lockett now graduated, senior Alan Gonzalez-Velasquez will be seeing to help fill the role of big back.

“Players like Lockett are hard to find, but Alan has really stepped up his game and shown us he is capable of carrying a big load” Milstead stated.

During the scrimmage, the defensive secondary looked as if it has improved from last season, but still had some work to do.

“Our DB’s are better, but there have been some mistakes out there. It’s a process. Players are going to make mistakes; we just can’t keep on making the same mistake repeatedly. I believe the group is improved over last season and are going to get better as this year goes on.”

Expect to see two young quarterbacks on the field for Milford this season as freshman Remonte Jones and junior Zach Ruckle have been taking turns under center, with both expected to see action to start the season.

“They are both a little young but have been learning every day. It’s difficult for underclassmen to step in and play quarterback, but these guys are improving and we expect them both to contribute this season.” Milstead said.

When asked about his expectations for the season, Milstead replied with concern but confidence.

“I’m just worried about getting ready for our week one match up against Conrad. We have a lot to work on to get ready for that game and that is what we need to focus on. It’s about getting better every play, every practice, every game,” he said. “We are always learning, so right now I’m going to break down the tape from this scrimmage and try and make ourselves a better football team. I expect the players to be looking at tape as well, they need to see what they are doing right and wrong, it’s always about improving. It doesn’t matter if you are a coach or a player, at the end of the day the question everyone should be asking is what they can do to make Milford a better football team better. We are all in this together.”