Getting stronger will be the number-one task in the offseason for Coach Ron Gill and the Brandon varsity football team.
The Blackhawks finished the season with a 3-6 overall record and a 2-4 record in Flint Metro League play. In order to improve on that mark next season, Gill said the Blackhawks will have to lift a lot in the offseason.
‘These games aren’t necessarily won in the fall,? Gill said. ‘They’re won in the weight room. We continue to have the weight room open and continue to impress upon the kids it’s important to lift.?
Despite the subpar record this year, Gill said the Blackhawks were much more competitive in his second year at the helm than in 2003.
‘We were in the games much more this year,? he said. ‘We were ahead or tied at the half in each game but two, and many of our games went into the fourth quarter where we were still tied or ahead. We simply ran out of gas.?
Gill said this year’s team was a ‘great group of young men who worked real hard? and helped build a foundation for the future.
He also said key returning players for next year’s team are juniors Darryl Goodrich, Nick Toreli, Matt Collier, and Zach LaFlamme.
‘We’re looking for them to become our leaders, both in action and in word,? Gill said.
Several Blackhawks earned postseason recognition from Flint Metro League coaches by being named to the all-league team.
Senior Derek Foyt was named to the first-team offensive team, while senior Jordan Wingett was selected for the second-team offensive unit. Seniors Matt Rife and Andrew Spry were picked for the second-team defensive squad.
Goodrich and Toreli were named to the honorable mention all-league squad.