Brad Wagner (defensive and offensive lineman) and Edwin Balcarcel (Quarterback)

Looking For That First Postseason Win

Story and Photo by Thomas O’Grady

WESTFALL — Delaware Valley High School’s football team is looking to go where none of their predecessors have. They want to score a victory in the playoffs.

Last season the Warriors played hard and finished with a record of 8-4 (5-1 in league play).  Head Coach Keith Olsommer felt the team really played great against league opponents, but they came up short in their bid to win the first playoff game in school history.

“Last year I was disappointed,” said Olsommer. “I felt the talent of the team was not reflected in the over-all record.”  Two of the team’s returning starters agreed.  Both Edwin Balcarcel (quarterback) and Brad Wagner (defensive and offensive lineman) felt reaching the playoffs was nice, but losing the first game was a huge let-down.

Despite the less than desirable outcome, Olsommer would not place blame on the players; instead he insists that he did not prepare the team well enough, a mistake he seems less than willing to make again.

Already halfway through double-sessions, Olsommer has spotted the Warriors’ two biggest issues.  The first problem he feels needs to be addressed is the defense; especially the secondary.  The team is exceptionally young and will start primarily sophomores and juniors in the defensive backfield.  This means he will have to continuously encourage and coach a young unit in order to foster proper growth.  He also has tagged special teams as a unit to keep his eye on for the upcoming season.

Olsommer would like to see the return game improve in order to get better starting field position.  He says there are play-makers who he can put out there, but he needs solid execution from all players.

Although he knows the return game will need some tweaking, the kicking game itself seems to be shaping up and could be a real strength. According to Olsommer the team will rely on senior kicker Anthony Cavallaro to record touchbacks.  This will really help the Warriors’ defense, because driving a High School offense 80 yards is a difficult feat for most teams.

Besides Cavallaro, the team is returning three key players.  On offense Balcarcel, the senior quarterback, will be a lynchpin.  Coach is expecting a big year from Balcarcel because on any level it is exceptionally important to have stability at the quarterback position.  Balcarcel feels the same way, and was quick to point out “the offense has looked very good with a lot of play-makers.”  Wagner, a lineman who plays both ways, agreed.

On the defensive side of the ball the team brings back Corey Wilson (a defensive back).  The team will be relying on Wagner and Wilson for defensive leadership and play making.  Wagner is part of a unit that has been pegged by the coaches and the players as the single biggest strength of the team.  It is the most cohesive unit because it returns the most starters.  Wagner pointed out that even where they lost a player from last year; other linemen, offensively and defensively, are stepping right up and filling the void.  Wagner was quick to name Ryan Fuller as a surprise in camp.  Wagner gave an enthusiastic review of Fuller’s effort and ability.

All of the players and coaches seem very excited about the upcoming season but no one is looking too far ahead.  When asked about any games already circled on the calendar Olsommer said, “Only East Stroudsburg North on September 4.  That is the first game of the season and we are preparing game by game.”

Just because they are only game-planning one game at a time doesn’t mean they don’t have solid expectations for this team.  Olsommer’s hope for the season is to put a team together that is tough, physical, disciplined, and competitive, regardless of the opponent.

Wagner and Balcarcel have set the team’s goal even higher.  Both players want to be the first team in school history to win a playoff game and both of them feel very confident that this team can accomplish that.

After spending some time with the Coach and players it is plain to see that every week they will play hard, learn, grow, and mature and that may just be what it takes to capture that very elusive first playoff win.