WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – The Potsdam Sandstoners put together a 7 and 0 overall record during the regular season including 6 and 0 in the division last year. Potsdam would lose to OFA in the Section X Class B title game on a last-second field goal 23 to 22 last year. For Head Coach Jim Kirka and his Sandstoners, some unfinished business to take care of this season.
“It was a good season. The one way to top last season is by winning the Sectional Championship. We’ve got to get there and win it this year,” said Jim Kirka.
The Sandstoners return a big nucleus from last year’s team. That bodes well for another run this season.
“A lot of the kids are back from last year. They worked hard in the off-season. The usual stuff. Got a good camp. They like each other. That really matters a lot. They bought in,” said Kirka.
With a team noted for running the football, the Sandstoners took to the air last season, led by the arm of Ian VanWagner. It all comes down to what the defense gives you.
“Well, we’ll take what they give us. In order for them to stop the run, they have to stack the box, and then we can throw. Somedays we’ll have to throw and other days we’ll move on,” said Kirka.
“I feel like we have a good running game, like always. Coach Kirka really brings the running game. We can go to the outside, we can pass,” said Ian VanWagner.
It’s an athletic group with speed, the name of the game.
“I think this year, we have a lot more speed than we’ve had in a couple of years. We all know our assignments, and we don’t try to do too much. We all try to do our jobs, and it works out pretty well,” said Brodie Delaney.
“We got some pretty good athletic kids, and they swarm the ball. In high school, that’s all you have to do,” said Kirka.
As far as how the season will unfold, hard work will be the key.
“We have to work hard every day. It’s going to be tough. OFA is still going to be very good. The league’s going to be pretty good this year, so we just have to keep working hard and see what happens,” said VanWagner.
Potsdam would love to face Ogdensburg again for a Section 10 playoff title this season, but with a different ending.
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