Schools
After the Postseason: A Look Back And Ahead for Dayton Football
In honor of Thanksgiving weekend, we review the Bulldog's successful season and preview their year to come.
Jonathan Dayton High School was without a varsity football team at the beginning of the decade. Now, as the decade comes to a close they have seen the best football team in a generation. With an 8-1 regular season record, the first playoff berth since 1988, the first winning season and first defeat of Brearley in 10 years, and a conference championship, the ’09 Bulldogs’ list of accomplishments is impressive. Together with the success of the Bulldog soccer team, they have also generated a lot of excitement and support in Springfield.
But now that the ‘09 season has ended with their loss to Becton in the first round of the playoffs, some questions arise: What effect will the loss of 10 seniors who have played together for years have on the team? Who can fill their shoes? Will the success continue?
Coach Joe Goerge has said that the 10 seniors were the core of the team, but that does not mean he thinks the future is hopeless. In fact, his feelings seem to be the opposite. In his interview with Patch, he expressed that the seniors have laid the groundwork, but now it is up to the younger players to follow in their footsteps.
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“I always approach every year as a new year," he said. "All the years prior to 2009 had nothing to do with 2009. It will be similar for 2010.”
Fortunately for the football program, the Bulldogs did not lack younger contributors this year. There is junior defensive lineman Kareem Jackson, who was a clear leader on the defense, often getting to the quarterback before anyone could see him coming. Junior running back and defensive back Jesse Bell showed his speed and agility with a 65 yard run against Brearley that helped secure a win. Sophomore Skyler Appicella also scored two touchdowns in that game, and could be seen giving it his all on both offense and defense against Becton.
Find out what's happening in Springfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The list goes on: junior Mike Hess has proven to be effective on offense, defense, and even as the Dayton kicker. Junior defensive back and wide receiver Aaron Williams recorded an interception in the biggest game of the year against Becton, proving his ability under pressure. All of these players have also gained valuable big game experience that the seniors this year did not have.
Perhaps the brightest spot for the Bulldogs’ future can be found in freshman Anthony Cioffi. He was the only freshman in ‘09 to make the varsity roster, and for good reason. He scored the only touchdown versus Becton, plays a variety of positions on offense and defense, and has shown that he can maintain his composure in a playoff game. He could even be seen taking a few snaps at quarterback, where he will likely be playing for the next 3 years.
When the Bulldogs first made it to the playoffs in 1981, success followed in 1984 and 1988. Dayton Special Ed. Teacher Allen Krupp seems to think success will follow the ’09 team sooner. He remarked of the ’10 team after the Becton game, “Bigger, Badder, Faster, Stronger, and more determined. I see it.”
With a crew of returning players like Dayton has got, Mr. Krupp could be right.
