Barker/Roy-Hart gridders seek bounce back season

Photo by Mike Wertman – Veteran members of the Barker/Roy-Hart varsity football team include, in front, CJ Fitch, Brandon Lee Woods, Chris Steves and Josh Mead. In back are Dillon Mangan, Tom Callaghan, Brian Payne and Andy Xapsos.

Looking to rebound from last fall’s winless (0-6) ‘B’ North Division campaign, the Barker/Roy-Hart varsity football squad is preppng for the upcoming season with a good nucleus of veterans.

Junior quarterback Andy Xapsos heads that veteran contingent which also includes seniors Tom Callaghan (TE/LB), Josh Mead (WR/LB), CJ Fitch (FB/LB), Brian Payne (RB/DB), Dillon Mangon (OL/LB) junior Chris Steves (OL/DL) and sophomore Brandon Lee Woods (FB/DL).

Barker/Roy-Hart is also looking for contributions from a number of other players including seniors Levan Daigler (DB), Austin Deopp (LB), Elijah Haley (OL/DL), Joey DiMayo (OL/DL) and junior Chris Anderson (OL/DL).

“We’ve got some experience coming back and we’re big up front,” said Coach Bill Bruning. “I like the group we have and the kids are working hard. The big thing is for us to stay healthy.”

Barker/Roy-Hart’s big losses to graduation from last year’s squad, which went 2-7 overall, includes versatile All-Western New York back Jacob Haight, running backs DaRon Woods and Matt Smolinsky, wide receiver Tyler Dent, tight end Kolbe Greenwald and linemen Tim Flint and James Brady.

Barker/Roy-Hart is scheduled to scrimmage at Pembroke this Saturday in preparation for the Sept. 5 division opener against Lew-Port at Middleport.

Barker/Roy-Hart Schedule

Sept. 5 – Lew-Port 7 p.m. at Middleport
Sept. 12 – at Albion, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 30 – at Bennett, 3 p.m.
Sept. 26 – Newfane, 7 p.m. at Middleport
Oct. 3 – Medina, 7 p.m. at Middleport
Oct. 11 – Wilson, 1:30 p.m. at Barker
Oct. 17 – Burgard, 7 p.m.