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THE 2010 MOUNT IDA COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW
“When you get into a rock fight you don’t look to hide behind a tree and throw rocks, you put your nose out there and throw rocks with the best of them.”
Michael Landers will be manning the reigns in his third year as head coach of Mustang City trying to stampede his way to the top of the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) in 2010. After making a name for themselves gaining a berth into ECFC championship game in 2009, Landers and the Mustangs will look to continue to ride the coat tails of last year’s ECFC Offensive Player-of-the-Year and NCAA nationally ranked rusher Johrone Bunch (Meriden, CT/F.T. Maloney) to power the Mustangs into contention for an NCAA tournament bid this season. Bunch has also become the first ever Mustang to be selected as a Consensus Draft Services (CDS) Pre-Season All-American.
“He’s is a very gifted football player”, said head coach Michael Landers. “He’s has learned after two seasons what it means to be a running back at the college level.”
Bunch, who ranked third in the nation with 1,613 yards on the ground last year, will look to improve on the most successful season in Mount Ida football history.
With only 1,885 yards to surpass Mount Ida all-time career
leading rusher Antwon Harris ’06, Bunch will be the most
important piece to the Mustangs puzzle in 2010.
“His body and mind is more matured as a junior,” said
third year offensive coordinator Kevin Gilmartin. “He’s
taken a big leadership step this season versus his first two
years.” “That will be so important coming into
this year.”
Bunch, who has become the most decorated player in Mount Ida College football history, was showered with awards after an impressive 2009 season. Along with his ECFC Offensive Player-of-the-Year selection, Bunch received ECFC First Team All-Conference honors in two different categories, as a running back and a punter. He was named to the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III All-Star team and selected as a New England Football Writers Division II/III All-Star.
“We’re trying to add a couple of more things to his repertoire this season,” said Landers. “He’s a mature leader heading into his junior season as well as our top offensive threat.”
Bunch broke the single season rushing record (1,613) needing 132 yards against visiting Husson University on Halloween exceeding it with 167. He also broke the single season rushing touchdown record finding the end zone twice to eclipse the record against the Eagles giving him 13 on the season.
“He’s learned now what it means to be a running back at the college level,” said Landers. “He’s a throwback player in the fact that he treats the game with the respect it deserves.”
Bunch surpassed 100 yards rushing in eight out of 11 games last season and went over the century mark in every conference game but one (SUNY Maritime, 68). Bunch ran for 217 yards against Becker College and 351 yards and five touchdowns against Castleton State College in back-to-back conference games in week five and again in week six. The 351 yards against the Spartans was the second highest rushing total in Mount Ida College football program history and the highest total in all of NCAA division III of 2009 setting the program record for touchdowns in a contest (5).
Bunch led the conference in punting with 1,623 total yards averaging 36.9 and a long of 72 yards.
“JB (Johrone Bunch) works just as hard as anyone out on the field,” said Landers. “It’s his leadership by example that’s so important.”
Along with Bunch, sophomore quarterback Scott Drosendahl (East Aurora, NY/East Aurora) will be another key element to the Mustangs success in 2010.
“At the end of spring ball Scotty was head and shoulders above everyone else,” said Gilmartin. “He’s really stepped it up after maturing as a freshman last season.”
“I think the way you really look at it is the most important person on the field is the player who touches the ball on every play and that’s the quarterback,” said Landers. “You can have a great running back but if you don’t have a polished quarterback to compliment him it doesn’t matter, he’s not going to get the yards and we’re not going to get the production that we need.”
Drosendahl ranked second among ECFC quarterbacks in passing average (108.4) throwing 11 touchdown passes. His best outing of the season statistically came against visiting non-conference Utica College throwing four TD passes good for 284 yards through the air.
“Scotty just loves to compete,” said Landers. “Whether it’s in a pick-up basketball game or shooting wadded up paper balls into a trash basket, whatever he does he competes, that’s the way he grew up.”
“When you’re going into your freshman year starting at quarterback you don’t understand much,” said Gilmartin. “He now understands everything that we’re trying to do. He worked so hard in the off-season to prepare and wanted to learn as much as he could. This season should be much easier for him.”
Veteran quarterback, senior Michael Cloutier (Troy, New York/Lansingburgh), will be another option to take the snaps this season. Cloutier threw four touchdown passes in seven games in 2009 good for a 90.1 passing average.
“There’s going to be a lot of competition at the quarterback position,” said Landers. “Mike has one giant plus sign in his favor; he’s got a ton of experience. It’ll be an interesting battle and will give us the ability to have two guys at that position that we can count on.”
The Mount Ida offensive line will look much bigger and stronger coming into 2010. Sophomore Eric Matos (West Haven, CT/West Haven) will be looked upon in the tackle position to step it up paired with freshman transfer Shane Montoni (Gloucester, MA/Milford Academy) to create big holes for Bunch in the line.
“We’re not playing with puppies anymore on the offensive line,” said Landers. “Those two guys together, Matos is 6-3 and pushing 300 and Shane is 6-5, 320 with good foot work, they’ll be vital to the success of the rushing game.”
Sophomore Matthew Bonomolo (Pearl River, NY/Nanuet) will return to the center position after a solid experience his freshman year.
“He’s a little undersized but he understands his job and what he needs to do,” said Landers. “It’s a tough position, you have to snap the ball on time and need to know where the play is going and direct the entire line sometimes, you need an intelligent football player to fill that position.”
Senior Terry Baisley (Browns Mills, NJ/Pemberton) and sophomore John Zullo (Milford, CT/Jonathan Law) will fill out the rest of Mustang City’s offensive line. Baisley, who just returned from a stint in the Army Reserves, is going into his fourth year as a starter. Zullo has taken a leadership role after seeing a lot of time on the field last year. Junior Anthony Mitchell (Bronx, NY/Cardinal Spellman) returns to the o-line as well and will also see significant time.
“In years past we were looking to fill holes with incoming freshman,” said Landers. “This year our newcomers will compete for a position, but if they want to have a chance, they’ve got to be really good.”
With the loss of all-time receiving touchdown leader Kyle Watkins ‘09, the Mustangs will look for a new face to step up and fill the void.
“We’ve lost Kyle (Watkins) who was a huge threat for us out there,” said Landers. “But as the quarterback gets better those receivers become a bigger threat too.”
Junior tight end Nick Lynch (Hampton Bays, NY/Hampton Bays) will make the switch to wide out for 2010 from the tight end position. Lynch was selected to the offensive first team All-ECFC for his first award as a Mustang. Lynch had his best season yet in a Mount Ida uniform with the second highest receiving totals on the team behind Watkins. Lynch caught 23 passes good for 420 yards in the air with three touchdowns for an average of 18.3 yards a catch. Lynch landed fifth in the conference for receiving yards per game (42.0) and ninth in the ECFC for receptions a game (2.3).
“Nick’s a guy that you can put the ball anywhere near him and he’ll come down with it,” said Landers. “He’s a really tough, hardnosed kid and we like that.”
Junior Steven Harris (Plantation, FL/Plantation) has gained a lot of experience watching Watkins through the past three seasons. He was third on the team last year in touchdown catches (3) in 10 games good for 147 yards. “Steven will be our deep threat this year,” said Landers.
Sophomore Matt Valentini (Lake Hopatcong, NJ/Jefferson Twp), who suffered a tough injury last season, will be looked upon fill a part of Watkins shoes in 2010.
Senior fullback Paul Shaughnessy (Malden, MA/Northeast Regional) will bring versatility to the offense after turning in a solid overall performance in 2009.
“Paul is our renaissance man so to speak, he does everything but play offensive line” said Landers. “He’s a great resource, he can catch, block, run routes, and he’s about as fast as they come too.”
Look for junior Jamel Lance (New Haven, CT/James Hillhouse) to be in the mix this season as well as a tall, rangy wide out.
“Those are the guys that are returning and we won’t have to rely on freshman on offense for the first time in three years coming into camp,” said Landers. “We’re not lacking in speed and now we have some size to go with it.”
Landers is optimistic for a breakout season after coming very close in the ECFC championship in 2009 falling in the title game to rival Norwich University 49-14 in Norwich, Vermont in November.
“I think overall as a team we pushed early on to compete and win championships,” said Landers. “We take the tough games, the Plymouth State’s and the Bridgewater’s, because we’re looking towards the NCAA tournament, that’s our mindset, we want to be the most physical team in New England and that’s the way we practice.”
“Now we have the maturity to do those things, we don’t have to rely on freshman,” said Landers.
DEFENSE
The loss of several key defensive players from last season will pose a challenge for Mustang City in 2010.
“This year we may have to rely on a freshman or two defensively,” said Landers. “Our strong suit is our defensive backfield returning three of the four starters from last season. It’s where we’re the most talented but the thinnest.”
Senior safety tandem Julien Baptiste (Greenlawn, NY/Elwood-John Glenn) and Shane Gardner (Sunrise, FL/Northeast) return for their final season in the backfield for coach Landers and Mount Ida. Baptiste, who was honored with a first team all-conference selection last year, led the Mustangs with four interceptions compiling 42 solo tackles, 12 tackle assists, 56 total tackles, and three fumble recoveries. Baptiste was ranked 20th for the entire ECFC in total tackles (56) averaging 5.7 a game. He was also second overall in the ECFC with four interceptions.
“Julien is tremendously athletic,” said Landers. “He has a knack for getting to the football and finding it on the field. He led us in interceptions and also had a handful of big fumble recoveries.”
Gardner is the other big threat in the defensive backfield for Mustang City in 2010. Gardner was also recognized by the ECFC last season with a second team all-conference selection. Gardner was third overall on the team in tackles with 41 solo tackles, 11 tackle assists, 46.5 total tackles, one pick, a forced fumble, and four pass breakups. Gardner was tied for 15th in the ECFC statistical standings with six solo tackles for a loss of 15 yards.
“Shane is rough on ball carriers is the best way to describe him,” said Landers. “He’s a one of the bigger hitters on defense for us and we’ll expect a lot from him this season.”
“It’s like having two seriously fast and physical linebackers with these two out on the field,” said Landers. “They finally have an understanding of how the secondary works. Instead of lining up, backpedaling, and looking for the football they follow reads and key and know where to line up. They’ll be a huge key to the defensive arsenal.”
Two returning faces will fill the cornerback positions with veteran junior Mackenson Charles (Lynn, MA/Lynn Tech) leading the way. Charles, who was 11th on the team last season in tackles (17.5) in 10 games played, will see a lot of the gridiron this coming year. Charles will be the lock down corner and will be put into many man-to-man situations.
“Mack is a competitor,” said Landers. “Mack is old school in the sense that he believes in out-working the other guy and competing. If we’re doing sprints, he’s going to beat whoever he’s up against or if I tell him to take a lap, he’ll take two just to show me. He embodies the human spirit element…..never be conquered.”
Sophomore Azim Carter (East Hartford, CT/East Hartford) will be competing for the final spot in the cornerback position. Carter only saw action into two contests last season but has the athletic potential to shine.
“Azim will have some freshman pushing behind him for a spot,” said Landers. “He’ll be competing for his position throughout camp but has a ton of potential.”
The area of defense where Mustang City will be the thinnest is the defensive front four, an area where coach Landers and his staff have been fortunate in the past to have a ton of talent with players like Nick Ferrante ’09 and Garrick Milledge ’08.
Senior Emersson Huaranga (Harrison, NJ/St. Peter’s Prep) will return to the tackle position in coach Landers primary 4-3 defense this season. Huaranga ranked seventh on the team in tackles with 28 solo tackles, 13 tackle assists, 34.5 total tackles, and one forced fumble. Huaranga ranked tied for 19th in the ECFC statistical books with five solo tackles for a loss of 16 yards.
Sophomore Chris Gonzalez (Coram, NY/Longwood) saw some time on the line last season as a freshman and will come into 2010 as a more experienced player. Gonzalez saw action in four contests last season totaling 7.5 tackles with a forced fumble.
“Chris is strong and explosive,” said Landers. “He’ll be a big help for us throughout the year.”
Junior Brandon Matthews (New York, NY/Cardinal Spellman) and sophomore A.J. Knibbs (Spotswood, NJ/Spotswood) will be in the mix for playing time on the line as well.
“From there, the competition for playing spots on the defensive line will be heavy throughout training camp,” said Landers.
The line backing core will be up for grabs with the loss of second team all-ECFC linebacker David Green ‘09. Green was described as like having another coach on the field which will be a huge hole to fill for coach Landers his staff. Green was fourth overall on the team in tackles, notched 33 solo tackles, 15 tackle assists, 40.5 total tackles, .5 sack, five quarterback hurries, and one fumble recovery. “Bama’s” 6.5 tackles for a loss of 19 yards was the highest total on the team.
Sophomore standout Michael Brockenberry (West Haven, CT/West Haven) returns this season after a tough injury sidelined him half way through 2009 and is slated as the starting middle linebacker for 2010. Brockenberry was fifth on the team in total tackles (36) along with 4.5 tackles for a loss of 13 yards and one fumble recovery in only six games played.
Senior outside linebacker and 2009’s leading tackler (62.5) Jordan Edinger (Key Largo, FL/Coral Shores) is questionable to return for his final season as a Mustang.
“Jordan is a terrific football player who understands our system very well,” said Landers. “He does an outstanding job for us from tackle to tackle, recognizing a play, diagnosing it, and getting into the gaps he’s supposed to.”
Senior Kyle Lawson (Middlesex, VT/U-32) will be returning after a brutal ACL tear last season in week nine.
“Kyle embodies everything that I think a coach wants a player to be as far as toughness, attention to detail, and the expectations they put on themselves and other players to make each other better,” said Landers.
Landers and Mustang City will look to the freshman class, as they have the past two seasons, to find players worthy enough to step into the college game right out of high school and contribute.
“We have a slew of incoming freshman following behind competing for a spot,” said Landers. “We may have to play with some freshman up front and at the linebacker position, something that we’ve always done in the past.”
SPECIAL TEAMS
Special teams is the final area of the game where coach Landers and his staff have flourished the past two years in big situations with converted fake punts and field goals that ended up paying off for his squad late in games.
“We had a great year special teams wise last season,” said Landers. “Our objective on special teams is to put pressure on our opponent and we spend a lot of time on it.”
Two fake field goals, two kick returns, and two blocked field goals for touchdowns helped Mustang City reverse momentum and pressure their opponents keeping the Mustangs in a lot of contests throughout last season.
“We’re not gamblers,” said Landers. “We practice the specials teams’ game regularly and set up every situation possible we can think of and play the percentages. Nothing is 100 percent because there’s execution involved, but if we feel confident that the kids can execute in those situations, we’re going for it.”
“We want to score points, control the clock, win the special teams game, and create turnovers on defense this year,” said Landers. “We want to be fast and attacking.”
Coach Landers, his staff, and the 2010 Mount Ida College football program are ready to continue where they left off in 2009 after one of the most successful and rewarding seasons in Mustang football history.
“I think you see a team now with more resolve,” said Landers. “They don’t panic when things go wrong because very often that’s what happens to young teams, they panic.”
“I think our philosophy has always been from the get go, we play to win,” said Landers. “You’re seeing a team now, when you look at the transition for last year and break the season down in half’s we became a very dangerous team that could make comebacks and never stopped playing the game. We’ll continue that philosophy this coming season as a more experienced and physical football team.”
Coach Landers, his coaching staff, and Mustang City open the 2010 season against visiting Bridgewater State College in Newton, Massachusetts with kick-off slated at 1:00 p.m.
