"At first, it was a tough change," said senior left tackle John Whelan, who with senior Marc Mollo are the two returning starters on the offensive line. "It was one of the hardest things done as a football player, but after we got a lot of reps, it got easier."
One thing that Whelan said isn't so easy is blocking Township senior defensive end Steve DeFranco (6-foot-1, 195 pounds).
"I see him all the time in practice, and he is one of the best players I have seen," Whelan said. "I think he will have a big year."
So should senior linebackers Ryan Willis and Lee Robledo, who don't leave many tackles for their teammates. Willis had 142 tackles, and Robledo added 118.
Ready for the challenge. After winning three straight Tri-County Royal Division titles, Williamstown is looking forward to competing in the new West Jersey Football League American Division.
With Inquirer preseason No. 1 Cherokee and No. 8 Washington Township, the American will be among the most difficult divisions in South Jersey.
In fact, four of the five teams earned playoff spots last year. Williamstown and Eastern were Group 4 participants in addition to Cherokee and Washington Township.
"We're ready for the challenge," said Williamstown two-way lineman Vince Kowalski, who has committed to Villanova. "In the past, we were the favorite in our division, and now we're an underdog, but we're looking forward to competing."
The Braves lost some key players, but do return 25 letter-winners and 11 starters. The team mostly goes two-platoon, but Kowalski is expected to see double duty. He said having made his college commitment over the summer has taken a huge burden off his shoulders.
"Now I can concentrate on Williamstown football," he said.
Senior Harry Ulmer, who rushed for 634 yards (10.34 average) and eight touchdowns, looks to have an expanded role.
