Collingswood football staff investing in youth

Built in 1936, the massive concrete stands of Collingswood's football stadium cast a large shadow - literally and figuratively.

New Collingswood coach Jack McConnell knows the history. He's a Collingswood guy. He played four years for the Panthers before graduating in 1988.

McConnell also is trying to build for the future. He and his staff have invested a ton of time and effort in helping a youth football program in town get off the ground.

But right now, the Panthers' focus is the present - the season opener Friday night at Haddonfield and the rest of the 2011 season.

"I told our seniors they have to set the mark," McConnell said before practice Tuesday. "They have a chance to make a mark right away Friday night."

The Panthers might be rebuilding a bit after losing several top players from last year's 6-4 team, including star running back Ameer Richardson and three-year quarterback Eric Hamrick.

McConnell believes this team can be competitive based on its play in scrimmages, especially on defense.

The coach has a longer view, too. McConnell and his assistants helped launch the youth program that includes more than 100 players ages five through 14 from Collingswood, Oaklyn, and Woodlynne, which make up the high school's sending district.

"If you look at programs like Haddonfield, West Deptford, and Paulsboro, that's where a lot of their success starts," McConnell said of the youth feeder systems.

The teams debuted Saturday after a short parade behind a fire truck on Collings Avenue. Collingswood senior two-way lineman Jake Tackett was impressed.

"In a few years, this team is going to be stacked," Tackett said.

Tackett said this year's seniors are determined to make the most of this season and keep alive Collingswood's rich football tradition.

"This town needs a football team to be proud of," Tackett said. "This is a football town, and it has been for over 100 years. As football players, you love to be part of a team in a town like this."

Contact staff writer Phil Anastasia at 856-779-3223, panastasia@phillynews.com, or @PhilAnastasia on Twitter.