Editor
02-24-2011, 05:05 PM
The 2010 Quincy Spartans had as successful a run as any team could, taking out the league championship of the 8FL following an undefeated season.
As the Spartans look to defend their title, TSF asked head coach Brian Lewton some questions about the upcoming season.
TSF: You had a great year last year, obviously, and while most of the team that went undefeated is returning, you are losing a few key players due to their moving out of the area or retiring, including conference offensive MVP Quarterback Craig Moore. Can you tell us about who you have lost, who you have gained and about your key quarterbacking position.
Coach Lewton: Some of our key losses are our Qb Craig Moore Rb Junior Clay, RB Brett Miller, and NT Andy O'Cheltree. All are a huge part of our team. It's always tough when you lose a Qb, but with Toby O'Cheltree stepping in we will not lose a beat with our offense. Toby was a MVP QB at the 8FL All-star game 2 years ago. I feel that I am biased but I feel that our offensive line is the best in the league and hey are all coming back. Plus we have added a few new offensive and defensive lineman such as Zach Meyer and Justin Bunge. For skill positions, we have added Chris Shaul, Jonny Davis, Adrian Clay, Brad Brinkley and Jamar White just to name a few. We are only losing Andy Ocheltree as a defensive starter. So we have a lot guys coming back on the defensive side of the ball. Some new faces will be Matt Slueter and Ceasar Dunn and several more that will contribute on the defensive side of the ball.
TSF: With the smaller field dimensions and less linemen, how does that affect the overall flow of the game as opposed to 11 man. How are 8-man offenses and defenses different, and what advantages and disadvantages do you have playing on the smaller field.
Coach Lewton: You can see some similarities, we run a spread option attack. Also we run the I formation and the double wing as well. All the formations are just without the 3 lineman. We like to run a up tempo team, always looking for the big play on special teams, offense and defense. Defensively there are less lineman so we like to blitz, stunt and try to confuse the opposing team by using different fronts and coverages. The field is smaller and we do not kick field goals,extra points, and vary rarely do you see punts in a game.
TSF: Who are some of your returning standout players this year?
Coach Lewton: Defensively: 7 of the 8 starters are returning, Tyler Buckman, 8FL Defensive MVP James Branch, Paul Brothers, Mike Aimes, Derrick Wallace, Derrick Minter, Matt Findlay, Cody Anderson, just to name a few.
Offensively: Brian Chaney, Toby O'Cheltree, Terry Ince, Jeremy McSparren, Aj Holtschlag, Kevin Garnett, Frank Stoddard, Andrew Kestner just to name a few.
TSF: Craig Moore was both strong-armed and a bruising runner, but since he has moved to Indiana how will your offense change, if at all, with a different QB behind center.
Coach Lewton: The offense will not change at all. Toby is the same type of QB. He might not lower his shoulder but could use moves to get around the defender. Both are very strong and Toby comes from the receiver spot so he might have another insight on how players get open! We will run everything that we did last year, he knows the system and has been very efficient so far in practice.
TSF: Without giving away details to opponents, what are your main offensive and defensive priorities (i.e. do you see yourself as a passing team more this year, are you looking to blitz due to new players, etc.)
Coach Lewton: We see ourselves as a balanced attack offense. We will line up with 5 lineman and run the ball and also we will line up with 4 wideouts and throw the ball. We like to run the spread option and we have added some tweaks to that offense this year. Defensively we will come after the offense, with 7 of the 8 starters and reserves coming back we will have our best year hopefully on defense. Our corners are good enough to be left out on an island in coverage so we can get to the QB.
TSF: Who are your coaches, and your major sponsors for the year.
Coach Lewton: Coaches this year will be Rod Whaley (DC) and Brian Lewton (HC/OC)
TSF: If somebody is interested in playing for the Spartans in the future, what do they need to do?
Coach Lewton: Visit our website and my contact information is posted on the website. www.quincyspartans.com (http://www.quincyspartans.com) Our game schedule is on there and where we will be playing.
TSF: What are your expectations for this year?
Coach Lewton: My expectations are to work hard and be a discipline football team. I do not want tour team to beat themselves with penalties or negative plays. If we are able to do that we will be successful in defending our championship and undefeated streak!
DISCLAIMER: TriStateFans.com is an official sponsor of the the Quincy Spartans, the 8FL Football League and other 8FL teams.
As the Spartans look to defend their title, TSF asked head coach Brian Lewton some questions about the upcoming season.
TSF: You had a great year last year, obviously, and while most of the team that went undefeated is returning, you are losing a few key players due to their moving out of the area or retiring, including conference offensive MVP Quarterback Craig Moore. Can you tell us about who you have lost, who you have gained and about your key quarterbacking position.
Coach Lewton: Some of our key losses are our Qb Craig Moore Rb Junior Clay, RB Brett Miller, and NT Andy O'Cheltree. All are a huge part of our team. It's always tough when you lose a Qb, but with Toby O'Cheltree stepping in we will not lose a beat with our offense. Toby was a MVP QB at the 8FL All-star game 2 years ago. I feel that I am biased but I feel that our offensive line is the best in the league and hey are all coming back. Plus we have added a few new offensive and defensive lineman such as Zach Meyer and Justin Bunge. For skill positions, we have added Chris Shaul, Jonny Davis, Adrian Clay, Brad Brinkley and Jamar White just to name a few. We are only losing Andy Ocheltree as a defensive starter. So we have a lot guys coming back on the defensive side of the ball. Some new faces will be Matt Slueter and Ceasar Dunn and several more that will contribute on the defensive side of the ball.
TSF: With the smaller field dimensions and less linemen, how does that affect the overall flow of the game as opposed to 11 man. How are 8-man offenses and defenses different, and what advantages and disadvantages do you have playing on the smaller field.
Coach Lewton: You can see some similarities, we run a spread option attack. Also we run the I formation and the double wing as well. All the formations are just without the 3 lineman. We like to run a up tempo team, always looking for the big play on special teams, offense and defense. Defensively there are less lineman so we like to blitz, stunt and try to confuse the opposing team by using different fronts and coverages. The field is smaller and we do not kick field goals,extra points, and vary rarely do you see punts in a game.
TSF: Who are some of your returning standout players this year?
Coach Lewton: Defensively: 7 of the 8 starters are returning, Tyler Buckman, 8FL Defensive MVP James Branch, Paul Brothers, Mike Aimes, Derrick Wallace, Derrick Minter, Matt Findlay, Cody Anderson, just to name a few.
Offensively: Brian Chaney, Toby O'Cheltree, Terry Ince, Jeremy McSparren, Aj Holtschlag, Kevin Garnett, Frank Stoddard, Andrew Kestner just to name a few.
TSF: Craig Moore was both strong-armed and a bruising runner, but since he has moved to Indiana how will your offense change, if at all, with a different QB behind center.
Coach Lewton: The offense will not change at all. Toby is the same type of QB. He might not lower his shoulder but could use moves to get around the defender. Both are very strong and Toby comes from the receiver spot so he might have another insight on how players get open! We will run everything that we did last year, he knows the system and has been very efficient so far in practice.
TSF: Without giving away details to opponents, what are your main offensive and defensive priorities (i.e. do you see yourself as a passing team more this year, are you looking to blitz due to new players, etc.)
Coach Lewton: We see ourselves as a balanced attack offense. We will line up with 5 lineman and run the ball and also we will line up with 4 wideouts and throw the ball. We like to run the spread option and we have added some tweaks to that offense this year. Defensively we will come after the offense, with 7 of the 8 starters and reserves coming back we will have our best year hopefully on defense. Our corners are good enough to be left out on an island in coverage so we can get to the QB.
TSF: Who are your coaches, and your major sponsors for the year.
Coach Lewton: Coaches this year will be Rod Whaley (DC) and Brian Lewton (HC/OC)
TSF: If somebody is interested in playing for the Spartans in the future, what do they need to do?
Coach Lewton: Visit our website and my contact information is posted on the website. www.quincyspartans.com (http://www.quincyspartans.com) Our game schedule is on there and where we will be playing.
TSF: What are your expectations for this year?
Coach Lewton: My expectations are to work hard and be a discipline football team. I do not want tour team to beat themselves with penalties or negative plays. If we are able to do that we will be successful in defending our championship and undefeated streak!
DISCLAIMER: TriStateFans.com is an official sponsor of the the Quincy Spartans, the 8FL Football League and other 8FL teams.