Woodlands doesn't need any extra motivation heading into the season.
After reaching the Section 1 Class C finals and finishing with a 7-2 record in 2018, the Falcons struggled with youth and injuries and plummeted to a 2-6 mark last season.
They lost a couple of games by one point, including the Section 1 Class C semifinal showdown against Dobbs Ferry.
"We only had four impact seniors last year, so I think a lot of our inexperience kind of showed," Woodlands head coach Anthony Fava said. "In years past, when we had some more seniors at the forefront of our roster, those one-point games in most cases swung our way.
"The 2-6 record, I don't think was indicative of our team. We had battled a lot of injuries and some other things we had to overcome, and the kids did a nice job."
Despite the tumultuous campaign, the Falcons are far from discouraged. The team's growing pains from last season served as fuel for this year. The players are determined to return to the Section 1 Class C title conversation.
Woodlands typically has fast, athletic players and this year is no different. The Falcons return a number of experienced, versatile two-way players that can play a variety of positions, like rising seniors Isaiah Hargett and K.J. Leak, as well as rising junior Dae'Shawn Allen.
They're also excited for the return of their entire starting offensive and defensive lines, which Fava feels will also be a key to his team's success.
"It was tough for us because we were younger than most guys," Fava said. "Now, I'm hoping that we step into a role that Valhalla and Dobbs Ferry were in last year, where they're older, more mature, and they have a grasp of the offense and defense. There's just a level of confidence that you have from being on the field, and I hope that they take that next step in maturity and mental toughness."
History
Before last year's 2-6 season, Woodlands emerged as a recurring contender for the Section 1 Class C title over the last decade. Since 2012, the Falcons made the Section 1 finals six times, winning in 2012 and 2014.
Expectations
With younger players gaining a year of experience and a healthy roster, the Falcons are looking to compete alongside last year's Section 1 Class C finalists Valhalla and Dobbs Ferry, as well as newcomers Bronxville and Rye Neck.
After a setback last year, they hope to return to the Section 1 finals and win a championship.
"I think every year we're good enough to win it, I really do," Fava said. "With football, it's hard to determine because there are so many factors, dealing with injuries and stuff like that. Last year, I felt very confident we could win it, and then we ended up 2-6 and lost a couple games by a point. It's tough. I feel like we can compete this fall. We have a lot of guys returning, and we have our entire offensive and defensive line returning, so usually that bodes well for our success."
Back to school: Classrooms back in play, interscholastic athletics remain in limbo
Coronavirus impact
Once the season was over, the Falcons had great weight room attendance for offseason training.
Even when the pandemic closed schools down in mid-March, the Falcons maintained their excitement through the first couple of months, having Zoom meetings three times a week in order to install offensive and defensive schemes. Fava was pleasantly surprised by the team's productivity during this time.
Their enthusiasm didn't waver until Gov. Andrew Cuomo stated that high school sports teams were not allowed to have outdoor conditioning workouts once Phase 4 reopening was reached.
"Our kids were devastated," Fava said. "I can't lie, so was I. It was a tough pill to swallow. We've slowed things down since then. We meet once a week now, and it's more of just checking in to see how they're doing."
Tentative schedule
Sept. 12: at Bronxville, ppd.
Sept. 17: at Rye Neck, ppd.
Sept. 25: at Chester, ppd.
Oct. 3: vs. Briarcliff/Hamilton
Oct. 10: at Valhalla
Oct. 17: vs. Dobbs Ferry
Oct. 24: vs. Albertus Magnus
Oct. 30: at Edgemont
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State of the Program: Woodlands football looks to move on from injury-filled season - The Journal News / Lohud.com
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