PRZNY Team Previews: Bennett Tigers

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Last Season (11-1)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bennett started the 2023 season as reigning New York State Champions so expectations were high from the start. And for the most part, the Tigers lived up to the hype, charging through opponents on their way to another Section VI title. But a controversial loss to Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse in the State Semi-Finals would end their chances as repeat State Champions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Top Prospect</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["505863"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668ed9bf550f7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The departure of 2023 Connolly Cup winner, Ja'Meer Thomas opens the door for [player_tooltip player_id='505863' first='E'Ryan' last='Lawrence'] to take over and be Bennett's biggest playmaker. Lawrence's stats last year were comparable to Thomas' (1,616 yards from scrimmage and 19 TDs vs 1,326 yards and 18 TDs). That, coupled with his uncanny knack for making plays on defense and in the return game makes E'Ryan the front runner in the Connolly Cup conversation this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Three X-Factors</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["505530"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668ed9bf551a0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another name to throw in the Connolly Cup ringer is [player_tooltip player_id='505530' first='Noah' last='Mcduffie']. Mcduffie is an athletic playmaker on both sides of the ball. While he was exceptional on offense being their third option behind Lawrence and Thomas, Mcduffie was a defensive powerhouse at DB with 106 tackles and 8 interceptions, returning them for 233 yards and 1 touchdown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["505866"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1329747,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668ed9bf551d7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='505866' first='Jaizen' last='Warren'] has a big frame and clogs running lanes better than just about anyone. He sheds blocks with ease and is a solid tackler. A 300 lb presence and a highly recruited prospect, The Bennett Tigers will be leaning on Warren a lot this season to anchor a dominating defensive line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1087115"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66955b2b55094"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Not many 8th graders get a starting position on a varsity football team. But [player_tooltip player_id='1087115' first='Jason' last='Hargrove Jr.'] did. Hargrove has all the skills you want in a Defensive End; he is quick, has great hand technique and excellent awareness. I expect Hargrove to take a major leap forward and lead the Tigers in sacks in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Breakout Player</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["527602"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1329750,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668ed9bf5520c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='527602' first='Shamier' last='Land'] missed the 2023 season due to injury but is now fully healthy so the stage is set for a breakout season. Shamier played varsity as a freshmen and sophomore in a complimentary role but this year, as players are coming and going within Bennett, Land should be the premiere workhorse for the Tigers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Names to Know</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table {"hasFixedLayout":false} --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table><thead><tr><th class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Position</th><th class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Player</th><th class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Class</th><th class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">WR</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='747248' first='Joe' last='Littlejohn']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Elusive and fast receiver with excellent hands</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">DB</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Malik Worthy</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2026</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Shutdown corner with dynamic playmaking ability</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">ATH</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Dontre Hampton</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2027</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Overall fantastic athlete that can play a variety of positions</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Key Losses</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table {"hasFixedLayout":false} --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">ATH</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Ja'Meer Thomas</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Syracuse</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">LB</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Kahmari Clark</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Saint Francis (PA)</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">DL</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Darrell Hamilton</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Merrimack</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">DB</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Aaron Roseboro</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Edinboro</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">OL</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Keir Bishop</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Utica</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">DL</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Delshon Taylor</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Utica</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">DL</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Jazier Fluker</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Monroe CC</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">DB</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">De'Mari Clemons</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Transferred to Ohio</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">QB</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Sherrad Bennard</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Transferred to Ohio</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2024 Schedule</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/buffalo/lewis-j-bennett-olmsted-middle-early-college-east-tigers/football/schedule">https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/buffalo/lewis-j-bennett-olmsted-middle-early-college-east-tigers/football/schedule</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2024 Outlook</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Current Head Coach: Steve McDuffie</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bennett will be looking to capture their 4th straight Section VI Class AA title. They open the season on the road to a Nationally ranked St. John's team in Washington, DC. While the rest of their schedule won't be against highly touted teams, they will be facing schools looking for revenge, as Bennett has lost just 1 Section VI game in 3 years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>3 Things Going For The Tigers</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bennett still has a highly knowledgeable and experienced coaching staff</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Their skills positions led by Lawrence and Land will be a nightmare for opposing defenses</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They may have one of the best young D Lines in Section VI with Warren and Hargrove</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>1 Area of Concern</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The hardest position to replace in football is Quarterback. Last year's starter, Sherrad Bennard, is moving to Ohio, so the Tigers will have to find a new signal caller. They will have a solid supporting cast for whoever that may be, but a quarterback's skill set can make or break your team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Last Word</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There has been so much movement with Bennett's personnel within the last month that it will be difficult to see them take home another Section VI title. They are solid in the trenches and will have a fierce ground attack, but I think losing a starting quarterback and a Power 5 recruit DB in De'Mari Clemons will be too much to overcome.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->