PRZNY Team Previews: Orchard Park Quakers

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Last Season (6-4)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After starting the season 2-2, Orchard Park would go on to win 4 of the next 5 games, averaging 46.5 points per contest. They would finish the season losing to the eventual Section VI champions in the semi-finals of the Class AA playoffs.</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":["814982"],"_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-669abcccb5a5c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='814982' first='Brady' last='Ciano'] was the Section VI Class AA Offensive MVP in his Junior season. He is a tough, accurate passer with good arm strength and remarkable athletic ability. Ciano is an outstanding leader with exceptional poise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">. <strong>Four X-Factors</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["505527"],"_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-669abcccb5ac5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With over 1,300 yards from scrimmage and 16 touchdowns in two seasons, [player_tooltip player_id='505527' first='Carter' last='Switek'] has proved to be a viable dual threat Running Back for the Quakers. He is extremely versatile and will be counted on as a senior in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["806710"],"_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":1339426,"_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-669abcccb5b38"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='806710' first='Gavin' last='McWhirter'] is a dominate interior lineman. He started at Center for Orchard Park as a sophomore and proved to be a vital part of their success. He hits with ruthless aggression and has superb footwork. McWhirter's awareness is unparalleled and I expect him to have another great season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["814984"],"_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-669abcccb5b82"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A dynamic Linebacker, [player_tooltip player_id='814984' first='Zachary' last='Nalawadi'] showed he can stuff the run as well as defend the pass. His awareness and high football IQ made him a player that was hard to scheme against. He can line up on the inside or outside and is a spectacular overall athlete.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["814983"],"_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-669abcccb5bc9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A dual threat at WR and DB, [player_tooltip player_id='814983' first='Jack' last='Ciano'] is a menace for opposing teams. He is an explosive player that has excellent concentration. His route running as a receiver is crisp and his coverage skills as a defensive back are phenomenal. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Breakout Player</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["806771"],"_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":1339432,"_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-669abcccb5c40"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='806771' first='Aiden' last='Guadagno'] is one of the most underrated Offensive Linemen in Section VI. Overlooked for the All State and All Western New York teams in his Junior season, Guadagno is a big, physical Guard with solid footwork and excellent hand technique. </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">DB</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='814985' first='Jherek' last='Breske']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2026</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">A do-it-all kind of player that was can play WR/DB/K/P. An All-State Honorable Mention in 2023</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">OL</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='806772' first='Ben' last='Solecki']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">A two-way lineman that stands at nearly 300 lbs.</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">RB</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Travon Thomas</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">A quick, shifty runner that can go between the tackles. A great compliment to Switek</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">WR</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Luke Danna</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">A transfer from Texas in 2023, Danna led the Quakers in receptions as a Junior</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">QB</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='939439' first='Jayden' last='Hassett']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2027</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">A solid QB prospect that is scheduled for a breakout season in 2025 but still a name to keep track of</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Key Losses</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">DB</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Justice Caldwell</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Utica</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">ATH</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Mekhi Watkins</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Buffalo State</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">OL</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Max Landwehr</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Erie Community College</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">OL</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Robert Bouton</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Leader on the Offensive Line</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">LB</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Victor Dinero</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Playmaker &amp; Team Captain</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2024 Schedule</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1339417,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/OP-Quakers-Schedule.jpg?w=719" alt="" class="wp-image-1339417" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Twitter</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2024 Outlook</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Current Coach:</strong> <strong>Michael Cieslik (Entering his 3rd season)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Orchard Park begins the 2024 season at Sweet Home; a non-league rematch from 2023 where Sweet Home lost in a barn burner, 43-35. September 20th and October 4th will be circled on Orchard Park's calendar as they attempt for redemption from last year's tight matched losses to Lancaster and Jamestown, respectively. The Quakers will close out the regular season to take on defending three time Section VI Campions, Bennett; A team which has eliminated the Quakers from the playoffs each of those three campaigns. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>3 Things Going For The&nbsp;</strong>Quakers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='814982' first='Brady' last='Ciano'] is one of the best QB prospects in all of Western New York</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The fantastic 1-2 punch of [player_tooltip player_id='505527' first='Carter' last='Switek'] and Travon Thomas in the run game</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Orchard Park has at least three dominate forces on the Offensive Line</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>1 Area of Concern</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defense. 4 of Orchard Park's top 5 defensive playmakers have graduated. Even with them, the Quakers struggled in 2023 averaging 34.4 points allowed per game against playoff contending teams. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Last Word</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In each of the last three seasons, Orchard Park has been eliminated in the Semi-Finals of the playoffs. With several moving pieces in the Class AA division and the rising stars that the Quakers have, there is a good chance that OP will bring home their 1st Section VI title since the Spring season in 2021.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->