PRZNY Team Previews: Starpoint Spartans

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Last Season (6-4)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After an 0-2 start, Starpoint would go on to win 5 of their next 6 regular season games en route to winning the Class A2 division. They hosted Williamsville North in the first round of the playoffs defeating them 16-14. But in the semi-finals, the Spartans fell to the Lockport Lions dashing their hopes of reaching the Sectional Championship.</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":["806954"],"_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":1364996,"_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-66b4ef01a8366"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='806954' first='Kyler' last='Lee'] was Starpoint's top CB last season. He has all the intangibles to be a top notch defensive back. He can play in a man-to-man scheme or in zone. He has a high football IQ and has good speed. Lee can also cover a lot of ground. So much so that it is believed he is moving to Safety for his senior year. </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":["806951"],"_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":1365000,"_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-66b4ef01a83da"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='806951' first='Lucas' last='Lombardo'] is arguably the best LB in Section VI. The reigning Class A Defensive Player of the Year has a sixth sense when he is on the field. He hits with ruthless aggression and has a nose for the ball. Lucas is incredibly versatile as he can lineup on the inside or out. Lombardo is set up to have a big senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["806952"],"_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-66b4ef01a8424"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='806952' first='Anthony' last='Anselm'], or AJ as he is known, is a speed demon. Not even into his senior season yet and Anselm's 40 time was clocked at 4.39. He has solid hands and is a good route runner but his run after catch is truly something to see. I expect AJ to breakout this season and get notoriety from the All-State and All-WNY teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["806953"],"_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":1365003,"_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-66b4ef01a8479"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='806953' first='Joseph' last='Richardson'] is a steady workhorse back that can control the game with consistency. He is a straight ahead runner that is tough to bring down. He follows his blockers extremely well and has good vision. Not one to avoid contact, Richardson is always fighting for extra yards. After 410 yards in his sophomore season and 746 as a junior, expect Joseph to go over 1,000 in his senior year.</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_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":1365007,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Frank Buttitta","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"143","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Starpoint","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66b4ef01a8522"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With Lee moving to Safety, this is a perfect opportunity for Frank Buttitta to breakout and be Starpoint's top Cornerback. Buttitta proved as a sophomore he can diagnose plays very well and can shutdown the opposition with excellent 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><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Position</span></strong></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Player</span></strong></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Class</span></strong></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Notes</span></strong></td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">ATH</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Billy Bichler</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">RB/S combo with phenomenal instincts</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">QB</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Mike Grady</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Starpoint's starting QB with excellent arm strength</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">OL</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Lucas Clark</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">O Lineman with a high motor</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">OL/DL</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Lawson Smith</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Tough, hard hitting two-way lineman</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>WR</td><td>Evan Floss</td><td>Colgate</td></tr><tr><td>OL</td><td>Matthew Hinsken</td><td>Buffalo State</td></tr><tr><td>TE/DE</td><td>Derek Kneepel</td><td>Rowan University</td></tr><tr><td>OL</td><td>Jake Stickney</td><td>2023 All-State Selection</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2024 Schedule</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1365009,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/Starpoint-Spartans-2024-Schedule.jpg?w=931" alt="" class="wp-image-1365009" /><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 Head Coach:</strong> <strong>Tim Racey (Entering his 5th season)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Starpoint begins this season just as they did last; a date with Class B champions, Health Sciences. Last year, the Spartans were defeated in a barn burner, 58-43. Next notable game will be September 20th at home against Williamsville East; another team that got the best of Starpoint last year. Other highly anticipated games will be September 27th when Williamsville North comes in to avenge their first round defeat and October 18th when they take on division rival, Sweet Home. Starpoint closes the season out against a once familiar opponent in South Park. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>3 Things Going For The</strong> Spartans</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A lights out defense led by LB [player_tooltip player_id='806951' first='Lucas' last='Lombardo'] and DB [player_tooltip player_id='806954' first='Kyler' last='Lee']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A sound rushing game with [player_tooltip player_id='806953' first='Joseph' last='Richardson'] leading the way</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An all-star track athlete in [player_tooltip player_id='806952' first='Anthony' last='Anselm'] that can stretch the field</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>1 Area of Concern</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Being able to keep the turnovers to a minimum. Starpoint has a very talented roster but turnovers became a problem for them last season, losing games they shouldn't have and winning close games they should have ran away with.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Last Word</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Starpoint has the skill set and solid coaching to win games. They have an opportunistic defense and a consistent run game. They have the ability to stretch the field with Anselm as well. Starpoint will get their wins and will be in the playoffs. But Class A is extremely competitive. In the last 11 seasons, 8 different programs have won the Class A Section VI title. If the Spartans can do it, it will be their first since 1984.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->