PRZNY Team Previews: West Seneca West Warhawks

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Last Season (6-4)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>West Seneca West started 2023 shaky, winning just 2 of their first 5 games. But a 3-game win streak would put the Warhawks in the Class A playoffs where they defeated Sweet Home in the first round before being eliminated in the Semi-Finals by Clarence.</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":["1344667"],"_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-66ad0176c62ab"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1344667' first='Jarod' last='Freeman'] is one of my favorite RB prospects. He was a backup as a sophomore so he is relatively unknown outside of West Seneca but the film doesn't lie. In his complimentary role, Freeman showed fantastic vision and excellent awareness. He has a unique blend of speed and power. Jarod also showed exceptional receiving skills and will be counted on more in the passing game this year. He is definitely a player that could earn All-State and All-WNY honors in his first year as a varsity starter.</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":["806889"],"_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":1357788,"_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-66ad0176c6367"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A player with a lot of varsity experience, [player_tooltip player_id='806889' first='Patrick' last='Allen'] came into his own as a sophomore with 5 sacks – a remarkable feat for a 300 lb. Nose Tackle. Allen can shed blocks as good as anyone and has a high motor. He moves extremely well for a player of his size and is a tenacious defender. I expect to see his stock increase as a junior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1283948"],"_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":1357789,"_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-66ad0176c63ec"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Last season's breakout player, [player_tooltip player_id='1283948' first='Aiden' last='Wojtusiak'] didn't crack the starting lineup until almost half through his junior campaign. And from there, he proved he belonged - tallying 64 tackles (14 for loss) and 8.5 sacks. He has excellent speed and solid form. His agility and athletic ability could transfer to the LB position if needed but at this point, he is an extraordinary DE that will be a difference maker for the Warhawks in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["205873"],"_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-66ad0176c6459"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='205873' first='Cayden' last='Stupak'] will take his final stab at a Section VI championship. Stupak has some solid attributes that can lead WSW to their goal. He has excellent athleticism and is quick to think on his feet when a play breaks down. He can stretch the field with his excellent arm strength. Cayden is a solid QB prospect that has gained some Division I recognition but he will need an outstanding senior season to get to the next level.</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":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Matt Appenheimer","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"165","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2410","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"West Seneca West","_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-66ad0176c654c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">WSW lost their top two receiving targets so the position is wide open. The breakout candidate will come from one of their lesser known players. At 6'3, Matt Appenheimer has the ideal size to be the guy. In his few times he got the ball as a junior, he showed he has solid hands and excellent awareness. If he proves he can be that player on an every down basis, there is no doubt he will make a name for himself as a senior. </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">OL</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='1345230' first='Brayden' last='Snyder']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2026</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">A two-way lineman with a massive presence at 6'3 almost 300 lbs.</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">K</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='648914' first='Brendan' last='Griffey']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2023 All State &amp; All WNY Kicker &amp; Punter, currently ranked #5 in NYS by Prep RedZone</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='806896' first='Anthony' last='Howell']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">At 325 lbs., Howell can clog the holes as the team's 0-tech Nose Tackle</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">DL</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='1231223' first='Denzel' last='Cenatus']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2027</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">An aggressive lineman with solid technique that should have a breakout season</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">ATH</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Oliver Dana</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">A fantastice WR/DB that could also emerge as WSW top receiver</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">ATH</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='1513378' first='Micah' last='Anderson']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2027</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Injuries prevented Micah from making an impact as a freshman but he is now healthy and at 200 lbs. with exceptional speed, he is a player to watch.</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">WR</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Ray Kwasniewski</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Brockport</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">DL</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Cam Whitaker</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Brockport</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">LB</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Sean Clouden</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Alfred University</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">RB</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Bernard Freeman</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Leading Rusher</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/west-seneca/west-seneca-west-warhawks/football/schedule">https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/west-seneca/west-seneca-west-warhawks/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:</strong> <strong>Mike Vastola (Entering his 10th season)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>West Seneca West begins 2024 on the road against an unfamiliar opponent - Niagara Falls from Class AA. Their most notable game will be September 27th when the host division foe, Clarence - a team that defeated the Warhawks twice last season. WSW will then travel to Class B powerhouse, Pioneer on October 17th before closing out the regular season against cross-town rival, West Seneca East.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>3 Things Going For The</strong> <strong>Warhawks</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A dominating defensive front four led by senior, [player_tooltip player_id='1283948' first='Aiden' last='Wojtusiak'] and will be anchored in by rising stars, [player_tooltip player_id='806889' first='Patrick' last='Allen'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1231223' first='Denzel' last='Cenatus']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A young up-and-coming RB in [player_tooltip player_id='1344667' first='Jarod' last='Freeman'] that can control the Warhawks' run game for the next two seasons</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A highly touted QB prospect in [player_tooltip player_id='205873' first='Cayden' last='Stupak']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>1 Area of Concern</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who will be the top weapons for QB [player_tooltip player_id='205873' first='Cayden' last='Stupak']? For the last two seasons, Stupak has had a dependable receiving corps led by Ray Kwasniewski and Jerry Dadzie. Now, Dadzie has graduated and Kwasniewski is off to Brockport. While [player_tooltip player_id='1344667' first='Jarod' last='Freeman'], Matt Appenheimer and Oliver Dana can serve as viable options in passing game, it is unclear if they will be as consistent as their past playmakers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Last Word</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With everything West Seneca West has going for them - A solid QB, excellent run game and a ferocious defense - the Warhawks will be contenders to win the A1 division. They will make the playoffs and from there, it will be down to game planning and the ability to adjust so they can get over that hump. WSW will be looking to get their first Section VI title since 2017 when they won the State championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->