PRZNY Team Previews: Shenendehowa Plainsmen

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Last Season (9-2)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At one point last season, the Plainsmen looked like the hottest team in Section II, rattling off nine straight wins to start the season. Plainsmen took their first loss of the season to a team they beat in the regular season CBA-Albany, and a big reason for that was top prospect [player_tooltip player_id='528732' first='Ihsaan' last='Alozie'] missing nearly the entire game after an early injury, which then kept Alozie out against Carmel, a game which the Plainsmen lost and ended their season. They had multiple Division 1 athletes on last year's team, and there is a serious question about what could have been if Alozie had never gotten hurt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Prospect</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["528732"],"_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-66c51259c25b8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He returns as the #2 RB in the state, and the Navy commit was exceptional last season for Shenendehowa. Alozie runs a 10.7 in the 100m, supplanting him as a top 3 track time for RBs in New York. Alozie was a workhorse for Shenendehowa and brought big playmaking between the tackles and in space. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alozie is the top Section II player in our 2025 rankings and is probably the favorite for OPOY or MVP of Section II in Class AA. He is a candidate for nearly every postseason honor, and if he can stay healthy, as shown last year, he can really carry Shenendehowa through the regular season and beyond. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Next Three Prospects</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1357748"],"_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-66c51259c2624"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Heptig is an intriguing LB/SS prospect who shows good closing speed in space and a quick first step as he reads and reacts. He has a long, lean frame that can continue to add weight, and he does a good job of using that length to shed blocks in traffic. A solid open-field tackler, Heptig wraps up consistently. No verified speeds, but he made some quality plays on tape that flash some speed against Section II's top athletes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1283883"],"_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-66c51259c266a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pepper Jr., who is 6' 220 lbs and has solid 40 times from camps in the 4.6 range, good work in the weight room, and a 4.0 GPA, is a player who had solid Junior Tape but could make a big jump as a senior and put himself amongst New York's top Linebackers. He plays that OLB/EDGE role and offers some solid pass rush ability for the Plainsmen but excels at holding the edge against the run. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["528733"],"_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-66c51259c26ad"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Thompson may be a shorter offensive lineman, but he has a very powerful first punch and consistently maintains blocks, drives his feet, and plays with good pad level and leverage. His size limits him to being mostly a Division III prospect, but he is a very talented blocker with some quality Junior Tape. </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":["1283919"],"_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-66c51259c26ed"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At 6'2 230 - the size alone at LB is intriguing, but the RB/FB aspect of his game is intriguing at the next level. Offensively, he is a direct runner with good contact balance and a high motor running the ball. Maye plays off-ball and shows on tape he is a solid blitzer that can come from multiple alignments. He is probably the hardest hitter on the plainsman and consistently tackles with good pad level and wrapping techniques. With more explosive movements in his game and continuing to develop his block-shedding, Maye will be a big factor for the Plainsmen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Names To Know</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Name</th><th class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Position</th><th class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Year</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Anthony Diaz</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">RB</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td>Dynamic RB2 who is a solid college prospect</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='1283696' first='Thomas' last='Fankhanel']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">WR</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td>Top returning WR on the roster</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='1283881' first='Matt' last='Thompson']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">DL</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td>Returning DL/OL prospect with good varsity experience</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='223314' first='Sam' last='Bartlett']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">RB</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td>RB a part of the deep RB rotation</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Colin Berry</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">SAF</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td>Returning DB prospect with varsity experience</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Caleb Brown</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">SAF</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td>Returning DB prospect with varsity experience</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Mike Forrester</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">OL</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2026</td><td>Returning OL prospect - 6'3 275</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Deegan Kalamajka</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">CB</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2026</td><td>Returning CB prospect - 1 INT last season</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Joseph Cardinale</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">RB</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2026</td><td>Had a few carries on varsity last season</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Joe Sassone</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">DL</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2026</td><td>OL/DL prospect - 6' 250</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Noah Schriener</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">DT</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2026</td><td>Returning DL prospect - 5'11 230</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='1797126' first='Jakub' last='Tomaszewski']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">ATH</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2026</td><td>WR/CB prospect</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Michael Tedesco</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">OL/DE</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2027</td><td>6'4 225</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Aidan Spraker</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">DE</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2027</td><td>6'3 190</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Key Losses/Commitments</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>OL - Matt Tomaszewski - Navy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WR - Luke McAuliffe - Monmouth</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB - Michael Whatley - Southeastern</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DL - Javari Hicks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LB - Brett Steiner - Endicott</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WR/ATH - Blake Mello - Endicott</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CB - Quinn O'Connor</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LB - Jason Clawson - Endicott</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>K - Joshua Dubray</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2024 Schedule</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/CoachBClawson/status/1766581417205456963","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CoachBClawson/status/1766581417205456963 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2024 Outlook</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>HC: Brian Clawson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shenendehowa's fairly typical Section II AA schedule starts with a tough first four games, during which they will face some of the top Quarterbacks in Section II. They get CBA at Home but face Ballston Spa, Shaker, Guilderland, and Niskayuna all away. Just off the bat, if Shenendehowa can win their week 3 matchup against CBA, there is a chance they win out the season after that, and, without any stumbles early on, could end up in the sectional championship with zero losses again. However, they do lose their Quarterback, which will always sting early. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3 Things Going For The Brothers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They return [player_tooltip player_id='528732' first='Ihsaan' last='Alozie'], one of the top offensive playmakers in the state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They bring back a good group of linebackers defensively</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They bring some solid size to the OL - could be one of the bigger OLs in Section II. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1 Area To Be Concerns</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They lose nearly their entire passing attack, with QB 1, WR 1, and WR 2 all moving on to play at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Last Word</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shenendehowa loses its passing attack and top offensive lineman, but I think it will have one of the strongest ground games in New York. They will compete for the Sectional title again, and I think there is a pathway to victory against some of the top teams in New York. The health of Alozie and their OL will be crucial and while it may be hard to see them going further than last season with what they lose they are a team that is easily capable of making it to the state tournament. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->