PRZNY Team Previews: Kenmore West Blue Devils

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Last Season (7-3)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kenmore West had a really solid season in 2024, with all three losses coming from powerhouse programs like McKinley, Sweet Home and Clarence. The Blue Devils were able to capture the #4 seed heading into the playoffs. From there, the defeated West Seneca West handedly until falling to McKinley in the semi finals (a team that Kenmore West beat in the regular season).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Prospect</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1742088"],"_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":1751843,"_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-688fe818286a0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brannon had a breakout junior year leading Kenmore West in both rushing, receiving and returns accumulating over 1,500 all-purpose yards and 16 TDs. He also racked up 46 tackles on defense and 2 INTs. Harlem is an all around fantastic football player that could be in the Connolly Cup conversation if his numbers go up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Three X-Factors</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["806674"],"_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-6890a2ba35c21"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lee is a top OL prospect with ideal size for an OT standing at 6'5 300 lbs. The Blue Devils tend to run behind him and for good reason. He has excellent hand placement and drive blocks well. Jor-El's awareness is off the charts and he hits with tenacity. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1639431"],"_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":1548487,"_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-6890a2ba35ca6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I first came across Carney during the 1st round of the 2024 playoffs and his presence was felt all over the field. As a WR, he caught 1 pass that went for 65 yards and at OLB, he racked up 6 tackles, an INT and a QB Sack. It was just as surprising when I found out he was a sophomore. This is a player with great size and sky is the limit for him moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1719759"],"_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-6890a2ba35d0c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Papaj is a tough gritty interior lineman with a massive frame. He is exceptional at blowing opponents off the ball and is aggressive at the point of attack. He has good footwork and will be crucial to Kenmore West's running attack this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Breakout Player</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1272112"],"_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-6890b22586842"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Chilungu showed phenomenal tape as a sophomore playing the blitzing Mike role. He is aggressive at the point of attack and tackles with great form. I couldn't find any film on him from 2024 but he was on the roster. If he gets a full season under his belt as a senior, he has the potential to put Section VI on notice.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Names to Know</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Position</strong></td><td><strong>Player</strong></td><td><strong>Class</strong></td><td><strong>Notes</strong></td></tr><tr><td>DB</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1513370' first='Nahsir' last='Tillmon']</td><td>2027</td><td>Quick, athletic two way player that could make some noise with more playing time</td></tr><tr><td>OL</td><td>Lance Stychalska</td><td>2026</td><td>Big bodied OT that will be a leader on the OL this season</td></tr><tr><td>QB</td><td>Cole Reinard</td><td>2026</td><td>Expected to be the Week 1 starting QB</td></tr><tr><td>DB</td><td>Levi Quinn</td><td>2027</td><td>Dynamic FS with fluid hips and able to track the ball in the air</td></tr><tr><td>DL</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1743083' first='Caleb' last='Thermidor']</td><td>2026</td><td>Quick outside pass rusher</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Losses</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Position</strong></td><td><strong>Player</strong></td><td><strong>School</strong></td></tr><tr><td>QB</td><td>Jack Johnson</td><td>Hilbert</td></tr><tr><td>ATH</td><td>Deontay Rodgers</td><td>Putnam Academy</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Schedule</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1751839,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/Ken-West-Schedule-Away.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1751839" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1751840,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/Ken-West-Schedule-Home-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1751840" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Outlook</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Current Head Coach:</strong> <strong>John Haynes</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kenmore West's schedule does have some tough matchups. On 9/13, West Seneca West will be looking to avenge their playoff defeat. Their road games against Williamsville North on 9/19 and Clarence on 10/10 will prove their playoff power.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All in told the Blue Devils had a successful season in 2024, considering they only had two impactful seniors on their roster. Most key contributors from last year will be back, including a high powered running game led by Brannon as well as a stud OL group. This could be a team that pushes for a Class A title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->