PRZNY Team Previews: Williamsville South Billies

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Last Season (7-3)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williamsville South began the 2023 season alternating wins and losses for the first six weeks. After a 3-3 start, the Billies won their final two regular season games but an extremely competitive Class B would deny their chances of making the sectional playoffs. They would, however, go on to dominate Springville and Lake Shore in the consolation brackets. The highlight of the Williamsville South season was a 14-12 week 5 win over the eventual Section VI champions, Health Sciences.</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":["1344697"],"_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-66ba856c1c143"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An excellent route runner that can make the tough catches, [player_tooltip player_id='1344697' first='Evan' last='Zankl'] was Will South's second leading receiver as a sophomore. He is quick and has a great ability to make defenders miss. Overlooked by the All WNY and All State teams, Zankl is poised for a big junior season.</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":["806943"],"_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":1369469,"_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-66ba856c1c1b3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='806943' first='Max' last='Weinrieb'] is a a lineman on both sides of the ball with a high motor and plays with intensity. He has a large frame to clog running lanes and good technique to shed blocks. His 5'10 height gives him a lower rank among D-Lineman but he has the talent to be a menace for opposing offenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["806942"],"_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":1212011,"_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-66ba856c1c204"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A versatile player that can lineup as a DL or LB, [player_tooltip player_id='806942' first='Joe' last='Lipski'] needs to be accounted for on every play. He is tenacious and identifies running plays very quickly. He has exceptional athleticism and moves extremely well. Lipski has been used in several different packages on offense as a Tackle and even caught 2 touchdowns last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["527731"],"_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-66ba856c1c244"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After a breakout year in 2022, [player_tooltip player_id='527731' first='Caiden' last='Overkamp'] lacked the statistical output as a junior but still showed excellent precision passing with solid arm strength. He rarely holds on to the ball longer than he has to and has excellent technique. The Billies may be leaning on Overkamp a little bit more in his senior season and Caiden should be in for a big 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":1369484,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1742403' first='Amir' last='Ceasar']","_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":"5'8u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"150","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Williamsville South","_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-66ba856c1c38e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An overall fantastic athlete, [player_tooltip player_id='1742403' first='Amir' last='Ceasar'] can play RB, WR, DB and is an exceptional kick returner. He has good instincts, is quick &amp; shifty and is a nightmare to tackle in the open field. With 2023 leading rusher Marcus Johnson graduating, the lead back duties at Will South are up for grabs and could give Ceasar the opportunity for a big junior year.</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><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Position</span></strong></td><td><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Player</span></strong></td><td><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Class</span></strong></td><td><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Notes</span></strong></td></tr><tr><td>WR</td><td>Ethan Alesius</td><td>2025</td><td>A good route runner with solid hands coming off his first season on varsity</td></tr><tr><td>ATH</td><td>Noah Redd</td><td>2025</td><td>A WR/DB combo with good ball handling skills that could have a breakout season</td></tr><tr><td>OL</td><td>RJ Peoples</td><td>2025</td><td>An aggressive Guard that is a good puller with excellent strength</td></tr><tr><td>TE</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1742466' first='Connor' last='Duggan']</td><td>2026</td><td>A big target in the passing game that also plays LB. 2024 will be his first season on Varsity</td></tr><tr><td>DL</td><td>Derren Mushat</td><td>2027</td><td>A high motor 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>RB</td><td>Marcus Johnson</td><td>Gannon</td></tr><tr><td>OL</td><td>Austin Knab</td><td>All-WNY Lineman</td></tr><tr><td>ATH</td><td>Josh Neeley</td><td>All-State WR</td></tr><tr><td>LB</td><td>Treyden Saxer</td><td>Leading tackler</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2024 Schedule</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>9/6</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/tonawanda/kenmore-east-bulldogs/football/">vsKenmore East*</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/09-06-2024/football-24/kenmore-east-vs-williamsville-south.htm?c=m2jTwskhJk657LtzGxHHTQ">7:00pm</a></td></tr><tr><td>9/13</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/buffalo/south-park-sparks/football/">@South Park*</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/09-13-2024/football-24/south-park-vs-williamsville-south.htm?c=QQLLwqtTXkSMkpBe4pNOsg">7:00pm</a></td></tr><tr><td>9/21</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/buffalo/health-sciences-buffalo-academy-of-science-global-concepts/football/">vsHHSBASGC (CO-OP)*</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/09-21-2024/football-24/health-sciences-buffalo-academy-of-science-global-concepts-vs-williamsville-south.htm?c=jEWPAvLzm0izdQXH09XSmw">1:00pm</a></td></tr><tr><td>9/27</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/amherst/amherst-central-tigers/football/">@Amherst Central*</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/09-27-2024/football-24/amherst-central-vs-williamsville-south.htm?c=Puu12ZZFzUSCeqZ9jwJzdg">7:00pm</a></td></tr><tr><td>10/4</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/west-seneca/west-seneca-east-trojans/football/">@West Seneca East*</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/10-04-2024/football-24/west-seneca-east-vs-williamsville-south.htm?c=GpIy4PZ5EkOSVj6GHE9yig">7:00pm</a></td></tr><tr><td>10/10</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/grand-island/grand-island-vikings/football/">vsGrand Island*</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/10-10-2024/football-24/grand-island-vs-williamsville-south.htm?c=x6u5TXDlkk-5lAcNTd9iCQ">7:00pm</a></td></tr><tr><td>10/18</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/yorkshire/pioneer-panthers/football/">vsPioneer*</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/10-18-2024/football-24/pioneer-vs-williamsville-south.htm?c=amTmM4ekxk-p38U_mk17UQ">7:00pm</a></td></tr><tr><td>10/25</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/east-amherst/williamsville-east-flames/football/">@Williamsville East</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/10-25-2024/football-24/williamsville-east-vs-williamsville-south.htm?c=CdsDy_fP0UOsPR8qncCEjw">7:00pm</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2024 Outlook</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Current Head Coach:</strong> <strong>Joe Licata (Entering his 3rd season)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Their 2024 schedule has Williamsville South taking on only Class B opponents, except for the final game when they play crosstown rival, Williamsville East. Their toughest opponents will be the three divisional foes that held them from the playoffs a season ago; September 13th when they travel to Buffalo to take on South Park, September 21st when they host Health Sciences (a team that has won 4 Section VI titles in the last 5 years) and October 18th when they take on perennial Class B powerhouse, Pioneer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>3 Things Going For The</strong> <strong>Billies</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pass heavy attack led by underrated QB [player_tooltip player_id='527731' first='Caiden' last='Overkamp'] and with 15th ranked WR [player_tooltip player_id='1344697' first='Evan' last='Zankl'] leading the team in targets</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A solid defensive front with [player_tooltip player_id='806942' first='Joe' last='Lipski'] and [player_tooltip player_id='806943' first='Max' last='Weinrieb'] that can stuff the run and rush the passer</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An excellent coaching staff that can make adjustments as the game goes on</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>1 Area of Concern</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who will control the game on the ground? In the last few years, Williamsville South has been a pass first team and had one guy carry the load on the ground. With Marcus Johnson gone, who will be next in line? [player_tooltip player_id='1742403' first='Amir' last='Ceasar'] is a good candidate but he is still unproven.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Last Word</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williamsville South is a team that does not lack talent or competent coaching. They will win more games than not but in a Class as competitive as B, they are in the unfortunate situation that they could go 6-2 or 5-3 and still miss the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->