RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesBLAKELY – Twin brothers Ben and Luke Evans have spent most of their lives as teammates and are treasuring their final season together as Valley View Cougars.
The wide receivers displayed a close bond during drills on a steamy Tuesday afternoon at John Henzes/Veterans Memorial Stadium in preparation for two-a-days that start Aug. 17.
“To play with Ben is exceptional,” Luke said. “He’s been my teammate all through C team, B team, and the way up through the Junior Cougars. It is special to play alongside of him, especially for our senior year.”
Growing up in sports has strengthened their relationship.
Playing together as seniors is something the brothers are enjoying while pushing each other to be the best they can be for a Cougars team with high expectations and goals.
“To be able to share in this experience with him is special,” Ben said. “We do things every single day together, and to be able to come here and share in this experience at practice is awesome. I love every part of this experience.”
Valley View is counting on the twins to make valuable contributions. Both athletes have outstanding speed, which they have developed as members of the Cougars’ track and field team.
Last season, Ben had nine catches for 169 yards. He also had 43 tackles and an interception.
While the Evans brothers were sharpening their routes and catching passes, Brody Call and the linemen were elevating the intensity in the trenches.
The Cougars have size up front, and the offensive linemen were explosive on the snap, making for a lively team session.
After scoring only 31 points combined in its five losses, Valley View is focused on playing physical on offense.
“We have to fly around and have fun,” Call said. “There is a lot that goes into this, but it is all about intensity all the time. We went 6-5 last season, and for Valley View, that is not good. We want to go full speed; it doesn’t matter about the heat; we have to have that intensity on every play.”
Valley View opens the season at home against three-time PIAA Class 3A finalist Northwestern Lehigh.
Old Forge players are back in the game
Nobody is happier about the start of heat acclimatization week ahead than Gavin McNichols.
So when late-day thunderstorms subsided Tuesday, he was full throttle.
A senior lineman at Old Forge, McNichols was part of an avalanche of injuries the team endured during a 2-8 campaign last fall. A serious knee injury put him on the shelf, but he is back at 100%, and it showed at Tuesday night’s practice at the Old Forge Veterans Memorial Stadium.
He was hustling to the max during the linemen agility drills. He is extremely appreciative of being back on the field, getting ready for his senior season. Old Forge is at Pen Argyl to open the schedule Saturday, Aug. 29, at 1:30 p.m.
“I worked so hard in the offseason to get back here,” said McNichols, a 6-0, 245-pound tackle. “I tried to get back during last season, but doctors wouldn’t let me. I couldn’t wait for this week. I can’t wait for doubles (practice) next week. I can’t wait for Week 1. This is all that I think about.
“My knee is good, and I am out here with my brothers. It doesn’t get better than that.”
Ayden Aversa looks upon last year’s struggles as a learning opportunity.
He was a starting receiver from Day 1 but also had to contribute in the secondary. He, along with several of his teammates, was thrown into the fire but gained valuable varsity experience they are counting on this year.
Aversa had 35 receptions for 368 yards and two touchdowns.
“I had a bunch of reps last year,” Aversa said. “That helped me a lot. Even though our record wasn’t that good, I learned a lot. I feel like we are going to be a lot better this year, especially our line. We have all grown a lot since last season.”
Another player who had to deal with injuries is also returning. Savion Cupil is a tall athlete at 6-foot-4, playing in the secondary and as a receiver.
He has liked what he sees in the enthusiasm everyone brings to each practice. The goal is to get back to winning football.
“We have a lot of confidence,” Cupil said. “We didn’t have a good record last season, but we are working and bringing the energy to improve on that. I see a lot of leadership out here at practice. We have guys who can lead this team.”
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