New coach Steve Boyle retooling Tiger offense

By BOB ETTINGER

sports@vindy.com

HOWLAND

Steve Boyle may new in his role as the head coach of the Howland football team, but he’s no stranger to the Tigers. With that in mind, Boyle isn’t looking to do any major renovations to the program. He’ll settle for a bit of updating.

“It’s been a great opportunity,” Boyle said. “I’m looking forward to continuing to develop what we have already done. I tell people I’m not tearing down everything. We’re just doing the kitchen, we’re updating what we have already.”

Coming off a 6-4 season, Boyle has an idea what he needs to do to take the team to the next level.

“We’re constantly trying to get the kids to take care of the little things,” Boyle said. “We’re very inexperienced. We have seven men back with starting experience, nine returning lettermen and nine returning seniors. It will be a little more difficult than it’s been in the past. The goal, obviously, is to win every game we play. I don’t know if we’re able to do that, but we’ll try and get the kids to compete every time out and be the best team they can be.”

OFFENSE

With nearly everyone graduated from the program, Boyle is going to rely heavily upon his new quarterback, Jordan Fronzaglio.

Michael Wilson will be the backup and David Burman III will be in the mix.

“[Fronzaglio] has a great football IQ,” Boyle said. “That’s his best attribute. He has a great mind for the game. He knows where things need to be and where they should line up. He works hard. I wish more guys gave that effort and had his mind for the game.”

Behind Fronzaglio in the backfield will be Keyshawn Busch as tailback and Eric Babinchak as fullback. Cartier Yancy and Dominic Sanabria will be the second-teamers.

At receiver will be Wilson, Nathan Barrett and Anthony Ciarrochi with a host of others vying for time.

The tight ends will include Brayden Gibson and Justin Jones.

The only givens on the offensive front will be Chris Kowach and Dylan Blenton. The remainder of the line will be fluid.

“What they do well is show up every day and work hard,” Boyle said. “My concern is there isn’t much experience. Not one of them has started a game for us. The big question is what will they give us? They’ve been up and down, but they are working hard.”

DEFENSE

Not much is going to change on the defensive side of the ball. The Tigers will still pressure quarterbacks and try to force mistakes.

“We’ll try and get pressure and force some indecision with the quarterback,” Boyle said. “Not much will change.”

Garrett Deemer and Logan Gaskill will be the centerpieces of the defensive front with a host of different faces rotating in and out.

Barrett and Busch will be on the field as linebackers with Brandon Summerlin, Yancy and Sanabria fighting to fill the other spots.

In the secondary, Wilson and Ja’wahn Dean will be the staples with a number of other players rotating through.

SPECIAL TEAMS

The only real experience returning for the Tigers is Luke Brancaccio, who will be the kicker and punter.

“Luke did a great job with extra points and field goals,” Boyle said. “He’s a really good kicker. We’re developing him more as a punter.”