With a limited roster of just 20 players and the loss of 17 seniors from last year's squad, second-year South Jefferson head man John Arcaro will have his work cut out for him this season.
However, he has a solid nucleus of 11 players and will rebuild around returning Class B first-team all-state running back A. J. Chartrand. Chartrand led all Section 3 Class B backs in rushing last year with 1,676 yards on 237 attempts and he scored 19 touchdowns. He was also a first-team Class B East linebacker, making 38 solo tackles, 43 assists and had two interceptions.
Senior speedster Kenny Hall gives Arcaro a deep threat out of the backfield, and senior two-way lineman Taylor Mustizer will be the main up front on both sides of The ball.
The new quarterback is junior Tom Gordinier, up from the junior varsity. Backs Joe DeFranco and Mitchell Modlin are also being counted on to take some of the pressure off Chartrand.
On defense, senior Louis Kendall is a mainstay on the line. He will need some help from players like Brett Hayes and Jerod Hayward-Weaver if the Spartans are to progress.
The addition of Holland Patent and the return of long-time Class B power Cazenovia to the Class B East Division will just make things more difficult for The Spartans.
"We need the experienced players to play a major role if we want to be competitive in a very tough league,'' Arcaro said.
SOUTH JEFFERSON SPARTANS
2009 record: 3-6, 2-2 Class B East.
Coach: John Arcaro (2nd year, 3-6).
Players to watch: A. J. Chartrand (Sr., RB/LB); Kenny Hall, Sr. (RB/WR/DB); Louis Kendall (Sr., OL/DL); Taylor Mustizer (Sr., OL/DL); Tom Gordinier (Jr., QB/DB); Joe DeFranco (Jr., RB/LB); Kyle Denny (Jr., Ol/DL); Brett Hayes; (Sr., OL/DL).
