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York County Tech's new coach 'totally excited' to return


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Charlie Troxell just couldn’t stay away. The man who spent more than 40 years on the sidelines was feeling the itch to coach again.

York County School of Technology needed him. After being part of the program for more than 15 years, Troxell couldn’t say no.

“I am totally excited,” he said. “I’ve been avoiding it because I thought, 'I don’t know if I want the aggravation.' I really believe I was born to be a coach. My personality is one that if I am not coaching, I am a pain in the butt. I always felt I have something to give, and that’s what made me do this.”

Troxell knows the undertaking. The Spartans were 2-8 in 2015, but he enters being more concerned with making the athletes that come from all around York County into a team of good citizens.

“We are building young men for the future,” said Troxell, who served as Tech's head coach from 2002-2004. “Do I want to win? Absolutely. It’s going to take a lot to get to that point. We only had five seniors from last year. I don’t know it all, that’s why I picked the coaches I did. Our kids will have great role models.”

Offense

Quarterbacks: Troxell is high on Josiah Smallwood, saying: “He can throw, has a great arm and can run a little bit. He might be our strongest kid right now.”

Running backs: Junior Tavon Williams figures to get a fair amount of carries from the fullback position, which was expected to draw heavy competition in camp.

Receivers: Similar to the backfield, Troxell is figuring out the remainder of his skill players. He does like the ability of James Villafana as a pass-catching tight end.

Offensive line: Although he didn’t play as a sophomore, Harold Miller returns at center. Troxell likes Miller’s smarts and leadership and said he is an anchor to go with Kyle Kohler, Antonio Bermudez.

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Defense

Defensive line: Senior Isaiah Colon and juniors Kohler and Shane Grosso are hoping to help the Spartans improve the unit that gave up too many points in recent years.

Linebackers: Troxell calls Ben Jackson “probably one of the best linebackers I have seen at Tech.” The Spartans are hoping Villafana, Williams and Smallwood can fill out the rest of the spots in the 4-4 set.

Secondary: Just cleared for football, hurdler Kole Shenberger is ready for the challenge, along with seniors Jordan Ray, Chris Sams and Manuel Spells.

Special teams

This is an area of question for a team that needs to figure out its rotations on offense and defense, but experienced coaches will help get this figured out.

• • • 

Save the date

The Oct. 22 homecoming game vs. Hanover. Troxell said he wants to “create a new era of Spartan football.” A solid game in front of alumni could help that.

Bottom line

There is uncertainty about a couple of positions and about how things will come together, but one thing that won’t be in short supply is enthusiasm.

In the huddle

Head coach: Charlie Troxell (first season)
Assistant coaches: Bob Beatty (OC), Steve Kline (DC), Mark Gibson (DC)
Class: 6A, YAIAA Division III
Enrollment: 1,323 (754 male)
Offense: Pro
Defense: 4-4

2016 schedule

Sept. 2 — York County Tech at Harford Tech, 7 p.m. 
Sept. 10 — Eastern York at York County Tech, 1 p.m. 
Sep. 16  — York County Tech at Kennard-Dale, 7 p.m. 
Sept. 24 — Littlestown at York County Tech, 1 p.m. 
Sept. 30 — York County Tech at Biglerville, 7 p.m.
Oct. 8 — Bermudian Springs at York County Tech, 1 p.m.
Oct. 14 — York County Tech at Fairfield, 7 p.m. 
Oct. 22* — Hanover at York County Tech 10 a.m.
Oct. 29 — Delone Catholic at York County Tech, 1 p.m.
Nov. 4 — York County Tech at York Catholic, 7 p.m. 
*homecoming

2015 results

W // Pequea Valley // 27-21 (OT)
L // @ Eastern York // 12-19
L // Kennard-Dale // 20-34
L // @ Littlestown // 6-23
L  // Biglerville // 6-23
L // @ Bermudian Springs // 8-34
W // Fairfield // 30-14
L // @ Hanover // 16-53
L // @ Delone Catholic // 28-49
L // York Catholic // 8-56