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Young West York squad taking its lumps in 2016


For almost a decade, the West York football team has reloaded, not rebuilt.

But, after 56 seniors graduated the past two seasons, the numbers seem to have finally caught up to the Bulldogs.

West York lost 49-20 to Governor Mifflin on Friday to fall to 1-5 on the season. And the majority of the players who took the field for the home team were underclassman.

"We knew we were going to be young this season," Bulldogs head coach Jeremy Jones said. "Offensively, we don't have one returning starter. Defensively, we have maybe two returning starters.

"With the low numbers of the senior class this year, there is a gap and unfortunately it has caught up to us," said Jones of only having a dozen seniors on this year's roster.

The Bulldogs sit at 1-1 in the Division II race, with four games to play in the regular season. All the remaining games are against division opponents.

"We have to run the table," Jones said of trying to contend for the division crown. "We need to take care of business, then we may have a chance. We'll see what happens."

In order for the Bulldogs to compete in those final four games, they need to tighten things up on all facets in the games, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

In its first three games this season, West York surrendered 171 points to Central York, Dallastown and Manheim Central.  For the season, the Bulldogs have given up 253 points.

"We didn't have a cupcake schedule," Jones said. "It's tough for a young team. We have taken our lumps that's for sure."

With the younger players getting so much playing time this year, could it amount to bigger things next season?

"There are no guarantees. Next year is a different year. It's different kids. The chemistry is different, you can't take anything for granted," Jones said.

Some of those younger players who are making an impact for the Bulldogs this season include freshman tight end Gabe Allen. Then there are sophomores Shane Kauffman, Justin Wetzel, Ay'Juan Marshall and Andrew LaManna. LaManna recorded the first touchdown of Friday's game on a 13-yard receiving touchdown. Friday's game was also Band Night at West York and Jones was impressed with the continued support for the football program.

"Our community has been behind us," Jones said. "To be at 1-5 and have the stands basically full, it says a lot about our community."