Sandy Creek may rely on aerial attack this year

With the loss of two of the area's top runners in Dylan Shiel and Koby Fowler (both at Central Connecticut State), the Comets would normally be looking at a rebuilding season.

But despite those losses, and they were considerable with that duo rushing for more than 2,100 yards and 27 touchdowns, veteran coach Mike Stevens is optimistic as the Comets move into Class D West this season.

It helps that Stevens has a veteran leader in third-year varsity quarterback Corey Sprague, who figures to throw the ball a little more this season with a couple of nice targets in seniors Shane Scullen and Matt Shirley.

Three veterans will try to fill the shoes of Shiel and Fowler. Juniors Jared Soule and Caleb Ward showed splashes of potential in a backup role a year ago, and senior Jeremy Brennan also figures to provide some pop in the backfield.

Two-way all-star linemen Steph Smith and Tim Babcock anchor a good-sized and veteran line which figures to open some holes for the news backfield.

Scullen (end), Soule (linebacker), Sprague (safety), Shirley (cornerback), Ward (linebacker), Jacob Halsey (linebacker) and Justin Wallis (end) should be some of the mainstays on defense.

"With a veteran line and experience at quarterback, we should be able to move the ball,'' Stevens said. "A good sophomore class and good numbers (38) should allow us a little more flexibility.''