Talent, depth give Beavers optimism

After struggling for consistency the past few seasons, this could be the year Beaver River makes some noise in Class D with an abundance of returning talent and finally some depth.

Fourth-year coach Steve Puddington welcomes back all but two starters on offense and all but three starters on defense. That gives the Beavers plenty of experience and a chance to put together a winning campaign.

"With many kids putting in much quality time in the weight room during the off-season, we have high hopes,'' Puddington said.

Beaver River possesses one of the best quarterback-receiver combinations in the north country in seniors Dallas Pate and Evan Buckingham. Pate threw for nearly 900 yards and seven touchdowns a year ago. Buckingham led all Frontier League wideouts with 42 catches and accumulated 628 yards and eight TDs. That earned him a spot on the Times All-North first team as well as a place on the Class D all-state first team.

Junior fullback Paul Puddington is a versatile player who can run and catch equally as well and should give the Beavers another weapon coming out of the backfield. Veterans Mike Virkler and Jacob Zehr anchor the offensive and defensive lines.

On defense, Puddington, Cody Keefer and Jake Meyers are standout linebackers, while Evan Lyndaker and Buckingham patrol the secondary.

Beaver River is now in Class D East, which includes perennial Class D power Dolgeville this season.