Warriors come back reloaded
The Arlee Warriors fell to Fairview during last year's quarterfinal round of the State Eight-Man Football playoffs, held on their home turf. Coach Ryan Landolfi says this year's team is "the most football-focused group of athletes I've had the pleasure of coaching thus far in my career."(Jamie Sievers photo)
Arlee brings back plenty of experience from last year’s 9-1 squad, whose only loss was to eventual state champion Fairview in the playoffs.
“Last year was an excellent season,” Arlee Head Coach Ryan Landolfi said. “We achieved nearly every goal we set. Our only loss came to the eventual state champs, and I'll give Fairview all the credit in the world - they were a great team.”
But this year, the Warriors are very junior and senior-heavy, with most of the offensive and defensive starters returning. So, being a great team could be a compliment given to Arlee in 2024.
Led by senior Bridger Smith, who will fill the middle linebacker and running back/tight end position, the Warriors will have plenty of familiar standout players.
“Returning starters and seniors Jeryn Belcourt and four-year starter Dylan Lovejoy will continue to anchor the offensive line as veteran blockers,” Landolfi said. “Eli O'Neill will carry the ball alongside Dusty Buck and Dean Moran.”
The defense will be anchored by linebackers Isadore Mitchell, Bridger Smith, and Grady O’Conner. Brody Smith returns to play safety, while Moran and O’Neill will fill other defensive back duties. Buck will play nose tackle and be a force up front.
“Everyone playing this year saw time on varsity last year, with the exceptions of stand-out sophomore Aaron Pablo, who will step into a starting position at guard, and junior Cash Wills, who will serve as our signal caller this season,” Landolfi said. “Both played exceptionally in junior varsity games last year.”
Arlee’s plan will be fundamental, hard-nosed football. Landolfi said the key will be sound blocking and tackling.
“The West looks stout this year,” Landolfi said. “There are 11 teams in our division this year, which is a bit unfortunate as we don't all get to play each other, and playoff berths will come down to tie-breakers, without a doubt.”
The coach added that there isn’t a game that the Warriors will overlook.
“The boys worked hard in the offseason by sticking together in Track and Field, football camps, and summertime practices,” Landolfi said. “They are the most football-focused group of athletes I've had the pleasure of coaching thus far in my career."