ORANGE — The sounds of coach Jim Woodward’s whistle and voice dominated Mahar Regional’s football preseason practice on Wednesday.
A few things brought about Woodward’s attention: fundamentals breaking down, not finishing a run and not hustling.
But as the practice continued players got the message, leaving Woodward to find what he has with his team this season through drills focusing on fundamentals.
Wednesday’s session at the Woodward Complex featured agility drills, offensive line work, a focus on ball protection and offensive play repetition.
“Trying to see who is in shape and who isn’t,” Woodward said. “Trying to get kids in the right positions. Most of them want to be backs. Need to weed those guys out.”
If a play didn’t run smoothly, the Senators went back to the line again to run it again.
Toward the end of the session, assistant coach Kyle Newton led a drill with live tackling.
Newton began by demonstrating how to shed a block to get through to make a tackle on the ball carrier.
The drill gave lineman a chance to run with the ball, and featured some hard hitting among the teammates.
The Senators finished last season with four straight wins. There is a new stable of running backs along with some experience returning on the offensive line this season for run-heavy Mahar.
“I am hoping it carries over,” Woodward said.
The Senators started 0-7 last season with a few close losses.
“The kids that are back are going to be excited,” Woodward said. “I heard them talk about giving some away last year and hopefully not doing that again this year. But it is a new year, you never know.”
As far as personnel for the upcoming season the Senators will feature Jake Tenney with an increased role at running back.
“I am excited,” Tenney said. “A lot of hard work so far this season. Hopefully, it pays off.
The team features three seniors and 13 juniors with a total of 22 players signed up to play football.
“Good to see some young guys out there,” Tenney said. “Everything can be worked on and improved upon.”
Tenney gives the Senators some quickness and athleticism out of the backfield.
“Right now, Jake Tenney looks pretty good,” Woodward said. “He’s quick.”
Aydan Sevigny, Elias Spencer and fullback Austin Matthews will also see carries for the Senators.
Noaha Chabot took all the snaps at quarterback during the practice session after becoming the starter during last year’s season.
When Chabot keeps the ball, he will look downfield to receivers Charlie Barnes and Luke Melanson.
Barnes was the leading receiver last season for the Senators.
The offensive line added guard Peter Tattan to go with last year’s returners.
The Senators have a scrimmage against Murdock High School on Saturday at the Woodward Complex at 10 a.m.
