RallyNorth.net

Rich takes the Lancers reins

Friday, September, 05 By By Ryan Lambert
Staff writer

more diplomatic. He's a bit more low-key than I am. That's the big thing he'll bring. It won't be coach Sawyer blowing spit out of the side of his mouth looking like a rabid dog. I tried to change that style, but I couldn't do it. I always told Jon to coach with his personality. The job will still get done, it will just get done in a little quieter atmosphere. That might be a blessing for the kids."

Rich also received the benefit of a pretty strong returning team. While superstars like Alex Theodhosi and Ryan Griffin, both of whom went on to play Division 1 college football at Brown and UConn, respectively, are gone, there's still a good core in place.

"I think that if they continue on the curve they're on, they could be a very successful team," said Rich. "In Division 1, anyone can win any given week. Like a lot of teams, we're not very deep, so if we get bit by the injury bug, that could all change.

"There's a few kids on both sides of the ball that stand out. Some kids have stood out. Kevin Hale, our tight end, has done pretty well. He's a junior so this is the first time he'll get a good amount of playing time. A number of seniors have stepped up and done well."

Sawyer, however, was not so cautious in his predictions.

"I'll be honest," he said. "This is a good team. Maybe if things go their way, I think they can get into the playoffs with this team."

But Rich isn't thinking that far ahead. His mind is on Winnacunnet on Friday night.

"It's a lot of prep with them before the season started, so we could focus on the little things once the game rolled around," he said. "We took care of that in the preseason. That takes away from a lot of anxiety."

If he has any questions, Rich can always give Sawyer a call. The old coach says he will still swing by the games and practices, and even some film sessions, if he ever gets off that new boat of his. But, Sawyer says, there was never any doubt that Jon Rich was perfect for this job. No question.

"He's a great guy," said Sawyer. "He's aces to me. The right person, definitely. Definitely."