New-Look Ledyard Set For Football Opener

Ledyard High's football bleachers are being replaced and are not expected to be ready for the Colonels' home opener next weekend against Windham, forcing the game to be played elsewhere, possibly the Coast Guard Academy.

As a team, the Colonels replace many starters from last year's 7-3 squad. But coach Jim Buonocore proclaims the team, unlike the bleachers, is ready for the season.

Ledyard travels to play an improved Killingly, 1-9 in 2010, today at 6:30 p.m. in both team's opener. While there is nowhere to go but up, the Redmen legitimately expect a spurt of fortune. They feature some impressive athletes and young talent that comprised the Southern New England Youth Football Super Bowl champs two years ago.

Halfback J.R. Richeeds is a track long jump champ and ECC weightlifting winner. Back-defensive back Tyler Stucke could also start on any conference team. Quarterback Randy Greene also returns.

"Killingly is a solid team," Buonocore said. "They have 16 seniors and many of them have been playing for three years at the varsity level. This will be a very tough opener at their place."

Ledyard buried Killingly last year behind a huge game from running back Alex Manwaring. Though the Colonels lost 17 seniors, Manwaring (1,000 yards, 14 TDs) is back for his last year. He was by far Ledyard's top player until injuring his ankle in the 7th game.

Buonocore didn't show much of Manwaring in preseason scrimmages, preserving his valuable weapon. He should see the ball upwards of 25 times a game behind a line led by returning center Josh Lawrence.

"Alex is ready for another solid year," Buonocore said. "We held him back quite a bit this pre-season and limited his touches. But now that it is real, he will see the ball plenty."

Junior transfer John Rainey from Saint Bernard has won the starting quarterback job, nosing out sophomore Adam Hildebrandt.

"John is our starter, but Adam had a very nice preseason and will fit into our plan as well. I am comfortable with both young men and they have improved greatly."

Senior linebackers Dallas Smith and Manwaring, and cornerback Slade Baxley return as defensive starters. Buonocore will also look to a number of first-time varsity starters to emerge as vital leaders. Some positions still feature competition for playing time.

"We had a good pre-season," Buonocore said. "I think we have grown over the course of three weeks and have improved tremendously. The kids are excited to get going and get the first game under our belt. We are relatively healthy going in."