Westfield 2011 Football Season One to Watch

Good things come to those who wait. Kyle Simmons became just the second head coach in ’s 11-year history last December when Tom Verbanic announced that he would not be returning after the 2010 season. School officials passed the baton to defensive coordinator Kyle Simmons.

Simmons served on Verbanic’s staff since the school’s 2000 opening and produced one of the area’s most respected defenses since assuming the role of defensive coordinator in 2006. His defense was instrumental in Westfield’s 2007 state title run.

“Getting the job at Westfield was a dream come true. It’s something that I’ve worked very hard for, ever since deciding that I wanted to become a head coach,” said Simmons.

Westfield went 6-5 last year under Verbanic and ended the season with a 7-0 loss to rival in the Northern Region playoffs. Simmons’ defensive unit menaced opposing offenses as the Bulldogs held opponents to 14 points or less in 9 of their games.

Strengths

Simmons is handing defensive coordinator responsibilities to Jon Shields who will benefit from the return of a several veteran defensive playmakers. Linebackers Mo Katz (Sr.) and Matt Craft (Sr.), defensive back Bo Hartman (Sr.) and defensive lineman Erik Morales (Sr.) headline a solid defense. Despite the loss of a couple of starters from the defensive front line, Westfield’s run defense should be just as stout as it was last season.

Offensively, returning quarterback Matt Pisarcik (Sr.) has an arsenal of weapons at his disposal. Running back Kendell Anderson (Sr.) missed some of last season with injury, but he is fully healthy and will run behind a talented offensive line which is anchored by offensive linemen Sean Douglass (Sr.) and Andrew Sargent (Sr.). Wide receivers Quentin Basil (Sr.) and Michael Garcia (Sr.) are the team’s one and two receivers and both are extremely talented. Basil, who towers at 6’4, re-established great chemistry with Pisarcik over the summer as the two looked very impressive in the summer passing tournament circuit.

Although Simmons passed defensive coordinator duties to Shields, he will be involved in Westfield’s special teams unit. Kicker Matt Delany had a solid 2010 campaign and has worked hard during the off-season to boost his leg strength.

Coach's Corner

"I’ve been around some really great people who have mentored me along the way, and I couldn’t be in a better position as far as what I get from the Westfield administration, parents and other coaches. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s made the job a lot easier," Simmons said. "With a program the size of ours, you need people like that to be successful."

While the 2011 season will be Simmons’ first as a head coach, his 10-year familiarity with Westfield football and opposing district teams puts him at a great advantage. He has seen a lot and has been presented with many challenges and knows how to deal with this. Former coaches Rob Everett (Lee) and Pete Bendorf (South County) joined the Westfield family in the off-season and will bring years of experience to an already seasoned coaching staff.

Simmons is thrown into the fire early with a road game against being the team’s first on the schedule (Sept. 2). Road games at (Sept. 30) and district rival (Oct. 28) will also present challenges. The Bulldogs return a solid number of talented players from both sides of the ball to be a legitimate Concorde District contender. While replacing a legend is never an easy task, Simmons is in a better position to succeed than most.

At a Glance:

2010 record: 6-5 (2-2 Concorde District)

Last game: Lost 7-0 to Chantilly on Nov. 12

Key departures: Defensive lineman Jacob Milson, defensive back Ben Campbell, tight end Mitch Castleberry

Key returning players: Running back Kendell Anderson, quarterback Matt Pisarcik, wide receiver Quentin Basil, offensive lineman Sean Douglass, linebacker Mo Katz, linebacker Matt Craft, defensive back Bo Hartman, defensive lineman Erik Morales

Position strengths: Offensive line, defensive back

Key games: Sept. 2 at South Lakes, Sept. 23 at Robinson, Sept. 30 vs. Chantilly, Oct. 28 at Centreville.