Flint Hill Football Gets Set for Winning Season

Quick Facts

• Coach: Michael Wright
• Last year's record: 4-5
• Returning Seniors: 23

As Flint Hill’s football team begins the 2011 season, head coach Michael Wright believes they will be well prepared for victory.

“We have been out here practicing since Aug. 20, and I’ve seen a good balance between offense and defense, and I think that will go far for us,” Wright said. “We don’t have any over-the-top superstar; everyone is working hard and we have guys who can run hard, guys who can hit hard, a good line and we are excited about the possibilities for the season.”

The team is coming off a 4-5 record and would like to improve and return to the formidable champions they have been in recent years.

“Last year we were about .500 and lost the league for the first time in four years, which was a humbling experience, but you have to keep moving,” Wright said. “We lost to Potomac, and they played very well and were a terrific team. Our goal is to get back there. We played state finals three different years but haven’t been the last couple and our goal is to return to the states.”

With 23 seniors returning from last year, the squad is loaded with experience.

“We have most of the starters back and we feel comfortable with that,” Wright said. “We have some new guys and others who have been around for a while so that’s good and complements the team well.”

Senior quarterback Andy Rehberger has played in Wright’s offensive scheme since his freshman year and is expected to have a big season.

Junior Hunter Windmuller is already attracting a great deal of attention for his massive punts and kicking ability, and Wright expects his leg to be the difference in several games.

Junior Conor Chess was the team’s MVP last year and will be relied on again to make a big contribution on the field.

Anchoring the offensive line are seniors Harrison Gray, Larry Chambers, William Davidson, Michael Palma and Sam Crummer and juniors Jesse Anderson and Kevin Abt.

“They will all have huge impacts. It’s a strong group and they can all make a difference in the games,” Wright said. “They play as a team and really mesh well together.”

With plenty of great games against division rivals over the years, every opponent has special meaning.

“When you’ve won enough league games, everyone targets you, so they are all going to be good,” Wright said. “We met Potomac in last year’s championship game, so that is one we look forward to.”

That game will end their regular season on Nov. 5. St. James on Oct. 15 and the homecoming game against Maret on Oct. 22 are also match-ups the players are looking forward to.

“I’m looking forward to hanging out with the kids; for a lot of them, this is our third or fourth year together and I am excited about the season ahead,” Wright said. “They have been around a while and understand what it’s like to be humble. They have a great year ahead.”

Seniors on the squad are Trevor Ogundepo, Andy Rehberger, Nick Bazzarone, Robert Rucks, Alex Suarez, Ramon Burris, Hunter Windmuller, Jay O'Brien, Dominique Chestnut, Kevin McNerney, Cameron Field, Michael Palma, Harrison Gray, Rick Armstrong, Sam Crummer, Matt Koger, Larry Chambers, William Davidson, David Statman, Alex Abraham and Tyler Shorris.