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Staunton enters the season with some unproven players on its roster. A lot of experience graduated a season ago and Coach Michael Bell and his staff must find a way to replace those players.
"It's a young team," Bell said. "They're eager. It's an athletic team. I've just got to find a way to put the pieces together."
Staunton graduated 17 seniors out of a 38-player roster from a team that finished 4-6 and missed the playoffs a year ago. That's nearly 45% of the team gone.
Bell chooses to look at that as a glass half full.
"When you lose that many it gives other kids an opportunity," said Bell, who enters his fifth season as head coach. "They're like, 'Hey, I might get a chance to show'...when it's open and they see that opportunity it brings competition."
More: What's the must-watch football game of the year? Vote in our poll.
Bell said the depth chart has been changing daily, but there are some players Bell knows will have to make an impact if Staunton is to be successful this year.
Junior Sirius Salisbury is a defensive end, fullback and offensive guard. He was second on the team a year ago in tackles.
"He's just a strong, physical kid," Bell said. "He's a wrestler. Made the nationals this year, but he couldn't go because he strained his back this summer. But we're looking for him to do big things."
Braxton Covert, another junior, was a two-way starter as a freshman before tearing his MCL in preseason a year ago.
"He's back and he's ready to go," Bell said. "He has that spark after missing a year."
The third player Bell mentioned is junior Luc Geffrard.
"He's a playmaker," Bell said. "He was second on our team in reception yards last year. He has a great attitude."
Plus, Geffrard is versatile. He is the team's kicker and punter. He is in the running to play quarterback, but can also play running back and receiver. Geffrard pointed to receiver as his favorite position, saying he likes to score those touchdowns.
"We just want to see what kids stand out," Bell said. "We're giving kids an opportunity."
As of the first week of practice, Bell said there were four guys in the running for quarterback. In addition to Geffrard, freshman Kayden Organ, junior Cam Lightfoot and junior Gabe Johnson are all getting looks at the position.
"They are all competing," Bell said. "None of them settle, going through the motions. And they all bring a different dynamic. Whoever wins, the offense is going to be a little different depending on that individual."
When asked about his defense, Bell paused before saying, "Rebuilding." He said four or five guys are back who rotated in on defense, but the energy in practice has been high. That excites Bell.
"One thing we have seen is that positive attitude we haven't seen in a long time," Bell said. "That's really a big thing. Being a young team that looks good."
More: Ex-Stuarts Draft assisted living owner pleads guilty, avoids jail
Patrick Hite is a reporter at The News Leader. Story ideas and tips are always welcome. Connect with Patrick (he/him/his) at [email protected] and on Instagram @hitepatrick. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.
This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Staunton trying to pieces together for Storm football success
Continue reading...
"It's a young team," Bell said. "They're eager. It's an athletic team. I've just got to find a way to put the pieces together."
Staunton graduated 17 seniors out of a 38-player roster from a team that finished 4-6 and missed the playoffs a year ago. That's nearly 45% of the team gone.
Bell chooses to look at that as a glass half full.
"When you lose that many it gives other kids an opportunity," said Bell, who enters his fifth season as head coach. "They're like, 'Hey, I might get a chance to show'...when it's open and they see that opportunity it brings competition."
More: What's the must-watch football game of the year? Vote in our poll.
Bell said the depth chart has been changing daily, but there are some players Bell knows will have to make an impact if Staunton is to be successful this year.
Junior Sirius Salisbury is a defensive end, fullback and offensive guard. He was second on the team a year ago in tackles.
"He's just a strong, physical kid," Bell said. "He's a wrestler. Made the nationals this year, but he couldn't go because he strained his back this summer. But we're looking for him to do big things."
Braxton Covert, another junior, was a two-way starter as a freshman before tearing his MCL in preseason a year ago.
"He's back and he's ready to go," Bell said. "He has that spark after missing a year."
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The third player Bell mentioned is junior Luc Geffrard.
"He's a playmaker," Bell said. "He was second on our team in reception yards last year. He has a great attitude."
Plus, Geffrard is versatile. He is the team's kicker and punter. He is in the running to play quarterback, but can also play running back and receiver. Geffrard pointed to receiver as his favorite position, saying he likes to score those touchdowns.
"We just want to see what kids stand out," Bell said. "We're giving kids an opportunity."
As of the first week of practice, Bell said there were four guys in the running for quarterback. In addition to Geffrard, freshman Kayden Organ, junior Cam Lightfoot and junior Gabe Johnson are all getting looks at the position.
"They are all competing," Bell said. "None of them settle, going through the motions. And they all bring a different dynamic. Whoever wins, the offense is going to be a little different depending on that individual."
When asked about his defense, Bell paused before saying, "Rebuilding." He said four or five guys are back who rotated in on defense, but the energy in practice has been high. That excites Bell.
"One thing we have seen is that positive attitude we haven't seen in a long time," Bell said. "That's really a big thing. Being a young team that looks good."
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Staunton 2026 schedule
- Aug. 28 at Harrisonburg
- Sept. 4 Rocktown
- Sept. 11 at Rockbridge County
- Sept. 18 Alleghany
- Sept. 25 Open
- Oct. 2 at Waynesboro
- Oct. 9 Stuarts Draft
- Oct. 16 at Buffalo Gap
- Oct. 23 Wilson Memorial
- Oct. 30 at Riverheads
- Nov. 6 Fort Defiance
More: Ex-Stuarts Draft assisted living owner pleads guilty, avoids jail
Patrick Hite is a reporter at The News Leader. Story ideas and tips are always welcome. Connect with Patrick (he/him/his) at [email protected] and on Instagram @hitepatrick. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.
This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Staunton trying to pieces together for Storm football success
Continue reading...
