CSP, it’s Time

These opportunities do not come along that often. A good quarterback, reliable receivers, stout running back, physical offensive line and a physical defense; the recipe for a great football team. That’s what the Wolfpack have this season and that’s why the time to make a deep run towards a state title is now.

4th year head coach Ty Harper has seen his team improve each year since taking over in 2015. “We’re right on the doorstep,” Harper said. “We want to take the next step forward.” CSP will have as good a shot as they’ve ever had since the three schools merged to form one team. Clymer, Sherman and Panama, are one of the four teams battling for the Class D title.

They’ll battle Cattaraugus-Little Valley, Maple Grove and Salamanca; playing each team twice during the regular season.

Junior quarterback Gerrit Hinsdale started all 9 games last season and threw for almost 1300 yards and 10 touchdowns. He had Derek Ecklund and Michael Beatman in the backfield. The tandem combined for over 1,100 yards rushing and 19 touchdowns. Cam Barmore was 1st Team All-League last year and led CSP in receiving yards (382).

Hinsdale spread the ball around well in his sophomore campaign, four different receivers hauled in 12 or more passes. His center, senior Elliott Jackson, is a three-year starter on Varsity and could be Panama’s Valedictorian.

Jordan Smouse is also a returning starter on the O-line. Harper believes he’s the team’s strongest player. Mason Bestine saw quite a bit of playoff action last season and is another strong, intelligent lineman. They did lose Thomas Delahoy to graduation, one of the best lineman in all of WNY last season.

The Overton brothers, Robert and Zavon can be found on the defensive side. Robert (MLB) is coming off of a knee injury from last season. Prior to going out he was considered one of the top linebackers in Class D. Brother Zayon is the starting safety and the team punter.

John Swabik is only a sophomore but will be playing on both sides of the ball. He took 2nd at the state meet in the Pentathlon this past spring.

A total of 23 players return from last year’s team, 11 starters in all. “Hungry dogs run faster” is the adopted motto for CSP this year. “We want to improve each day and compete at the championship level,” Harper said.

The Wolfpack has what it takes.. is this the year they prove it?