AYF Falcons preview

RUMFORD -- The AYF Falcons will kick off the 2012 season with a home opener at Chet Bulger Field in Rumford Sunday at 12:30 p.m. against the visiting Giants from Farmington.

The Falcons are defending champions and are looking for their third straight appearance in the title game.

Falcons head coach and League President Kelly Gorham says "In the 10 years I've been coaching AYF, this could be one of the maturest teams to start the season. We need to improve every week and every game as a team while making every Falcon a better player for the next level of football."

The experienced Falcons return 13 players, the majority of whom were major contributors last year. Alex Gorham will be the anchor on the offensive line, resuming his snapping duties at the center position. Gorham's pure strength and knowledge of the game give him a huge advantage in the trenches.

Cam Godbois will be directing the offense at quarterback, led by his field awareness and protection of the pigskin. Will Sorensen returns at halfback, where his hard style of running gives the Falcons options to pound up the middle plus he has the speed to break a long run. He could be the best running back blocking out of the backfield. Kyle Kenney has plenty of experience at the other halfback. Kenney was known for his north and south running style as he worked hard for every yard. Keegan Davis and Zach Blodgett will both be play fullback. They both lugged the ball effectively last year. Davis also will be playing wingback due to his sure hands to catch the ball out of the backfield.

Jack Lavorgna is another key player at guard. His quickness off the ball and his strength will open some holes for the backs to run through. Ethan Laubauskas, Will Bean and Josh Thibodeau will share duties at the end position. Laubauskas has a strong arm at quarterback and will have some designed plays to throw the ball down the field. Nick McInnis, Josh Hodsdon and Shannon Morton are the other returning players who will give the Falcons some depth in multiple positions.

The Falcons welcome eight new players, sixth graders Zeb Houghton and Bryant Lucio; and fifth graders Jasper Turner, Bryce Wilson, Averie Pingree, Jeramyah Lessard, Jacob True and Cole Gordon.

All four AYF teams open the season at home Sunday. The 3rd and 4th grade Oilers kickoff the day at 11 a.m. against the Bobcats, followed by the 5th and 6th grade Falcons at 12:30 p.m. The 3rd and 4th grade Steelers will play the Lynx at 2 and the 5th and 6th grade 49ers wrap the day up with a 3:30 game against the Patriots.

Submitted by Falcons coach Mark Richard.