Four Downs: Westlake and Woodlands

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WESTLAKE
Coach: Rich Hennessy
2011 record: 3-6

* First down *

The big story — both literally and figuratively — is Tommy Hopkins. The 6-6, 298-pound two-way lineman recently gave a verbal commitment to play at UConn.

"I liked everything about it — the campus and the coaches," said Hopkins, a senior captain. "I also heard great things about coach (Paul) Pasqualoni."

Hopkins also received interest from West Virginia, Boston College, Penn State, Nebraska, Virginia, Illinois and Temple, but the initial scholarship offer from UConn sealed the deal.

"We knew UConn was my No. 1, so I didn't need any other offers to wait for," he said.

Offensively, Hopkins is a road grader at tackle and figures to open up gaping running lanes for Westlake's backs. He also anchors the defensive line, recording a team-high 63 tackles and five sacks in 2011.

According to teammate Dan Bassi, Hopkins' work ethic has rubbed off on the rest of the Wildcats.

"Even though (Hopkins) a lineman, his hard work resonates with the skill players," Bassi said. "You watch him and you get that will to devote yourself to football."

* Second down *

Bassi, who led the team in rushing last year, returns to spearhead the backfield. As a junior, he carried the rock 138 times for 706 yards and eight touchdowns. Bassi also showcased his workhorse potential, rushing an astounding 42 times for 346 yards and four touchdowns in a 40-29 win over Putnam Valley.

Look for him to build on last year's breakout campaign. And, hey, it doesn't hurt running behind a veritable human wall in Hopkins.

"Running behind Tommy Hopkins — you can't be upset with that," Bassi said.

* Third down *

The John D'Onofrio-era has come to a close. The talented signal-caller, who will continue his career at Ithaca College, was the only Westlake player to attempt a pass over the past two seasons.

Now, the Mike Rasuga-era is underway. The junior is slated to step under center and guide the Wildcats' offense. His teammates certainly believe he's the man for the job.

"(Rasuga) has got an accurate arm and a will to win," Bassi said. "We expect a lot out of him."

"He should do a great job," Hopkins added.

* Fourth down *

Westlake struggled through a 3-6 campaign in 2011, however, they did so with a ton of underclassmen and newcomers. In 2012, all those bumps and bruises should finally pay off.

The Wildcats will have experience all over the field, headlined by 18 seniors.

"We return pretty much everyone on both sides of the ball," Hopkins said.

Bassi's ready to see it all come together.

"Everyone has another year of experience and we expect a lot more out of ourselves individually and collectively," he said. "We need to bring the intensity and we need to know how to win as a group. A year of experience really helps with that."

WOODLANDS
Coach: Mike Meade
2011 record: 7-2 (lost to Dobbs Ferry in the Section 1 Class C semifinals)

* First down *

In his first year in green and white, former Roosevelt coach Mike Meade had great success.

The Falcons, who went went 8-33 from 2006-10, racked up seven wins and made it to the Section 1 Class C semis. While they fell to eventual state champ Dobbs Ferry, Meade's influence on the program has proved invaluable.

"We work hard during the summer and do things that we didn't during previous years," senior running back Raymond Jackson said. "We go hard in the weight room and hard on the field.

"We treat it like a family. We used to just play individually and tried to get individual stats. Now, everything is team effort and we try to get to the same goal and we work for the same things."

That feeling was echoed throughout the team.

"(Meade) has turned it around," senior OL/DL Michael Barbieri said. "We barely worked out before he came. He's provided a workout schedule for us. He's brought leadership and stepped the program up."

* Second down *

The Falcons return their best all-around player in all-section quarterback Justin Riccio. In 2011, he completed 68 of 117 passes for 1,177 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also racked up 40 carries for 194 yards and four touchdowns.

With a talent like Riccio under center, Woodlands has to be considered a threat to every team in Class C.

* Third down *

Malcolm Downey, who led the Falcons in rushing last season with 963 yards and 17 touchdowns on 122 carries, was lost to graduation. As a result, look for Jackson to have an expanded role out of the backfield. He rushed for 67 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries in 2011.

* Fourth down *

Woodlands' X-factor could easily be versatile offensive weapon Ron Richards. At 5-8, 150 pounds, he has the quickness and speed of a true home run hitter. Richards has the versatility to lineup in the backfield or out on the flanks, making him a tough player to game plan for. In 2011, he rushed for 76 yards and one touchdown on 18 carries and caught 19 balls for 267 yards and two touchdowns.  

Follow Isaac Cass on Twitter @MSGV_Icass

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