Last season, the Bangor Area High School football team only won one of their ten games, which was disappointing.
I mean, 1–9 is awful. “We don’t want that standard,” stated Vinnie Andrews, head coach of the Slaters. That’s kind of set them on fire. We kind of expected it years ago, I believe. I believe the children witnessed what it takes to compete in games at a higher level.
The head coach of Bangor for the second season added, “Our schedule is a grind.” We can’t guarantee that we’ll get our two and three reps in a single week. The timetable is extremely demanding and challenging. To even get into a ball game, you have to give it your all each week. We’ll proceed by taking each week as it comes.
The Slaters’ lone triumph of 2024 occurred in the season’s last game and was undoubtedly noteworthy. Bangor defeated rival Pen Argyl 14–13 on the road after scoring 14 points in the fourth quarter.In the 105th Slate Belt duel, the Green Knights were on a two-point conversion run with 21 seconds left, but a bunch of Slater defenders stopped them to win.
With 6:18 remaining in the fourth quarter, defensive end Jacob Hillis, now a senior, tipped an interception to himself, and Riley Waldron, also a senior, ran for a 17-yard touchdown to put the Slaters ahead 14–7.
Early in the last quarter, current sophomore quarterback Eziah Cartagenato sent the ball to wide receiver Hillis for a touchdown of 23 yards after Waldron hauled in an interception. This was Bangor’s first score of the game.
Hillis compared the victory over the Green Knights to an inspiration. Knowing that Pen Argyl is back at the end of the year. We lost a few players since we knew they had lost some. The game at the end of the year is going to be fantastic. I’m eager to play in it.
The Bangor senior went on, “I just hope that I don’t get hurt or that everyone on the team stays healthy so we can have a really good, competitive game.” And just the games that preceded that. I’m eager. They will serve as stepping stones to a more difficult task at the end of the year, which will be Pen Argyl. They are 3-0 versus the seniors. Going 4-0 would be fantastic.
Cartagena, who is anticipated to start at quarterback as a sophomore, entered the game in the second half and completed 7 of 10 passes for 46 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in the victory over the Green Knights.
Andrews said of Cartagena, “He started against Southern Lehigh last year as a freshman.” then led us back after we were behind against Pen Argyl at halftime. You wish to place a child in a difficult situation. He must enter at halftime and lead you down the field with two score drives while you are behind in your rivalry game. That, in my opinion, gives you an idea of his competitive spirit and his main character.
Bangor s known
Some of the playmakers from the previous campaign, such as seniors Hillis and Kamal Crockett, are returned by the Slaters.
the ball’s two sides. Andrews described the two seniors as “two great receivers.” Jake, on the other hand, will be a reliable D-end this season. I believe Kamal can play at the next level because he will be an extremely good cornerback. Both children are muscular and athletic. outstanding leaders. Both of them are members of our leadership council. They are definitely well-rounded people. In addition, a number of playmakers will be returning.
Last season, Hillis caught 24 passes for 258 yards and two scores.
In 2024, Waldron ran 89 times for 333 yards and a score.
Bangor s unknown
Although the Slaters are experienced, there are still some unanswered questions.
According to Andrews, our line will be bringing back five players who started games at some time during the previous season. They were tossed into the fire, some of them. Most likely, they weren’t prepared for varsity football. However, they will undoubtedly benefit much from the experience they acquired last year this year.
After acting as defensive coordinator the previous season, longstanding coach Paul Reduzzi departed, leaving a new defensive leader in charge of the Bangor defense.
According to Andrews, Will Cameron will take over as the DC. We are putting in place a new strategy that depends on our forward movement and agility. Over the summer, Will has performed admirably with our defense, and I anticipate additional improvement in the upcoming month.
Quotable: Coach Vinnie Andrews
Regarding adding depth to the roster
It will now be expected of the guys who spot started last year and earned crucial repetitions to increase their rep total. Since injuries are inevitable, I believe that right now we’re just attempting to add as much depth as we can. Although you want to stay healthy all year, you are aware that injuries are inevitable. We have been able to get ready for the season’s grind and the long haul thanks to my second year as head coach and our second year working as a staff.
Quotable: Sr. WR/CB Kamal Crockett
(about joining the senior group)
It’s incredible. I adore this culture. It’s stunning. I consider my guys, the elders, to be family. Brothers I ve never had.
Returning starters
Senior WR/DE RB/LB Jacob Hillis, Senior Riley Waldron, Sr. C/DL Tyler Campbell, Sr. WR/CB Kamal Crockett, Jr. RB/DB Lucas Hurd, Jr. OL/LB Hunter Hopstetter, Jr. OL/DL Daniel Zheng, So. QB/DB Eziah Cartagena, Jr. WR/DB Jon-Erick Ingram, Jr. OL/DL Kyle Bonopane, Sr. OL/DL Aiden Bright.
Top newcomers
Jr. OL/DL Johnny Yepez, Sr. OL/DL JJ Rubas, Fr. QB/DB Lincoln Rehrig, Jr. WR/DB Warren Bright, Fr. RB/DB Jude Martin, Sr. HB/DE Ayden Fassl, Jr. HB/LB Chase Brennan, Jr. HB/LB Axel Nunez, Jr. WR/DB Quinn Black.
Bangor basics
League:Colonial/Schuylkill, Red Division.
Class:4A.
Coach:Vinnie Andrews (second season, 1-9).
2024 record:1-9.
2023:6-5.
2022:7-4.
2021:7-4.
2020:1-5.
Their home:Bangor Memorial Park Stadium.
Bangor 2025 schedule
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Josh Folck may be reached [email protected].
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