BUFFALO GAP: It’s a new year

By Corine Gatti

Published: August 21, 2008

SWOOPE
When Buffalo Gap coach Rob Maxwell looked at his football squad he didn’t see them as the Group A, Division I defending champs riding a wave of momentum from an undefeated season — Maxwell looked at his team as if they never held a trophy.
“What we did last year has no bearing on what we will do this year,” Maxwell said. “Our kids know that, and we are trying to focus on that right now, and starting our first game [on] Aug. 29 against Bath County, which is our home opener. We play in a competitive district. We can’t get sidetracked.”
One reason Gap is not anxious to bask in its 2007 glory could be the amount of personnel that graduated, leaving Maxwell with holes in his offensive armor.
Gap lost nine seniors including fullbacks Joe Workman and Austin Bowers, who were the heart of the offense that contributed to the 2007 perfect season. The team is without all-state tackle Todd Talbert, who had 56 tackles and defensive machine Michael Lawrence who had 73 total tackles last season.
The good news is that Ryan Sheridan, who played defense for two years, has experience. He was second in passing and will start as the quarterback replacing Travis Morris.
“We still have some returning players like offensive lineman Ian Rosenfield and wide receiver Boon Jones,” Maxwell said.
Pickle Nucklos is part of the returning crew. He rushed for 2,351 yards and 28 touchdowns last season.
Maxwell has kept his eye on the speedster this summer.
“Pickle has worked extremely hard in the offseason. He has worked out and tried to improve himself. He has never rested on his lurels,” Maxwell said. “He has worked with a bunch of good seniors coming up, and hopefully they will make this year special.”
The Bison filled their roster with new players going out for the team.
“Our numbers have been up this summer, more than usual. We have a lot of kids wanting to play that have never played before. But they will have to jump in and learn quick,” Maxwell said. “There are a number of players that are from the JV team too, and they are ready to step it up.”
Maxwell would not disclose future plans or roster moves until the first game.
“We have a lot of work to do,” Maxwell said after the Bison scrimmage agianst Stuarts Draft on Aug 15.
“Hopefully we will improve week-by-week, and show more improvement.”