Seniors, new QB look to make impact for Hampton

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, August 14, 2018 | 9:45 PM

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Energy isn’t always a function of size – small can be powerful if the chemistry is right. Hampton is banking on its small senior class and new signal caller to be just that.

The turnover from three-year starter Ross Andersson — the last quarterback to start in a playoff game for Hampton three years ago — left questions. Andersson led the team in passing, rushing and total touchdowns last year.

Max Obenrader will have an opportunity to answer those questions.

“Max is a very intelligent student and a good athlete,” said coach Jacque DeMatteo, who enters his 10th season at the helm of a program looking to return to its former days of regularly competing for a playoff spot, after struggling to two wins last season and none before that.

“He’s a good leader. He leads by example. His arm strength is really above-average, and he brings a different style of running.”

Obenrader helps lead a senior class of 10 that has alleviated DeMatteo’s concerns going into the off-season about a small group transitioning itself into leadership roles.

“I’ve been really, pleasantly surprised with the leadership of our seniors,” he said. “They have done a great job of controlling our locker room.

“I’m a guy of paying attention to detail, and it’s just the little things we ask the kids to do, to keep things organized and neat. They take it upon themselves. This is a good group of kids.”

Obenrader is excited to lead a tight-knit group that stays close off the field, works out off team hours, and watches film for fun. Some of his closest friends are senior receivers/defensive backs Brandon Stephany and Brandon Sickles, and junior Will Schuit.

“We have a different energy around us this year,” said Obenrader, who beat out junior Ian Andersson for the job. “Much more confident. We’ve all been playing together for a while, and the chemistry is there.”

The team is hoping chemistry translates to the field, where DeMatteo would like to see the offense become more of a passing threat despite its identity as a run-first unit.

“Max has a really good arm,” Stephany said. “So we’re excited to see what he can do out there. It’s just like playing catch; we’ve been playing together a long time. It’s going to be different being the older guys, but we’re excited to get out there.”

Vinny Schmitt returns at running back and will look to make a big impact his senior year.

“He’s really impressed me,” DeMatteo said. “I couldn’t be more pleased with the direction he’s going. The kid wrestles and plays football. That’s two demanding, grinding activities. He’s off the charts strong in the weight room and has speed.”

Along with the five starters returning on offense, the team returns six on defense. Though the line on both sides remains a question mark, the team speed and seniors at skill positions and secondary will be beneficial in limiting turnovers and big plays.

“We have a smaller team size-wise,” Obenrader said. “So we’re going to have to be a lot faster to the ball and play a full 48 minutes, not one half. Most of our seniors are in the secondary. It’s a strong secondary. We have some younger guys on the line, but they’ll get the job done.”

DeMatteo likes what he sees thus far.

“The personnel we have, we’re trying to get some speed on the field,” he said. “I feel really good about the overall team speed on D, and the intelligence we have on D is another attribute we have.”

Playing more than one half is a big emphasis for Hampton this year, which initially competed with Woodland Hills and West Allegheny last year before struggling after halftime.

It has been tough sledding for the Talbots since the switch from four classes to six. Hampton is one of the smallest teams in 5A. The team struggled to keep up with traditional powerhouses Woodland Hills, West Allegheny and Gateway.

That could change this year with a larger field and less travel. Hampton remains in 5A, but the most recent realignment expanded from 18 to 24 teams. It also took Hampton away from those traditional powers and back with its neighbors – most notably, its biggest rival Mars, in the Northern Conference.

“One thing I noticed is Fox Chapel, us, Shaler, Knoch, Mars … these are kids that when they go to Ross Park Mall, they’re going to cross paths,” DeMatteo said. “It’s a cool thing because it’s backyard rivalry. I like the less travel. Let’s play in the backyard, and let’s get after it.”

Schedule

Coach: Jacque DeMatteo

2017 record: 2-8, 2-6

All-time record: 307-363-21

Date, Opponent, Time

8.24, Knoch, 7 p.m.

8.31, Armstrong*, 7 p.m.

9.7, at Shaler*, 7 p.m.

9.14, North Hills*, 7 p.m.

9.21, at Fox Chapel*, 7 p.m.

9.28, at Kiski Area*, 7 p.m.

10.5, Penn Hills*, 7 p.m.

10.12, West Allegheny, 7 p.m.

10.19, at Penn-Trafford, 7:30 p.m.

10.26, at Mars*, 7 p.m.

*Class 5A Northern Conference game

Statistical leaders

Passing: Ross Andersson*

56-106, 552 yards, 4 TDs

Rushing: Andersoon*

188-840 yards, 5 TDs

Receiving: Tyler Steedle*

17-157 yards

*Graduated

Devon Moore is a freelance writer.

Tags: Hampton