As John Roth begins his senior year as a member of the Cornwall High School football team, there will be a number of changes compared to his first two seasons.
Influenced by his older brother, Roth started playing football in the third grade. He made Cornwall’s varsity as a sophomore, but his season was cut short when he broke his arm trying to make a tackle in the second game.
As the starting inside linebacker his junior year, Ross still felt new to varsity. He was named team captain, but he didn’t feel deserving of the title.
“I felt it wasn’t my time yet, so I was a little quiet,” said Roth, who chose to lead by example, rather than be a vocal leader.
As captain and senior member of the Dragons, Ross now has more confidence to step forward and lead his team.
“I have that comfort. It’s my time. I’m at that age where I can finally say stuff and get a little more hyped.”
His advice to his teammates is, “Everything starts now. Forget about last year. Every season is a new season. If you make a mistake, forget it; keep moving forward.”
Roth’s added responsibilities aren’t the only changes this season. The team will be playing behind new quarterback Jason Bailey. Despite the change at a key position, Roth doesn’t believe there will be any adjustment period at the start of the season.
“I think Jason’s really good. He proved himself last year in the Queensbury game. Going 7 on 7 in camp, he proved himself again this year. He should have a really good season.”
The final change is at the team’s helm. Michael Connelly succeeded Marcus Hughes as team coach and brings a different style of play to the table. Connelly is more defensive-minded whereas Hughes focused on offense. Roth said the team welcomed Connelly immediately and the change to defense first benefits the linebacker, who hopes to break his personal record of 152 tackles which he set last year.
Roth wouldn’t make any predictions on the season, but he hopes for some change there, too.
“Obviously we want to go further than last year and the year before that. I’m tired of always going to the semifinals. I want to go that extra step. I think everyone will back me up on that.”
