By Adolphus Ames —
For the past few weeks, coaches and players throughout the Eastern Shore have been preparing to return to the football field.
The Nandua Warriors have been preparing since July 29. “We have almost an entirely new team this season,” said head coach Tom Rotkowski, now in his sixth season leading the Warriors and eighth overall with the team, after serving as an assistant under Chris Miles for two years. “Only two starters from varsity are still around. They are seniors now, but were sophomores last time we played.”
The Warriors haven’t played a game since early November 2019, when they defeated the Northampton Yellow Jackets 52-12. Their 2020 season, just like the Arcadia Firebirds’ and Chincoteague Ponies’ seasons, was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The new cast is one of the biggest challenges the Warriors are facing this season. “We have a lot of first years right now,” said Rotkowski. “This season we’re focusing on adjusting the playbook, getting the kids in shape, and going back to the basics and fundamentals of the game.”
COVID-19 will continue to pose a minor challenge this season as well. “Everybody is sacrificing to have a season,” said Rotkowski. “Players, coaches, parents, and administrators. There will be a daily mitigation of COVID protocols to protect everyone’s health.”
These protocols include a mask requirement for anyone entering the athletic facilities and players having to stay 6 feet apart when they are not in contact during drills. Players will also have to mask up and distance when sitting on the sidelines during games. These rules apply to vaccinated as well as unvaccinated players and will last the entire season.
Rotkowski’s overall goal this season is to take the team as far as he can. “The goal is to play games and get better,” he said. “So far, the players are getting better everyday. Hopefully by the end of the year we will be right in the thick of it.”
Back in 2019, the Warriors went 6-4 and undefeated in the district, narrowly missing the playoffs. Their first home game this season is Aug. 27 against the Rappahannock Raiders at 7 p.m. Last time the two teams faced, the Warriors lost 59-21.
Within the Eastern Shore district, they will face Arcadia twice, in Oak Hall on Sept. 10 and at home on Oct. 22, and will once again close out the season against Northampton on Oct. 29.
The Broadwater Vikings look to continue the success of last football season. Last spring, the team went 5-0. This will be the second season the Vikings play in an eight-man league. Unlike last season, this Vikings team will not be senior-heavy.
This season they’re losing 10 seniors, including all-state quarterback Brant Bloxom, and all-state running back and wide receiver Gunnar Gustafson, who ended last season with 887 rushing yards, 396 receiving yards, and 22 touchdowns.
“We also have a new starting line,” said head coach Eddie Spencer. “But some of these players have already been in the program. We’ve got three seniors this year. We’re going to run the same system. Offensively we want to spread things out and go quick.”
On the opposite side of the ball, the Vikings are welcoming a new defensive coordinator, Roland Weeden. “Last season, Broadwater didn’t have a defensive coordinator,” said Weeden. “Spencer ran the whole show by himself. They brought me in to organize the defense. I’ve never coached eight man before, but so far, it’s going well. These kids are very smart.”
“The goal this year is to be competitive and keep the program going,” said Spencer. The Vikings have their first scrimmage on Aug. 14 at Greenbrier Academy. They open up the season at home on Aug. 28 against Southampton Academy at 2 p.m.
