32 teams, 11 weeks, 3 crowns: A look at the coming football season

There seems to be more chance of change in Division III, where Windsor and Woodstock have been a cut above the competition for years. Party crashers include Springfield, where enthusiasm for a big year is building.

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SPRINGFIELD The Cosmos football program is building momentum and with 37 players out, Springfield is going to have one of the meatier rosters in Division III. That’s after getting three wins last year, including a playoff triumph on the road at BFA-Fairfax — Springfield’s opponent for Friday’s home opener. “I’m sure they haven’t forgotten (the playoff loss),” said Cosmos new skipper Todd Aiken. But the Cosmos also remember that day for the taste of victory. Aiken is hoping for more success this season but is also building for the future. One key piece will be his freshman quarterback, Sam Presch. “I was scratching my head about what to do with that position,” said Aiken, who stopped scratching once Presch worked out in spring ball. “He‘s really stepped up and become a leader,” Aiken said. “He’s very mature for his age. He has natural athletic talent and stays composed. The older guys trust him.” Presch is developing as a passer but also has the quick feet to call his own number. He might not have to do much of either if speedster Jacob Stepler gets loose. The junior has breakaway speed and is hard to take down. He’s also very hungry, having missed last season with a broken leg sustained in the team’s first scrimmage. Six-foot-2 wideout Noah Zierfus will create matchup problems on offense, where linemen Deacon Watson and Greg Otis, running back Bryson Jester and receiver Kaleb Chambers return. The Cosmos flew to the ball and were very physical in a scrimmage against Fall Mountain. They have a veteran core and a solid leader by example in Chambers. “He’s the kind of kid every coach wants on their team. No matter what position you put him in he will learn it to its fullest,” Aiken said. “He never stops asking questions, he’s physical and he’s a textbook tackler.” Another up-and-comer is sophomore Donivan Sprano, who is at one of the team’s deeper positions, linebacker. “We have a good group,” Aiken said. “I told them the other night, we want to set the bar a little higher. The kids are hungry and they want a taste of the success we had last year. Our goal is to be playing at the end of October.”