Springfield coach Todd Aiken speaks out on his standout players

Springfield football had an up-and-down season in 2018, finishing at 4-5. But, ultimately they exceeded many people’s expectations given how young they were. The 14 All-State selections on their roster had a lot to do with the ups during their season.

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Springfield coach Todd Aiken speaks out on his standout players Kameron Towle 1 hr ago 0 Zierfus Springfield’s Noah Zierfus (12) attacking a Poultney ball carrier this fall. Zierfus was selected to the Second Team not only as a defensive back but as a wide receiver as well. Jon Olender Springfield football had an up-and-down season in 2018, finishing at 4-5. But, ultimately they exceeded many people’s expectations given how young they were. The 14 All-State selections on their roster had a lot to do with the ups during their season. When asked about his football players that were selected to All-State teams by the VIFL, Cosmos head coach Todd Aiken had a lot of great things to say. Deacon Watson was a four year starter for Springfield and was selected to the First Team offensive line and Second Team defensive line. “He was the backbone of our line offensively and defensively this past season,” said coach Aiken. “His size, strength, and knowledge of the game will be hard to replace, however he did a great job as a player ‘coaching’ up our younger players and showing them the ropes. He’s the kind of player every coach wants on their team.” Bryson Jester is a graduating senior as well, as he earned a Second Team nod at running back and a First Team selection at linebacker in his final season at Springfield. On Jester, Aiken said, “He is a stud plain and simple. He plays with a passion and an aggressiveness that is rare these days. His presence will certainly be missed next year.” Ryan Kirker earned a Second Team selection at D-line following his junior season this fall. “He is a player that will break his back for a coach and his team,” said Aiken. “His physical play and versatility made him a good weapon for us. He’s a team player for sure.” Jacob Stepler was a workhorse for Springfield at running back in 2018, and although he missed three games due to injury, he still made Second Team as a linebacker. “He came back [from injury] and didn’t seem to miss a step,” said Aiken. “His tenacity and drive certainly helped our team be successful. When he isn’t on the field it’s noticeable. He’s that kind for guy for us.” Stepler will hope to stay healthy in his senior season after an injury-riddled junior campaign. “Greg Otis has been a leader on our lines for the last two years,” said coach Aiken. Otis made the Second Team as an offensive lineman in D-III following his junior season this fall. “His knowledge of the game and technical play is more than any coach can ask for. He is an extension of the coach on the field. The information that comes back to the sidelines from him is key to our success,” said Aiken. Noah Zierfus made two Second Teams for Springfield as both a wide receiver and defensive back in his junior season. “He is definitely an asset for us at wideout and defensive back. He has great hands and has a knack for finding the football,” said Aiken. Anthony Steele was also honored as a wideout and defensive back by the VIFL, grabbing a First Team wide receiver nod and Second Team at defensive back. “… Steele is our go to wideout because of his speed and great hands,” said Aiken. “He runs great routes and has established himself as a threat in the open field as a receiver and tackler.” Springfield will look to build on their season next year as Stepler, Otis, Zierfus, and Steele will all be seniors. Lucas Legasse and Brandon Bennett will also be seniors next year. Legasse was an honorable mention on both the defensive and offensive lines in the VIFL selections, and Bennett was an honorable mention at linebacker. Donovan Sprano will look to build on his sophomore campaign as a junior next year, as he was selected as an honorable mention at running back this past season.