By Mitch Silver

<<Football>>

Garnet seniors, from left: Billy Chabot, Andy Bach, A.J. Thompson, Owen Hull, and Peter Chabot.

Senior Chase Bekkerus was rehabbing a hamstring and missed the group picture.

Coaching Staff: Head Coach Dino Garr, 34^th year; New Assistant Coaches: Joel Jenson (line), Jonathan Sable (receivers & linebackers), Sean Zemlyak (QBs & secondary).

Graduated Starters: “We lost most of our skilled players, including quarterback, our power running back, and our three top receivers. Mat Bruno, one of the most versatile players I’ve ever coached, also graduated.”

Returning Players: “We should be strong along the line on both sides of the ball. We have many players coming up from a strong JV team. We’ll be all right.

What will a successful season depend on? “Getting everyone, especially the new kids, to play Garnets football. We have to replace eight starters on defense and seven on offense. The players who had a successful season on JV will have to step into those spots. And step up for us.”

Opening Day: September 1 final score — Rye 34, Byram Hills 12.

Next Home Game: Somers, defending NYS Class A champions, tonight at 7 p.m.

(pic #9108) The Rye team joins Coach Ernest Harmon, right, in looking forward to the season.

<<Boys’ Soccer>>

Coaching Staff: Head Coach Ernest Harmon, 2nd year; Assistant Coach Jon Tuttle, 3rd year.

Graduated Starters: Fifteen players in all.

Captains: Seniors Alec Jautz, Jake Katsikas, and Carl Friedrich.

What will a successful season depend on? Our success will come from preparation and effort. If we can build incrementally on our technical and tactical understanding of the game, and integrate several new players — including goalkeepers — into the team, we’ll be fine.”

Opening Day: At Ardsley, September 6.

Home Opener: Brewster, tomorrow at 11 a.m.