2022 Preseason Playbook: Susquehanna Valley Sabers

CONKLIN, N.Y. (WBNG) - “I really would like to go to states.”

For Susquehanna Valley senior running back and linebacker Anthony DiRosa, his goal for his final season is clear, and he knows exactly what it’s going to take.

“People are going to have to push themselves really, really hard. Like when we do our drills that we’re supposed to do and people are walking and giving up you just got to push past that. You have to put in extra effort,” said DiRosa.

The Sabers roster is younger this year, so it’s up to seniors like DiRosa and offensive lineman Dylan Petryszyn to lead the team to their goals. Their plan is to keep it positive.

“Encouraging. Encouragement is the best. When they look up to you it’s better because they don’t see you as a bully. It’s easier to play under someone who respects you,” said Petryszyn.

After all, on the football field, a winning mentality is established long before the first snap of the season. Something Sabers players are reminded of with the four words, ‘hustle, hit, never quit,’ on their back.

“You know a lot of that stuff you can control. You control your hustle. You control your attitude, your effort. You can control whether you quit or not. So we talk about the things that we have control over that are not physical limitations but attitude limitations,” said head coach Mike Ford.

The team’s outlook couldn’t be any better.

“It’s great. Like I wake up and can’t wait to go to football,” said DiRosa.

With that first step accomplished, Susquehanna Valley is now ready to back it up with results.