The Alderson Broaddus sprint football program will begin their inaugural season on Saturday, September 14, at 12pm, when Cornell University comes to Philippi.

 

The Battlers will be playing their first-ever sprint football game, an exciting brand of football that limits players' weights to 178 pounds. Aside from the weight limit, all of the other rules are exactly the same as NCAA football.

 

AB will be looking to Bridgeport, WV native Matt Dillion to be a key leader for the Battlers. After a successful career for Bridgeport High School, Matt was a part of the NCAA Division II team at AB before deciding to join the sprint program this year. "Matt Dillon is a young man who came down from the DII program and has installed himself as a leader for us," said Head Coach Brad Jett. "Matt comes from Bridgeport, WV and he may be a two way player, playing offensive line and defensive line, as well as being our long snapper."

 

Offensively, freshman Josh Derocher (Boonesboro HS, MD) is projected to start at quarterback. Coach Jett added, "Josh has run the offense that we are installing, for the past four years. His ability to see the field and to do what is asked of him has been a great contribution to us growing as a unit." Freshman Timothy Tillman (Randallstown HS, MD) is another one of the quarterbacks who is expected to see action during the course of the game. Coach Jett had high praises for him, saying, "Since we started camp, Timothy may be the most improved player on the offensive side of the ball."

 

Defensively, free safety Malik Washington is expected to be the leader for the Battlers. Coach Jett spoke highly of Washington and his leadership, saying, "He is also coming to us from the DII program and has shown great leadership on the defensive side of the ball. He has played in this system before, and he is like having another coach on the field."

 

"A new program will have several growing pains, and how we handle those will dictate the season we have," Coach Jett said when asked about the upcoming season. "Starting off the season with a DI will be a great challenge. The 52 young men we have in camp right now are excited to be here, and have been working hard day to day to get better."

 

The Battlers play in the Collegiate Sprint Football League, and will play a tough schedule for their inaugural season. Their first opponent, Cornell University, finished last season with a 4-2 record and they should provide a tough test out of the gate. Following their inaugural game, the Battlers will be home again on September 21, where they will be hosting an event for their recruits in conjunction with their game against Post University. The full Sprint Football Schedule can be found online.

 

A special tailgate will be available to fans at the inaugural game, on September 14. Sodexo Catering will be providing a menu of ribs, pulled pork, coleslaw, and beans, available to fans for $7.50. In addition, the first 150 fans at the game will receive a free AB rally towel. Kickoff is set for noon.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows former BHS alum Matt Dillon being recognized during his senior year for leadership, while bottom photo is of AB Coach Brad Jett. Photos by www.benqueenphotography.com.