Public high school football preview 2015

On paper, the 2014-2015 season was completely opposite for the DeWitt Clinton Governors and the John F. Kennedy Campus Knights.

The Governors were an impressive 9-1 in the regular season, while the Knights were a not so impressive 4-6.

But the common denominator in both teams was disappointment. The Governors entered the playoffs as the fourth seed but were bounced out in the quarterfinals. The Knights, on the other hand, did not qualify for the playoffs.

However, last year is in the past and both teams enter the 2015-2016 season determined to turn disappointment into success.

John F.
Kennedy Campus Knights

Head coach: Andy Lancberg

2014-2015 record: 4-6, 

no playoffs

The Kennedy Knights surprised many by going 6-3 and reaching the quarterfinals in the playoffs in the 2013-2014 season.

But the following season took a different turn as the team went 4-6 and missed out on the postseason.

“I’m embarrassed that we didn’t make the playoffs last year,” Lancberg said. “We were in transition because Kennedy was closing … so it wound up hurting our season.”

The 2014 closing of John F. Kennedy High School — which was one of six public schools on the campus — left Lancberg with a trimmed roster. He believes the small staff did not create enough competition, forced some players to constantly change positions and messed with the team’s chemistry.

Now, with a roster of over 50 players, Lancberg believes the Knights are ready for a bounce back year.

“It’s our goal every year,” Lancberg said about having Kennedy at the top. “To say I walk into any season not trying to be the best in the league is a lie. But I just think this year’s team has that focus and that ability to understand what it takes to win. We’re going to see if that comes to fruition.”

Most of the players on the roster will be new and inexperienced, but a core group of players is returning: left guard and defensive tackle Richie Bermudez, quarterback P.J. Franklyn, running back and outside linebacker Anthony Williams and running back, safety and cornerback Noel Luciano.