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Editor’s Note: This is one in a series of previews for York-Adams League soccer teams.
South Western starts this season with a new coach and a massive change in his offensive personality.
After head coach Tony Shermeyer led the Wing-T offensive for years, he changed the Mustangs scheme to a spread attack in 2021, much to the excitement of his players.
Shermeyer, a graduate of Delone Catholic High School, served as a volunteer coach at South Western under the now retired Chris Heilman last season, so he was familiar with the talent of the team. Still, having a full offseason was crucial to seeing what positions the team’s playmakers would fall into.
Quarterback Shilo Bivins and tight end Josh Wasowicz should see their production spike after the All-Star seasons, but Shermeyer was impressed with his players’ ability to adapt to new roles on the team and make games.
The Mustangs have also switched to a 4-3 defensive front so it will look like a completely different team when they step on the field this season.
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“We had a pretty good idea of who would be a good fit, (but) some kids surprised us,” said Shermeyer, who used to be a successful head coach in Maryland. “I think part of it went pretty smoothly in getting kids into the right place. Along with the new offensive, we changed the defense a bit … so you saw some growing pains there. But at this point where we are, we have a very good idea of where we are going to place players. “
The following is a capsule look at the Mustangs:
►Team: Southwestern mustangs.
►Trainer: Tony Shermeyer, first season.
►2020 record: 2-5 in the York-Adams League Division I.
►Key losses (Division I All-Stars in bold): RB / DL Charles Gaither; WR / CB Da’Shawn Gaither.
►Main returnees (Division I All-Stars in bold): QB / DB Shilo Bivins; TE Josh Wasowicz; OL / DL RJ Utz; RB / LB Ty Cromer.
►Game schedule 2021 (Division I games in bold): August 27 against Milton Hershey; September 3 against York Suburban; September 10 in New Oxford; September 17 in Dallastown; September 24th against the Red Lion; October 1 in Central York; October 8 in the northeast; October 15 against York High; October 22nd in Dover; October 29th against Spring Grove.
Reach Rob Rose at rrose@yorkdispatch.com.
