Chester football preparing for another winning season

The Chester Academy High School football program has set some high standards that they’d like to meet on the field this season.

After a very strong 2018 campaign, the Hambletonians want to attain significant goals. It won’t be easy. But given the depth of experienced student athletes returning to the varsity lineup, along with a whole host of newcomers looking to be of positive influence at the varsity level, the prospects appear bright for Chester Academy.

Key returning players for the Hambletonians this year include Jacob Delgado (senior, receiver and safety), Kevin Stein (senior, tight end and safety), Joe Battiato (senior, quarterback), Devin Richardson (senior, offensive tackle and defensive tackle), Bryan Detweiler (senior, running back and line backer), Devin McGovern (senior, offensive tackle and defensive tackle), Dylan Bullock (senior, offensive tackle and defensive tackle), Colin Murray (senior, center and line backer) and AJ Standish (senior, receiver and corner).

Newcomers hoping to make an impact at the varsity level include Kwalin Gonzalez (senior, linebacker), Jacob Angeles (sophomore, safety), Rob Espaillat (senior, corner back), Joe Clarke (junior, running back and linebacker) and Sam Astafaj (senior, receiver and safety).

Ron Stover, the head coach for Chester Academy named Jacob Delgado and Kevin Stein as being team leaders this fall.

The Hambletonians are scheduled to begin the regular season with a road game at Valhalla on Sept. 7. From there they have back-to-back home games slated versus Liberty and Nanuet on September 13 and September 20, respectively. Chester closes out the month of September with a road challenge at Woodlands on the 28th.

Chester begins competition in October with a home game versus Dobbs Ferry on the fourth, followed by a road contest at Burke Catholic on Oct. 12. The Hambletonians return home to face Highland on Oct. 25.

“We are the only Class C team in Section IX, all other schools our size are playing eight man football,’’ Stover said. “Therefore, we have no league or Section title to play for. Despite that we have a veteran team that is playing an independent schedule. Four of our games are out of section (Section One teams) staying motivated will be our biggest challenge.

“Coming off an 8-3 record and Section IX Championship has prepared this team for big things this year. We hope to make some noise when we start State Playoffs in mid-November.''