For the better part of a decade, Sussex Tech football fans grew accustomed to watching Bill Collick patrol their Ravens’ sidelines.
Coming into 2010, however, that will not be the case.
Gone to coach at Cape Henlopen, Collick has turned Tech’s reigns over to Bernie Nowakowski, a former assistant.
“It’s been awesome so far, and it feels great to be back out here,” Nowakowski said during a practice last week. “We’re anxious to really get going.”
Getting going has suffered from a few small hiccups so far – including controversy surrounding Brandon Lewis’ transfer out of Tech – but most have been minor, according to the coach.
What has helped the transition is the return of several Ravens assistants from last year, including offensive coordinator Ron Dickerson and defensive coordinator Marty Cross.
“From a terminology standpoint, it really helps that most things are staying the same,” Nowakowski said. “About the only thing we have changed is the pace of practices.”
Player-wise, not many of the skill position players have changed either.
Back from last year’s Division I playoff-qualifying team is a plethora of talent, including two-time state scoring leader Desmond Sivels, fullback/split end Shane Marvel and quarterback Jesse Swanson.
“We’ve got a lot of key guys back in certain areas,” Nowakowski said. “More importantly, a lot of these guys are leaders.”
Marvel, who also plays linebacker on defense, agreed with his new coach.
The junior said he decided during the off-season that he would be more vocal with the Ravens in 2010.
“I knew that some of the seniors were going to step up and take leadership roles,” Marvel said, “but I also know they can’t do it al.
“I’ll help them any way I can.”
Where Marvel will not be able to help, however, is on the offensive line.
If the Ravens have one glaring weakness, it starts up front, as the group from last year was nearly all lost to graduation.
“Up front, we’re certainly inexperienced,” Nowakowski admitted. “The guys we have on the line now though are all working hard, and they are beginning to play together as a unit.
“As long as they continue to improve, they have a chance at being pretty good now and great in the future.”
Tech starts the season September 10 at home against Spring Ford (Pa.) and then jumps right into Henlopen North play versus Milford a week later.
From there the Ravens take on Laurel, a squad they punished a year ago, and Nowakowski expects the Bulldogs to try and take a bite out of Tech.
“Laurel’s probably looking for a little payback,” he said with a smile. “We go there this year too, and it’s always a tough place to play.
“Right now though,” he continued, “we’re just focusing on getting better and looking at Spring Ford.”
