Eagles trusting process
BY MARK JAFFEE
REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN
WATERBURY — Trust the process. It’s a recurring message that Post University head football coach Adam Schultz has sent to his team in the offseason and during the past month during training camp.
Schultz said his team of upward of 100 players has embraced the challenge in front of them.
The Eagles, who are coming off a 0-10 season in 2022, play at Lock Haven (Pa.) University Saturday at 1 p.m. in the season opener.
Lock Haven narrowly edged Post, 35-34, in last year’s opener. Lock Haven is guided by former Holy Cross standout Dan Mulrooney of Prospect.
The Eagles are beginning only their second season as a Division II program and will officially join the Northeast-10 Conference in the fall of 2024.
“I am super pleasantly surprised,” said Schultz of the team’s mindset. “They’re locked in, focused and playing with high energy. I think we are in a really good spot on both sides of the ball. We’re certainly not complacent. But we are in a good position to be successful.
“Every day in the offseason, there were hurdles to jump over and obstcles to overcome, and we just had to stick to the script,” said Schultz.
Schultz is impressed by the number of returning players who didn’t join the NCAA transfer portal after the team’s tough season.
“They stayed and didn’t leave or look for the easy way out when things got hard,” said Schultz. “They want to get better and they’re getting better and better.”
The offense will be led by 6-foot-3 quarterback Simon Burkett, a transfer from Eastern Washington University.
“Simon has a big arm and is a dual threat to run,” said Schultz. “We’ll definitely use his running ability. He’s vocal and a great leader through his actions.”
One of the primary targets on the perimeter will sophomore Jermaine Tillery from Trenton, N.J.
“Jermaine has speed, can jump out of the gym and is an absolute dynamic player,” said Schultz. “I expect big See POST , Page 9A
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things from him.”
The same can be said of running backs sophomore NaSean Hill, junior Isaiah Emmanuel and graduate student Christian Matthews-Byrd.
“NaSean is a downhill type of runner while Isaiah is a fast, dynamic type of player,” said Schultz.
Matthews-Byrd played H-back — hybrid between a tight end and a fullback — last season to fill a need, but will play his more natural position this season.
“Christian played out of position last year, but he is such a team guy, he did whatever he could to help us,” said Schultz. “He got some opportunities late lat season and he showed a burst of speed and a ton of athletic ability.”
Two former Holy Cross High players, Dre Yeldell and Rashaun Mitchell, are receivers.
“They have done a great job and are working hard, and I hope they have some success out there,” said Schultz.
Defensively, the Eagles will be led by team captain and middle linebacker Edit Krivca of Beacon Falls. The former Woodland High standout missed the entire 2022 season with a foot injury sustained days before the season opener.
“Edit is an awesome human being and a great football player,” said Schultz. “He’s a great leader, and I’m excited to see him back on the field.”
In the secondary, senior defensive back Jah-Quinn Wembley will look to be a lockdown defender.
“Last year, Ja-Quinn battled through some adversity, a prevailing theme,” said Schultz. “The ball didn’t bounce his way at times, but he’s an incredible athlete and a good leader. I expect big things from him.”
