Vinnie Guiel knows where he doesn’t want to go — backwards.
The first-year Smith Vocational football coach inherits a team that made tremendous strides last season. The Vikings went from zero wins to a program-record 3. The team found itself.
While a lot changed, some things remained the same, like the head coach leaving. Ryan Burnett left after one year to coach his son’s team in central Massachusetts. He was the team’s fourth head coach in the last five years.
Guiel makes it five over six, but he plans on sticking around. And with the momentum from last season, the former Viking offensive coordinator is only looking forward.
“Each year is a new year and I want to see this program move in a positive direction. In the locker room the goal is No. 4. Get that fourth win,” Guiel said. “It’s really important for a program like Smith to not have backwards seasons.”
Guiel is plenty familiar with his team. He was on the staff last season as the offensive coordinator. In his three years as wrestling coach he has also worked with many football players.
Guiel kept his staff in place too, as assistants Keith Lebeau and his son, Zach, return to the sidelines.
“When they asked me to take the job is was really important to keep some familiar faces around,” Guiel said. “That’s why I kept Coach Keith and Coach Zach and as many guys as I could from last year.”
Smith opens at Drury on Sept. 8, then hosts Northampton on Sept. 14.
The Vikings have an additional game on their schedule as well. For the first time in program history, Smith Vocational will play on Thanksgiving Day. The Vikings visit Franklin Tech.
“That’s massive for this program,” Guiel said. “Tradition is something you want to bring to a school and a program like this. Similar with the Northampton game. The Northampton game sparked a fire under Smith last year. There was a huge crowd and we’re looking forward to that game too, but Franklin Tech on Thanksgiving … with a Thanksgiving Day game it brings a sense of pride and a sense of tradition, which is good. You always want that when you are trying to build a program and give them something to look forward to.”
While the team lost three talented weapons in quarterback Jake Erali, and receivers Parker Affhouser and Troy Benedict, the Vikings have a stable line and a good defense in place, which should bode well for the season.
Nick Marcinowski takes over for Erali. Marcinowski won’t be asked to do as much as Erali, who produced over 1,600 yards of offense.
Marcinowski is a smart player who will look to take care of the ball and play mistake-free.
The Vikings will pound the ball out of a double wing. Ethan Rivera started last season. He’s a shifty runner. Chevrin Wall also returns after seeing some time last year.
When the Vikings do throw, look for Tanner Smith and Andrew Pierce to be top targets. Pierce did not play last season, and at 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, is a big weapon.
The Vikings lost one player from this unit to graduation. Zach Hall, Tyler Ports and Jaylen Cappelli have experience. Pierce brings athleticism at end.
“Our defense is light-years ahead of where we were last year,” Guiel said.
Marcinowski and Smith will handle the outside, while Wall plays safety.
Eric Leet and Race Drobiak will patrol the second level at linebacker.
Three Smith Academy students will suit up for the Vikings this season through their ongoing cooperative agreement.
Marcinowski, Caden Guimond and Andrew Trab attend the Hatfield-based school.
Guimond is a super utility and will play everywhere. Trab is a freshman and will play special teams.
Smith Vocational
CO-OP: Smith Academy
COACH: Vinnie Guiel, first year
LEAGUE/DIVISION: Tri-County/8
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 3-7
LAST TOURNAMENT APPEARANCE: N/A
PLAYERS: Gareth Barcomb, Chevrin Wall, Gary Herman, Owen Whidden, Zach Martinez, Jayden Hall, Caden Guimond, Jonathan Castro, Luke Raimiebd, Tyler Ports, Tanner Westwort, Tanner Smith, Race Drobiak, Ben Eastman, Andrew Pierce, Eric Leet, Nathan Fields, Adrian Loud, Jamieson Bang, Caidyn Dionne-Carbrry, Nick Marcinowski, William Millison, Eric Hernandez, John Malo, Jaylen Cappello, Andrew Trab.
OUTLOOK: Guiel is the Vikings’ fifth head coach over the last six years. He was their offensive coordinator last season. Smith’s strengths are in the trenches and on defense. Marcinowski takes over at quarterback, but won’t be asked to do as much as Jake Erali (1,600-plus total yards) last season. The Vikings will visit Franklin Tech on Thanksgiving, their first turkey day game.