Football Ranked First In ECFC Preseason Poll

PAXTON, MA - The Anna Maria College Football team is back on campus and the AMCATS ready to get things started after being picked to finish first in this years ECFC preseason poll. 

In 2023 the AMCATS closed out conference play in a three way tie with Alfred State and Gallaudet who all finished with 3-1 conference records. Overall the AMCATS broke even on the regular season with a record of 5-5. On top of an impressive record last season, the AMCATS also walked away with five major conference award winners including Offensive Player of the Year, Offensive Lineman of the Year, Special Teams Player of the Year, Coach of the Year and Assistant Coach of the Year.

After a dominating performance in 2023 that earned him the ECFC Offensive Player of the Year, Quarterback Ryan Russel is set to return for his senior year with the AMCATS.  Russell led the league in several categories, including yards thrown (2,884), yards per game (320.4) and touchdowns (27). He finished second in completion percentage (54.5%). The rising senior also added 243 yards with four rushing touchdowns. Russell threw for over 300 yards in six games last season, including two games for over 400 yards. His 2023 season was highlighted by a 539 yard and six touchdown performance against Husson. Russell finished 4th overall in the nation for average passing yards per game (327.75) and 8th in the nation in total offense per game (511.9 avg).

Returning as a graduate student for the 2024 season is last years Offensive Lineman of the Year Max Cyr. Cyr is a three-year starter for the AMCATs and has given up only one sack in three years. He anchored a line for an offense that compiled 4,593 total offense yards, leading the ECFC in that category and ranking No. 8 in the nation in total offense per game (511.9 avg).

The AMCATS will also be returning Special Teams Player of the Year, Ryan Kent who ranked 1st in the ECFC for field goals made (6) and total points (57). He also ranked 1st in extra-point percentage (95%) in his nine games played last season. In conference play, Kent was a perfect 20/20 on extra-point attempts. Kent also took on punting duties, punting 10 times on the season for 373 yards and a 37.3 average. Half of his punts forced opponents inside their own 20-yard line.

On top of returning three Player of the Year award winners, the AMCATS will also have Head Coach of the Year Steve Croce and Assistant Coach of the Year Tanner Kingsley returning for another year at the helm. 

The AMCATS open their season on September 6th where they will head to Westfield, MA to take on the Westfield State University Owls. Opening kickoff is set for 7:00pm under the lights!