GREENFIELD — As fall approaches, the sights and sounds of high school football are almost here. The distinct smell of popcorn, the sound of a band playing fight songs, cheerleaders, fans screaming and of course the players making plays on the field.
But before that, the teams have to get through conditioning workouts in the summer heat.
That’s exactly what the Greenfield football team endured at Veterans Memorial Field on Monday afternoon. 30 players braved the warm temperatures to participate in workouts under first year coach Jeff Bengtson.
Gavin Arsenault (front) participates in a conditioning drill, Monday in Greenfield. Credit: ADAM HARGRAVES / Staff Photo 
Kymel Ramsey (front) participates in a conditioning drill, Monday in Greenfield. Credit: ADAM HARGRAVES / Staff Photo 
DaSean Carter participates in a conditioning drill, Monday in Greenfield. Credit: ADAM HARGRAVES / Staff Photo
“We were hoping for between 30 and 40 [players],” Bengtson said. “Once school starts we could pick up a couple more. If we could pick up five more, it would be good.”
On day one, the Green Wave went through a crucible of different movement workouts and running. Some players dealt with the workout in stride and some struggled. The water breaks could not come fast enough.
“They were pretty good,” Bengtson said. “We put them through quite a bit. I’d say 90% took it all and handled it well. We had a few tired kids. They’ll be tired the first few weeks. It’s tough when you have a whole summer to do nothing.”
Bengtson has a clear early goal of preseason for the Green Wave in his first varsity season as a head coach.
“Team cohesion,” Bengtson said. “I want us to be a more cohesive team than in year’s past. I want them to feel like they are part of a team and not just individuals on a team.”
Gavin Arsenault returns as quarterback for the Green Wave. The senior brings agility and athleticism to the position. Although the quarterback can beat teams with his legs, he showed a strong ability to stay in the pocket and deliver accurate throws. He’s been a quarterback since second grade.
“I feel like I am athletic for a quarterback,” Arsenault said. “I am can also throw the ball well but I have been playing quarterback for a while, so I can read defenses well. I can evade the defense with the experience that I have.”
Arsenault would love to add some physicality and leadership to the team in his senior season. There’s a long time connection with wide receiver DaSean Carter. The two were neighbors when they were children. The connection could lead to some big plays this season for Greenfield.
Another big adjustment for the team is a Kymel Ramsey’s move from wideout to running back. Ramsey brings elite speed to the backfield. If opposing defenses let Ramsey into space, they might be looking at the back of his jersey quite a bit this season. Ramsey could be in the slot here and there as well.
“I feel really comfortable,” Ramsey said. “Me and Gavin have been working in the summer. Touching up on that. There’s a real connection.”
The thought of playing in space has Ramsey excited. Playing running back, Ramsey will get the ball directly with a chance to use his track & field speed to find open grass.
“It’s going to be a breakaway,” Ramsey said. “It’s going to be a touchdown. It feels great. I am going to do what I do.”
Arsenault lauded the speed of his teammate.
“That’s going to be scary,” Arsenault said. “He’s the fastest kid in Western Mass. right here. I don’t care.”
Last season, the Green Wave finished 4-5 and 3-2 in the Intercounty North standings. The team scored 138 points and gave up 188 points. Arsenault has heard rumblings that there aren’t many positive expectations for the team.
“I’ve talked to a lot of guys from other schools,” Arsenault said. “Nobody is expecting us to be contenders this year. That’s what I want to get in these guys’ heads. We have four seniors. We are a young team, we are a small team and we don’t have much experience. That’s what should fuel us to want to win. Everything is more fun when you win.”
Maddox Ramsdell figures to anchor the offensive line for the Green Wave. Greenfield hopes to have him play on the defensive line as well. There’s not much size to the unit but the team hopes they can make up for it with toughness. Owen Pfisterer-Hill is another player to watch at both receiver and linebacker. Both Ramsdell and Pfisterer-Hill come from Mohawk Trail Regional.
Greenfield opens its season with an independent match up with Chicopee at Szot Park on Sept. 11. The Green Wave plays its home opener against Frontier Regional on Sept. 25.
