By ALEX SPONSELLER

The state champion Bishop Hendricken football team began training camp last week as it gets prepared to defend its title once again.

The Hawks will have a number of new faces stepping up to compete this fall, as the team graduated over 20 seniors from last year’s championship team. Many positions are still being evaluated – including at quarterback – as the coaching staff looks to decide on a starting lineup in the next two weeks prior to kickoff.

“It’s been a work in progress, but a positive work in progress. We did graduate a large senior class so we did lose that leadership. We have some young guys that need to continue to come in and learn, but we have seen some progress in camp,” said Hendricken head coach Keith Croft.

One of the key returners will be Oscar Weah, who caught fire down the stretch last season at the running back position and figures to be in the center of the action this time around.

“We’re excited about Oscar this year. Last year he had a really big Super Bowl, couple of big playoff games and late season games. I think he’s going to be one of the best running backs in the state this upcoming season,” said Croft. “Our offensive line that is returning for us is going to be really important. They have some good size, good strength, so they’re going to be the key to what we do on offense this year.”

The team will also be searching for ways to replace All-Stater Brandyn Durand, who was a force for the team on both offense and defense the past two seasons.

“There is no replacing a guy like him because he was such a unique talent. But we have to find a way to replace the production, which is going to be tough,” said Croft.

The RIIL realigned the football divisions and created the Power Four group, which includes Hendricken, La Salle, Central and North Kingstown. The Hawks will be taking on those three opposing teams, as well as Portsmouth, Cranston West, East Providence and three out of state clubs.

“What we’re staring at is the hardest schedule that we’ve had, at least since I’ve been at Hendricken. We always say that there are no easy games and this year is proof. Whether it is the out of state teams, the Power Four teams, every game is against either a championship contender or a playoff contender. I’m excited about it, it pushes our coaches and our athletes,” said Croft.

As the coaching staff prepares to make its final decisions on the roster, Croft’s focus will be on consistency and physicality when evaluating his players.

“You look for guys that attend practice, guys that can hit both offensively and defensively. You have to be healthy, too, so we also need to manage our guys as best as possible,” said Croft.

Hendricken will kick its season off when it travels to New York to take on Monsignor Farrell on Sept. 3. The team’s first league game will be against East Providence on Sept. 23 at home.