HUGO BUFFALOES
Coach: KRYS GROSS
3-7
OFFENSE
The Hugo Buffaloes are returning much of their starters on the offensive side of the ball from last season. With eight returning to the team, coach Krys Gross is ready to capitalize on this depth in his roster. Hugo relies on a balanced offensive approach, utilizing the talents of returning stars like quarterback Jayka Santillan (6-0, 190, So.) and wide receiver Quincy Shelton (6-0, 170, Jr.). Santillan had 1,400 yards passing last fall. “He won the QB spot in the middle of the first game of the season. He is an outstanding young man that was thrown into the fire as a freshman and had the kitchen sink thrown at him as far as a playbook is concerned. He threw for a whopping 1,400 yards with a completion rate of 68 percent,” Gross said. “Fantastic young man that does everything he can to help the team. I look forward to what this young man will do in his sophomore season.” Shelton came up with explosive performances, receiving for 800 yards and accumulating 1,023 yards on the season. Hugo utilizes the ‘pro-style’ offense, requiring offensive lines that are adept at both pass and run blocking, quarterbacks with good decision-making abilities and running backs who are capable of running between the tackles. With an experienced core and dynamic playmakers, they aim to continue their offensive success from last year.
DEFENSE
The Buffaloes employ a disciplined 3-4 defense, emphasizing swarming to the ball and creating turnovers. The 3-4 allows the Buffaloes defense to readily switch to other defensive alignments (such as a nickel defense or a dime defense) as circumstances change, giving Hugo more versatility on the field. With this defensive style, Hugo will be able to catch opponents off-guard as they can adapt to an offense mid-snap. Led by players like Shelton and Santillan, the defense looks to be a formidable unit that can disrupt opposing offenses. Gross is aware just how impactful these players will be on both sides of the ball. “Shelton is a phenomenal athlete. He is a leader in the secondary. He works hard and plays lights out,” Gross said.
