High-School Football Preview: East Eagles

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) – News10NBC is previewing some of Section V’s football teams to get you ready for the 2022 season. Up first are the East Eagles.

Last season, the Eagles were clearly underdogs, making it to the Section V Class A2 semifinals with underclassmen leading the way, especially on offense.

Kelvin Shepard led the team in receptions as a freshman. Junior, Anthony Diaz played big on both sides of the ball, picking up a Division I offer from Buffalo. And Junior, Ervin Wiggins showed up big as a running back and linebacker.

All three of them are back on a team who’s youth shines bright.

“Those guys had to grow up quick and we knew the talent was there all along. You’ve got to build the other intangibles that come along with winning and they have it. They’re trusting in what we do and working hard and showing up every day,” said Co-Coach Steve Flagler.

East’s culture has been centered around that very idea of showing up to work hard.

“We’re some underdogs but we’re some hard workers. Even though our team’s young, I just feel like we just want to be successful this year,” said Shepard.

It’s easy to tell if you watch a practice. The Eagles have their heads on straight and their eyes looking right at the prize.

“Maturity-wise we got it. We all got our heads focused on what we’re supposed to be chasing. We all know what we’re chasing,” said Williams.

This fall, the East Eagles will try and put all that hard work to the test and bring home a Section V championship.