Slow start prevents Cosmos from gaining momentum

By David Piestrzynski

Hamtramck’s football team is looking to bounce back after two consecutive home losses.
Last week, the Cosmos fell at home to Melvindale ABT 48-28, dropping their overall record to 2-4.

Leo Wells, Hamtramck’s head coach, believed his team matched up well with Melvindale ABT, but a slow start made the game more difficult than expected.

“We fell behind real quick,” he said. “They switched up from what had been scouted, and showed some formations we hadn’t seen before.”

The surprise formations, along with what Wells called a few “little mistakes,” made adjustments difficult for the Cosmos.

“They were a fast team,” Wells said.

However, the Cosmos were able to fight their way back into the game. Trailing 26-6 at halftime, Hamtramck battled back to get within 6 points of the Melvindale ABT squad.

But 26-20 was as close as they would come.

Wells said some penalties and turnovers by his team offset an otherwise productive offensive performance.
As a team, the Cosmos rushed for more than 300 yards offensively.

“We definitely moved the ball,” Wells said.

Junior Wontay Jackson has 155 yards rushing and two touchdowns for Hamtramck, and senior Jonathan Blanding pitched in with 92 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, Blanding had 18 tackles for the Cosmos.

While the game’s final outcome was disappointing, Wells said he’s optimistic about the Hamtramck football program’s chances in the weeks — and seasons — to come.

“We have a lot of young guys playing football for the first time,” he said. “It’s a very steep learning curve.”

The Cosmos current roster features only four seniors, and has three freshmen starting on the offensive line.

Despite the team’s limited experience, Wells said he fully expects a solid performance in this week’s Homecoming game against Lutheran Westland.

The game is Friday night at 7 p.m. at Keyworth Stadium.

“We’re looking to bounce back big this week,” Wells said.