2013 FOOTBALL PREVIEW Wednesday, August 28, 2013 www.gametimepa.com
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E2 / The Mercury
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
No Time Wasted Perkiomen Valley’s no-huddle attack has helped it regain its place as a PAC-10 contender By Darryl Grumling dgrumling@pottsmerc.com GRATERFORD — 25 ... 24 ... 23 ... Perkiomen Valley running back Mark Bonomo quickly rises from the field, aided by a couple of Vikings offensive linemen, after being tackled on the previous play. He immediately flips the football back to the closest official, as the referee signals to start the 25-second play clock. Please see VIKINGS on E3
Photo by John Strickler/The Mercury
Perkiomen Valley head coach Scott Reed has ushered in an uptempo style of offense, one that has propelled them to the top of the PAC-10.
INSIDE
Cover design by Sam Stewart Photos by John Strickler, Tom Kelly III and Kevin Hoffman Mercury Sports Editor: Austin Hertzog Helmet Images courtesy of PAHelmetProject.com
Cover Story............ 2
Perk Valley...........15
Spring-Ford..........22
PAC-10 Preview.... 6
Schedule..............16
Upper Perk...........23
PA Gametime......11
Phoenixville.........18
H.S. Notebook.....24
Boyertown............12
Pope John Paul II.19
Daniel Boone.......26
Methacton...........13
Pottsgrove............20
Ursinus College...28
Owen J. Roberts.. 14
Pottstown.............21
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
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The Mercury / E3
Perk Valley wastes no time these days
Photo by John Strickler/The Mercury
Perkiomen Valley head coach Scott Reed with his arsenal of skill position players, from left, Clay Domine, Mark Bonomo, Dakota Clanagan and Rasaan Stewart. VIKINGS, from E2
The Vikings, however, will need nowhere near that much time before their next snap. 22 ... 21 ... 20 ... All 11 members of the Perkiomen Valley offense have regained their positions. Instead of huddling up, though, they linger in
a loose formation right behind the spot of the ball while quarterback Rasaan Stewart looks to the Vikings sideline for the upcoming play. 19 ... 18 ... 17 ... Stewart, having processed the play call from the sideline, is now behind center in shotgun formation and scanning the defensive front and secondary coverage.
15 ... 14 ... 13 ... The defense, which has been on its heels since the beginning of the drive several plays ago, hurriedly tries to get in position. There is a sense of confusion as fatigue begins to set in. Which of the Vikings’ stalwart stable of skill people will get the ball next? 12 ... 11 ... 10 ... With the defense barely hav-
ing time to get itself set, Stewart barks out the call and takes the snap from center Seth Jonassen, and the Vikings are on the attack again. Their no-huddle offense has yet another opponent on the ropes. *** A year ago, Reed decided he was going to implement the no-huddle, and the results were
quite impressive. All the Vikings did was set league single-season records for most plays from scrimmage (562) and total offense (3,824) on the way to a 7-2 PAC-10 record and 8-3 overall mark. “The idea came up after the season Rasaan had in his first Please see VIKINGS on E4
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E4 / The Mercury
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Perk Valley wastes no time these days
VIKINGS, from E3
year (at QB as a sophomore),” Reed said. “I felt like we had a run-pass threat with him. Plus, he’s not a real patient guy, so we figured it might be good to just keep him moving.” Ironically enough, in the Vikings’ first game running the no-huddle, the offense sputtered in a 20-16 loss to Plymouth-Whitemarsh (which finished 9-2). “We knew they were a good team, but we came out in the first quarter and went three-and-out, threeand-out, three-and-out,” Reed recalled. “When you
do that in a no-huddle, you’re putting your defense in a real tough spot. It was the first time we ever ran it, and obviously we made adjustments as the year went on to make us better.” Did they ever. The Vikings subsequently reeled off seven straight victories, erupting for 57 points in a win over Pottstown and scoring at least 35 points on six other occasions. “Two years ago, we probably ran about 50-something plays per game,” Reed said. “Last year it was in the 70s and sometimes 80. It was kind
of ridiculous. We’re not an overly big team, but we try our best to be in good shape and we want to be uptempo. We want to run a lot of plays and want to get first downs. If we get first downs, we’re right where we want to be.” *** In order to run the no huddle offense effectively, a special quarterback is a prerequisite. And Stewart — last year’s All-Area Player of the Year — fits that bill to a ‘T.’ A lightning-quick, 6-foot-1, 176-pounder who has 12 Division I offers, Stewart ran for 1,210 yards
Photo by John Strickler/The Mercury
Spring-Ford head coach Chad Brubaker said that the only way to slow down the Vikings’ offense is to keep them off the field.
and 21 touchdowns and also completed an areahigh 61 percent of his passes in throwing for 1,636 yards and 12 TDs despite missing one game due to injury. But Stewart is far from the only weapon in the Vikings’ potent offensive arsenal. Wide receiver Clay Domine caught 55 passes for 865 yards and five TDs, Photo by John Strickler/The Mercury leading the area in both Methacton head coach Paul Lepre said that the toughest part in defending Perk catches and yardage. BonoValley’s no-huddle attack is getting the right personnel on the field at the right time. mo ran for 1,040 yards
and eight TDs while also hauling in 24 receptions. And Clanagan caught 35 balls for 374 yards and four scores. “The fact that we have more than one threat on the field makes it a lot easier,” Stewart said. “They can’t just focus on me, and that definitely helps.” The no huddle also helps serve as a great equalizer against bigger and stronger squads, according to Clanagan. “We’re not very big,
which is why we run this offense,” he said. “But you need a bunch of skill guys like we have to be successful with it. We have great athletes who make great plays. And you really have to study, because we have a lot of plays that run off each other.” “We’re fast-paced, and Coach Reed’s got a lot of plays for every one of us,” said Bonomo. “We get a lot of touches going inside, Please see VIKINGS on E5
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Wednesday, August 28, 2013
The Mercury / E5
Perk Valley wastes no time these days
VIKINGS, from E4
outside, all over the place. “It’s really fun, especially if you’re a skill guy.” *** Perkiomen Valley’s no-huddle offense isn’t quite as fun for the guys on the other side of the ball, though. “The best way to defend them,” said Spring-Ford coach Chad Brubaker, “is to keep them off the field.” The Rams did that last year in a 4228 victory over the Vikings, but for a lot of other squads that philosophy is easier said than done. “To some degree, while their offense is on the field, it makes the kids coach themselves,” Brubaker said. “The week leading up to the game is critical in terms of teaching and preparation. Players have to watch a lot of film and be well-versed on the defensive game plan.” Methacton coach Paul Lepre was the first PAC-10 coach to see PV’s no-huddle attack firsthand, as the Warriors fell 35-6 to the Vikings in last year’s league-open-
ing Battle for the Battle Axe. “Personnel-wise, you can’t get guys off the field,” Lepre said. “It’s difficult to make a change when they’re lining up and coming at you. “You could see Perkiomen Valley made a conscious effort to have a lot of one-way players last year so they could keep guys fresh and continue with that kind of pace. They wore us down. We had several twoway players, and by halftime a lot of our guys were exhausted.” *** As if trying to defend the PV no-huddle set isn’t difficult enough, consider that the Vikings have several speeds in which they operate their offense. “Honestly, we have different paces we got at,” Reed said. “We’ll go super fast, or we can go real quick, or we can got at a normal pace. Or we can go totally slow if we’re trying to milk the clock.” The whole key to its success is creating a consistent tempo and rhythm that can both move the chains and put points on the scoreboard.
Mercury File Photo
Rasaan Stewart, now a senior, will be in charge of leading Perk Valley’s offense.
“The offense is moving faster, so the timing has got to be down a lot earlier,” Domine said. “We want to keep the momentum on our side and keep the pace going.” That pace, says Stewart, could in-
crease a couple of notches for this season. “We want to make it even faster this year,” he said. “That’s one thing we’re focusing on, so teams don’t have time to think before the next play’s off.” As far as the future goes, Reed said he will take a year-to-year approach as to whether the Vikings will continue to run the no-huddle. “Will we do it next year? I don’t know,” he said. “If you have athletes and want to get them in space and tire people out, it’s great. If you have a lot of kids that go one way, it’s great. Both ways, not so great. So we’ll have to assess it every year.” For the present, though, the Vikings are thriving in the fast lane as they have become PAC-10 championship contenders — in a hurry. *** Follow Darryl Grumling on Twitter at @MercSmokinD.
THE WILDCAT FOOTBALL GOLF OUTING
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• Brinker Capital Holding Inc. • Pence Countertops • Security 5
Good Luck Cats “Continue the Tradition in 2013”
Good Luck Wildcats On The Upcoming 2013 Season
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E6 / The Mercury
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
PAC-10 Preview Pottsgrove, Perkiomen Valley, Spring-Ford expected to lead the way in the conference By Darryl Grumling dgrumling@ pottsmerc.com Over the past decade, only one Pioneer Athletic Conference football squad (Pottsgrove in 2008-09) has been able to win back-to-back league titles. This season, the Falcons appear to have a good shot at successfully defending their league title — literally. Thanks to a stingy defense that returns all but two starters, Pottsgrove (9-0 PAC-10, 11-1 overall last year) earns an ever-soslight nod as the PAC-10’s morning-line favorite. The Falcons’ defense allowed less than seven points a game over the first seven games of last season. The watershed moment came in Week 5, when Pottstown absolute-
Kevin Hoffman/The Mercury
Pottsgrove linebacker Jeff Adams (right) will look to provide the same punch as he did in 2012.
ly shut down a high-powered Spring-Ford attack in a 26-0 victory over the defending league champs. “We worked as a team,” said linebacker Jeff Adams. “The defensive line stayed strong and held
their holes. The linebackers filled their holes. And the defensive backs did a good job of guarding the wide receivers.” Up front, Patrick Finn, Anthony Pond and Max Wickward highlighted a
Photo by Kevin Hoffman/ The Mercury
Rick Pennypacker, left, has his Pottsgrove squad aimed at another PAC-10 title.
D-Line that got things started by consistently winning the battle of the trenches. Linebackers Adams and Sene Polamalu pursued the ball with the tenacity of a junkyard dog. And the secondary of corners Marquis Barefield and Michael Fowler and safeties Riley Michaels and Jalen Mayes blanketed opposing receivers virtually all season, allowing an average of 87.1 passing yards per game. “I think every one of those kids played their position,” Pottsgrove coach Rick Pennypacker said. “A lot of them were young, inexperienced and new, and all they did was play their assignments with tremendous technique. Please see PREVIEW on E7
PAC-10 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS 2012: Pottsgrove 2011: Spring-Ford 2010: Boyertown/Owen J. Roberts 2009: Pottsgrove 2008: Pottsgrove 2007: Lansdale Catholic/Perkiomen Valley 2006: Boyertown 2005: Phoenixville 2004: Lansdale Catholic 2003: Pottsgrove 2002: Pottstown 2001: Pottsgrove 2000: Pottsgrove 1999: St. Pius X 1998: Lansdale Catholic/Perkiomen Valley/Spring-Ford 1997: Lansdale Catholic/Upper Perkiomen 1996: Lansdale Catholic 1995: Spring-Ford 1994: Spring-Ford 1993: Owen J. Roberts 1992: Spring-Ford 1991: Owen J. Roberts/Pottsgrove 1990: Pottsgrove 1989: Owen J. Roberts 1988: Phoenixville/Pottstown 1987: Spring-Ford 1986: Spring-Ford
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Wednesday, August 28, 2013
The Mercury / E7
Pottsgrove, Perkiomen Valley, Spring-Ford expected to lead the way in the conference PREVIEW, from E6
“Our coaches do a great job teaching, and when they (the defense) just worry about their assignments and take care of their own business, it all fits together. We have some skill kids in the secondary who are very quick, so we’re able to play some man-to-man (coverage). If you can do that, it frees things up a little more up front and you can do some blitzing and put more pressure on the quarterback.” Adams, Fowler and Michaels are returning AllMercury File Photo Area first team selections. Head coch Rick Pennypacker and his Pottsgrove squad hope to be celebrating at Please see PREVIEW on E8 the end of this season.
We Support Daniel Boone Football
2012 PAC-10 Final Standings Pottsgrove Perkiomen Valley Spring-Ford Phoenixville Methacton Pottstown Boyertown Owen J. Roberts Pope John Paul II Upper Perkiomen
W L 9-0 11-1 7-2 8-3 7-2 12-3 6-3 7-5 5-4 6-5 4-5 6-6 3-6 3-8 3-6 3-9 1-8 1-9 0-9 0-10
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E8 / The Mercury
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Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Pottsgrove, Perkiomen Valley, Spring-Ford expected to lead the way in the conference While Pottsgrove’s defense will likely set the tone, the FalThe 6-3, 205-pound Adams col- cons’ offense should still be lected 98 tackles and 2.5 sacks plenty potent, despite graduin making big contributions to a ating the explosive tandem of unit that ranked No. 1 in the area quarterback Tory Hudgins and against the run. Fowler, a play- tailback Mark Dukes. making 6-foot, 171-pounder, inMichaels has emerged as the tercepted five passes to go along starter at QB, with Barefield with 46 tackles and one sack. and Polamalu heading up the And the scrappy 5-9, 160-pound backfield and Folwer and Mayes Michaels had 84 tackles, two composing the prime receiving sacks, one interception and one targets. fumble recovery. That skill corps will operate “We have good chemistry, behind another strong offensive and we just work good together,” line anchored by returners Finn, Adams said. Anthony Pond and Tom Sepha“If that (defense) isn’t one of kis. our main strengths, then there’s “We’re just going to have to something wrong,” Pennypacker keep working hard,” Pond said. said. “We have nine of them back. “We never change our philosoWe did lose two very good play- phy here. We’re never satisfied. ers in (tackle) Zach Birch and We get after it and bust our (linebacker) Nick Brennan, but humps. If we take one day off, we’re still solid there. That’s the somebody is going to gain a hand nice thing about this year; we’re up on us.” able to put a little more (scheme) The Falcons certainly can’t in with the kids. One thing about afford to take off with the tanour defense that a lot of people dem of Perkiomen Valley (7-2, don’t realize is that the kids are 8-3) and Spring-Ford (7-2, 12-3) all very smart kids, so we’re able expected to be breathing down Mercury File Photo to do a lot of things. Repetition their necks. Spring-Ford running back Jarred Jones (14) will be vital in the team’s backfield this season. over and over equals success, The Vikings feature the and the more reps you get the league’s most dangerous offense, the reigning Mercury All-Area In the three years since Chad will be throwing them the ball better you are. That’s what we’re a no-huddle attack piloted by Di- Player of the Year. Brubaker has taken over as between the trio of Zac DeMetrying to get right now.” vision I recruit Rasaan Stewart, The 6-1, 176-pound Stewart coach at Spring-Ford, the Rams dio, Brandon Leacraft and Matt ran for a team-high 1,210 yards have racked up an impressive 31 Daywalt. and 21 touchdowns last year wins, highlighted by last season’s Tackles Mason Romano (67 while also completing an area- 12-win campaign in which they tackles, six sacks) and Robby best 61 percent of his passes for reached the District 1-AAAA fi- Varner (60 tackles, two sacks) 1,636 yards and 12 touchdowns. nal for the first time. spearhead the defense. He also “quarterbacked” PV’s Though they were hit hard by “There are a lot of question defense from his safety position, graduation, the Rams still have a marks, and camp is going to 2012: Coatesville 59, Spring-Ford 28 2011: North Penn 34, Council Rock South 14 where he broke up eight passes couple of big-name threats in tail- serve to answer them,” Brubak2010: North Penn 42, Neshaminy 6 and collected one interception back Jarred Jones (975 yards, 10 er said. “We’re deeper at wide 2009: Ridley 19, North Penn 10 and forced fumble. TDs last year; 2,435 career rush- receiver than any team I’ve been 2008: North Penn 28, Neshaminy 0 But Vikings coach Scott Reed ing yards) and versatile fellow around. There’s guys that need 2007: Ridley 19, West Chester Henderson 0 has plenty of other weapons in senior Tate Carter (1,302 com- to touch the ball, and hopeful2006: Pennsbury 14, Ridley 0 his offensive arsenal as well, in- bined rushing/receiving yards, ly we can start out the season 2005: North Penn 55, Downingtown East 20 cluding the returning All-Area 15 TDs), who can line up virtu- protecting our quarterbacks in 2004: Neshaminy 51, North Penn 34 first team tandem of running ally anywhere in the backfield. terms of what we ask them to 2003: North Penn 43, Interboro 28 back Mark Bonomo (1,040 Though Brubaker is upbeat do. At some point, they’re going 2002: North Penn 26, Interboro 14 yards, eight TDs) and wideout about the potential of his offen- to have to be able to throw the 2001: Neshaminy 28, Conestoga 12 2000: Central Bucks West 39, Downingtown 14 Clay Domine (55 receptions, sive line and stable of receivers, Please see PREVIEW on E9 865 yards, five TDs). there is still a question as to who PREVIEW, from E7
District 1-AAAA Past Championship Games
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Wednesday, August 28, 2013
The Mercury / E9
Pottsgrove, Perkiomen Valley, Spring-Ford expected to lead the way in the conference PREVIEW, from E8
ball and we’re going to have to get the ball in the hands of those kids.” Just three years ago, Boyertown and Owen J. Roberts shared the PAC-10 title. Though the Bears and Wildcats have gone a collective 9-27 in league play and 13-34 overall, each team seems primed to bounce back this fall. The Bears (3-6, 3-8) will feature huge offensive and defensive fronts led by tackles Austin Jacobs and Kyle Schutt, a couple of 6-4, 290-pound bookends. Coach Mark Scisly returns all but one starter on defense and has a three-year starter at quarterback in Griffin Pasik as well as a returning 1,000-yard rusher in Cody Richmond. Speaking of rushing, the Wildcats (3-6, 3-9) have a workhorse in senior Wyatt Scott (225 carries, 1,226 yards), who will run behind a line led by 290-pounder Steve Myers. Scott, a safety, and lineman Kolten Hainsey will be big keys on defense for coach Tom Barr. Please see PREVIEW on E10
Photo by Tom Kelly III/The Mercury
Boyertown quarterback Griffin Pasik will be key in turning the Bears’ program around in 2013.
BUCKTOWN BOOSTERS
E ” H T “ OUS M FA
An Independent Men’s Organization dedicated to the support of the Owen J. Roberts High School Football Team
SUPPORT WILDCAT FOOTBALL •Annually present a $5,000 scholarship to that member or the Wildcat Football Team who showed leadership, scholarship and athletic ability
Good Luck Cats “Continue the Tradition in 2013”
•Have also donated with pride the golf cart for the team, the Wildcat sign behind the stadium, the electric stim unit for the training room, a blocking sled, and more A group of loyal Bucktown Boosters pose before the annual Thanksgiving Game in support of the Wildcats.
•Organized in 1982 by Ed Levengood the club is currently under the able direction of Pres. Bill Nesley, V.P. Terry Baker, Sec. Tom Babbony and Treas. Mike Nesbitt
Look for the Red Jackets, New Members Accepted. Monthly Meetings, 2nd Wed. 7:30 at The Pottstown Quoit Club
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E10 / The Mercury
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Pottsgrove, Perkiomen Valley, Spring-Ford expected to lead the way in the conference PREVIEW, from E9
Methacton (5-4, 6-5) and Pottstown (4-5, 6-6) can both be labeled darkhorse contenders. The Warriors, who reeled off four straight victories to end last season, will likely lean on a running game led by fullback Mike Cassidy, the slotback tandem of Devin Bradley and Akeem Walcott and quarterback Kyle Lowery. Coach Paul Lepre looks to have a solid defense led by linebackers Cassidy, Bradley and Nick Torcini and nose guard Tracey Green. The Trojans feature two-way standout Dayon Mohler, and All-Area first team selection last year who notched a league-high six interceptions. Denzel Harvey is a threat both running and catching the ball, and quarterback Gary Wise will be directing a triple-option attack for first-year coach Don Grinstead. Phoenixville (6-3, 7-5) lost four All-Area first-team picks to graduation — most notably Mercury Two-Way Player of the Year Ryan Pannella and 1,000-yard rusher Ryan Yenchick. Coach Bill Furlong is hoping the Phantoms can grind it out this year with a bluecollar offense quarterbacked by Kyle Karkoska with Justin McDougal as the likely feature back. Pope John Paul II (1-8, 1-9) saw its season sabotaged by a cruel and seemingly season-long rash of injuries a year ago. This season, Golden Panthers coach Mike Santillo is hoping a more healthy roster
and balanced offensive philosophy can translate into more success. The trio of Nick Howarth, Kirk Cherneskie and Johnnie Bildstein will contribute to what should be an improved ground game, though quarterback Matt Mesaros can still air it out to targets like Tim Tadros. At Upper Perkiomen, coach Steve Moyer is optimistic the Indians (0-9, 0-10) can be more competitive. The Tribe will feature one of the area’s top backs in senior Aidan Schaffer (1,163 yards, nine TDs); a 6-4 receiver in Travis Kline (23 catches, 341 yards, three TDs); and a new quarterback in junior Wyatt Brumm. *** Follow Darryl Grumling on Twitter at @MercSmokinD.
Photos by Kevin Hoffman (top left); Tom Kelly III (top right); Barry Taglieber (above)
Pottstown’s Don Grinstead (top left), Pope John Paul II’s Mike Santillo (top right) and Phoenixville’s Bill Furlong all have high hopes for the 2013 season.
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Wednesday, August 28, 2013
The Mercury / E11
The Mercury joins GameTimePA.com The Mercury has shown an unparalleled commitment to high school sports for decades. Though the pages of The Mercury have proven that on a daily basis, our presence online hasn’t always matched. That is about to change. In anticipation of the 2013-14 scholastic sports season, The Mercury has joined with GameT i m e PA . c o m , a high school spor ts-specif ic AUSTIN website that first HERTZOG laid roots in DisON H.S. trict 3 through the efforts of the SPORTS York Daily Record and is now expanding to District 1 and the greater Philadelphia area. On GameTimePA.com, the only game in town is the one on the fields and courts of the high schools spread throughout the region. The Mercury’s sports staff will provide content primarily for the Montgomery/Bucks County region, the home of the majority of the schools in the Poineer Athletic Conference. Along with the efforts of daily affiliates The Norristown Times Herald, The Reporter in Lansdale and weekly affiliates from Montgomery and Chester counties, GameTimePA will be a one-stop shop for coverage from the schools throughout the entire region.
We will also be bolstering the coverage in the Berks and Chester County regions with the schools in our coverage area that call those counties home. Along with the Daily Local
GOOD LUCK
WILDCATS
News and the Delaware County Daily Times providing coverage in the Chester and Delaware County regions, GameTimePA. com will simply be the most comprehensive place for District
1 sports coverage. Want more? You’ll also have access to GameTimePA’s preexisting presence in York, Adams, Fulton, Franklin, Lebanon and Lancaster counties.
GameTimePA will also house our increased amount of video reporting and will be the home of our live high school football scoreboard on game nights, which was a hit last season on Mercury Sports Live. An added benefit on GameTimePA is the availability of standings and box scores, previously unavailable on pottsmerc.com. All in all, GameTimePA.com will become the place to be for every local sports fan with more local scholastic sports coverage than ever before. As with any change, it rarely if ever goes as perfectly as you hope. Please bear with us during this transitional phase as we gain our footing in this new endeavor. It’s an exciting time to be a high school sports fan with the promise of a new season on the horizon, which will hit full swing Friday with a full slate of sports including the opening night of high school football. The Mercury joining GameTimePA.com is reason for even more excitement. Please like GameTimePASoutheast on Facebook and follow @GameTimePA_SE on Twitter. Continue to follow @ PottsmercSports and each staff writer on Twitter for the news of the PAC-10 and the rest of the Mercury’s coverage area. * Austin Hertzog is the Sports Editor of The Mercury. He can be reached at ahertzog@pottsmerc. com. Follow him on Twitter @AustinHertzog
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E12 / The Mercury
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Boyertown Bears Boyertown 2013 Schedule Fri. 8/30 at 7 p.m.
at C.B. East
Fri. 9/6 7 p.m.
vs.Upper Perkiomen
Sat. 9/14 1 p.m.
vs. Methacton
Fri. 9/20 7 p.m.
vs. Spring-Ford
Fri. 9/27 7 p.m.
at Owen J. Roberts
Fri. 10/4 7 p.m.
Photo by Tom Kelly III
vs. Pottstown
Sat. 10/12 at Phoenixville 2 p.m. Fri. 10/18 vs.Perkiomen 7 p.m. Valley Fri. 10/25 vs. Pope John 7 p.m. Paul II Fri. 11/1 7 p.m.
Boyertown runs a drill during summer training camp.
at Pottsgrove
Helmets courtesy of PAhelmetproject.com
Head coach: Mark Scisly, sixth season, 30-29 career record. Last year: 3-7 PAC 10, 3-8 overall. Offense: WR-Nick Brough (Sr., 6-3, 200) and Dalton Hughes (Jr., 5-11, 160); TE-Tyler Zilen (Sr., 6-4, 240); G-David Pettine (Sr., 6-4, 220) and Aaron Boyer (Sr., 6-3, 210); T-Austin Jacobs (Sr., 6-4, 290) and Kyle Schutt (Sr., 6-4, 290); C-Brock Johnson (Sr., 5-9, 200) and D.J. Stahl (Jr., C, 240); QB-Griffin Pasik (Sr., 6-3, 200); RB-Cody Richmond (Sr., 6-0, 190), Eric Heller (Sr., 5-9, 165) and Justin Siejk (Jr., 6-1, 195). Defense: Zilen and Pettine; T-Jacobs and Schutt; LB-Anthony Borzillo (Jr., 5-8, 200), Johnson, Mike Murphy (Jr., 5-11, 175) and Will Scholl (Jr., 6-0, 205); CB-Brough, Hughes and Lawrence Garnett (6-1, 170); S-Siejk, Jake Rittenhouse (5-8, 165) and Alex Baldassarre (Sr., 5-7, 160). Special Teams: K-Elijah Giorgio (Sr., 5-10, 155); P-Andrew Bill (Jr., 6-3, 190). Player to watch: Safety Justin Siejk led the Bears with 80 tackles despite playing only the last seven games. “He came on really well, and we’re hoping he’ll be a big hitter for us this year,” Scisly said.
?
Did you know?? • Boyertown’s offensive line averages nearly 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds.
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Wednesday, August 28, 2013
The Mercury / E13
Methacton Warriors Methacton 2013 Schedule Sat. 8/31 1 p.m.
vs.W.C. Rustin
Fri. 9/6 7 p.m.
at Perkiomen Valley
Sat. 9/14 1 p.m.
vs.Boyertown
Fri. 9/20 7 p.m.
at Pottsgrove
Sat. 9/28 1 p.m.
vs.Upper Perkiomen
Sat. 10/5 1 p.m.
at Pope John Paul II
Methacton practices for the upcoming season.
Photo by Barry Taglieber
Sat. 10/12 at Spring-Ford 1 p.m.
at Pottstown
Sat. 11/2 1 p.m.
vs. Phoenixville
Sat. 11/9 1 p.m.
vs. Norristown
?
Did you know??
Sat. 10/19 vs.Owen J. 1 p.m. Roberts Fri. 10/25 7 p.m.
Head coach: Paul Lepre, fourth season, 16-17 (Jr., 5-8, 180) and Dontae Thomas (Jr., 5-8, 160). career record. Defense: NG-Tracey Green (Sr., 5-10, 255); Last year: 5-4 PAC-10, 6-5 overall. T-DeGemmis; E-Ryan Hoehl (Jr., 6-2, 180) and Offense: WR-Dillon Gouda; LB-Nick Torcini Alderfer (Sr., 6-3, 185), Nick (Sr., 5-11, 195), Bradley Mazza (Sr., 6-2, 165) and and Cassidy; CB-Lowery Zack Bodek (Jr., 5-8, 165); and Walcott; S-Alderfer TE-Bido Gouda (Jr., 6-3, and Louis Cotteta (Jr., 195); G-Brett DeGemmis (Sr., 5-7, 160). 6-1, 240) and Jake Keim (Jr., Special Teams: •Methacton finished 5-11, 210); T-Ryan Hoehl (Jr., K-Taylor LeSage (Sr., last year with four straight 6-2, 180), Lucas Hepp (Sr., 6-1, 165); P-Cassidy. 6-1, 245) and Jake Wright Player to watch: victories to notch (Jr., 6-1, 175); C-Luke Miller Akeem Walcott should consecutive winning seasons be a force (Jr., 5-10, 180) and Justin on both sides for the first time since 1998. Bossard (Jr., 6-1, 215); of the ball as a slotback QB-Kyle Lowery (Sr., 5-11, and corner. “He runs 180) and Connor Derrickson the ball hard and defen(Jr., 5-10, 160); FB-Mike Cassidy (Sr., 6-1, 225); sively he closes as well as anybody on the ballSB-Devin Bradley (Sr., 6-1, 200), Akeem Walcott carrier,” Lepre said.
E14 / The Mercury
www.pottsmerc.com www.gametimepa.com
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Owen J. Roberts Wildcats Owen J. Roberts 2013 Schedule Fri. 8/30 7 p.m.
at
at Conestoga
Fri. 9/6 7 p.m.
vs.Daniel Booone
Fri. 9/13 7 p.m.
vs.Phoenixville
Fri. 9/20 7 p.m.
at Perkiomen Valley
Fri. 9/27 7 p.m.
vs.Boyertown
Fri. 10/4 7 p.m.
at Pottsgrove
Fri. 10/11 7 p.m.
vs.Upper Perkiomen
Sat. 10/19 1 p.m.
at Methacton
Fri. 10/25 7 p.m.
vs. Spring-Ford
Sat. 11/2 1 p.m.
at Pope John Paul II
Fri. 11/8 7 p.m.
at Upper Moreland
Fri. 11/28 10 a.m.
at Pottstown
Helmets courtesy of PAhelmetproject.com
Head coach: Tom Barr, 17th season, 104-85 career record. Last year: 3-6 PAC-10, 3-9 overall. Offense: WR-Kyle Hinrichs (Sr., 6-1, 170) and Alex LaBella (Sr., 5-9, 160); TE-Christian Marks (Sr., 6-0, 195); T-Jack Heft (So., 6-3, 315) and Steve Myers (Sr., 6-4, 290); G-William Dawson (Jr., 6-0, 195) and Kolten Hainsey (Jr., 6-3, 260); C-Anthony Acree (Sr., 5-10, 180); QB-Isaiah McDonald (Sr., 5-10, 152) and Mitch Bradford (So., 5-8, 155); FB-Tyler Reitnour (Sr., 5-10, 175); RB-Wyatt Scott (Sr., 5-9, 175). Defense: E-William Dawson (Jr., 6-0, 195) and Bryson Cahill (Sr., 6-1, 210); T-Hainsey and Myers; LB-Marks, Reitnour and Dallas Strus (Sr., 5-8, 170); CB-LaBella and Brad Kinckner (Jr., 5-9, 150); S-Scott and Hinrichs. Special teams: K/P-Matt Dinnocenti. Player to watch: Wideout Kyle Hinrichs began to emerge after big-play receiver Matt Raymond was injured late last season and could develop into the Wildcats’ go-to guy this fall.
?
Did you know??
John Strickler/The Mercury
The Wildcats are looking to improve on a 3-9 season.
• Wyatt Scott carried the ball a league-high 225 times last year, including two games with 30 carries.
www.gametimepa.com www.pottsmerc.com
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
The Mercury / E15
Perkiomen Valley Vikings Perkiomen Valley 2013 Schedule Fri. 8/30 at 7 p.m.
at Plymouth- Whitemarsh
Fri. 9/6 7 p.m.
vs. Methacton
Fri. 9/13 7 p.m.
at Spring-Ford
Fri. 9/20 7 p.m.
at Owen J. Roberts
Fri. 9/27 7 p.m.
at Pottstown
Fri. 10/4 7 p.m.
vs. Phoenixville
Fri. 10/11 7 p.m.
vs.Pope John Paul II
Fri. 10/18 1 p.m.
at Boyertown
Fri. 10/25 7 p.m.
vs.Pottsgrove
Fri. 11/1 7 p.m.
at Upper Perkiomen
Helmets courtesy of PAhelmetproject.com
Head coach: Scott Reed, 10th season, 52-47 career record. Last year: 7-2 PAC-10, 8-3 overall. Offense: WR-Clay Domine (6-3, 191, Sr.), Taiyir Wilson (6-2, 198, Jr.) and Dakota Clanagan (5-9, 166, Sr.); T-Austin Gansz (Sr., 5-11, 208) and Daniel Roh (Jr., 6-2, 245); G-Tom Jaworski (Sr., 5-9, 185) and Sean Coyle (Sr. 5-7, 220); C Seth Jonassen (Jr., 6-2, 221), QB-Rasaan Stewart (Sr., 6-1, 176); FB-Mark Bonomo (Sr., 5-7, 166) and Najre Philyaw (Sr., 5-7, 182); TB-Ryan O’Donnell (Jr., 5-9, 158). Defense: T-Jaworski and Luke DiElsi (Sr., 5-11, 248); NG-Tony Pachella (Sr., 5-10, 168); LB: Clanagan, Anthony Rotunda (Sr., 5-10, 163), Pat Delaney (Sr., 5-8, 173), Danny Light (Sr., 5-11, 190) and Gansz; CB-Kurran Holland (Sr., 5-9, 176), Liam Grande (Jr., 5-11, 160) and Mike Holland (Jr., 5-6, 140); S: Stewart and O’Donnell. Special Teams: K-Matt Genuardi. P-Genuardi. Player to watch: Dakota Clanagan, who is also Stewart’s backup at QB, showed glimpses of big-time playmaking ability both in the running and receiving departments last year and could be primed for a breakout campaign. “I think Photo by Kevin Hoffman/ The Mercury Dakota is on the cusp of doing somePV is looking to build off its 8-3 season last year. thing pretty good,” Reed said.
?
Did you know?? •Vikings wide receiver Clay Domine led the area in receptions (55) and receiving yardage (865) last year.
www.gametimepa.com
E16 / The Mercury
All games Friday at 7 p.m. unless noted
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Week 1
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vs.
at
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Week 2
vs.
at
vs.
vs.
at
vs.
Week 3
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vs.
vs.
at
at
at
(Sept. 13 - Sept. 14)
Sat. 1 p.m.
Sat. 1 p.m.
Week 4
vs.
at
at
vs.
vs.
vs.
Week 5
at
vs.
vs.
at
vs.
at
Week 6
vs.
at
at
vs.
at
vs.
Week 7
at
(Aug. 30- Aug. 31)
(Sept. 6 - Sept. 7)
(Sept. 20 - Sept. 21)
(Sept. 27 - Sept 28)
(Oct. 4 - Oct. 5)
Sat. 1 p.m.
Sat. 1 p.m.
Sat. 1 p.m.
Sat. 1 p.m.
Sat. 1 p.m.
at
Sat. 1 p.m.
vs.
vs.
(Oct. 11 - Oct. 12 )
Sat. 2 p.m.
Week 8
vs.
vs.
at
at
at
Week 9
vs.
at
vs.
vs.
vs.
at
Week 10
at
vs.
at
at
at
vs.
Sat. 1 p.m.
Sat. 1 p.m.
Sat. 1 p.m.
vs.
at
vs.
(Oct. 18 - Oct. 19)
Sat. 1 p.m.
Sat. 1 p.m.
vs.
Sat. 2 p.m.
at vs.
Sat. 1 p.m.
(Oct. 25 - Oct. 26)
(Nov. 1 - Nov. 2)
Week 11 (Nov. 8 - Nov. 9)
Week 12 (Nov. 28)
Sat. 1 p.m.
at
Thurs. 10 a.m.
vs.
Thurs. 10 a.m.
Sat. 1 p.m.
www.gametimepa.com www.pottsmerc.com
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
All games Friday at 7 p.m. unless noted
Week 1
vs.
at
Week 2
at
vs.
at
The Mercury / E17
vs.
vs.
at
at
vs.
vs.
at
vs.
at
at
(Aug. 30- Aug. 31)
(Sept. 6 - Sept. 7)
Sat. 1 p.m.
vs. South Philadelphia Thurs. 7 p.m.
Week 3
at
vs.
vs.
Week 4
vs.
at
at
Week 5
at
vs.
vs.
Week 6
vs.
at
at
vs.
vs.
Week 7
at
vs.
vs.
at
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Week 8
vs.
at
at
vs.
vs.
Week 9
at
vs.
vs.
at
at
Week 10
vs.
at
vs.
vs.
at
(Sept. 13 - Sept. 14)
(Sept. 20 - Sept. 21)
(Sept. 27 - Sept 28)
Sat. 1 p.m.
Sat. 1 p.m.
(Oct. 4 - Oct. 5)
(Oct. 11 - Oct. 12 )
Sat. 1 p.m.
Sat. 1 p.m.
(Oct. 18 - Oct. 19)
(Oct. 25 - Oct. 26)
(Nov. 1 - Nov. 2)
Week 11
at
Week 12
vs.
(Nov. 8 - Nov. 9)
(Nov. 28)
Thurs. 10 a.m.
at
Thurs. 10 a.m.
E18 / The Mercury
www.pottsmerc.com www.gametimepa.com
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Phoenixville Phantoms Phoenixville 2013 Schedule Sat. 8/31 at 7 p.m.
at Great Valley
Fri. 9/6 7 p.m.
at Exeter
Fri. 9/13 7 p.m.
at Owen J. Roberts
Fri. 9/20 7 p.m.
vs.Pottstown
Fri. 9/27 7 p.m.
vs. Pope John Paul II
Fri. 10/4 at Perkiomen 7 p.m. Valley Sat. 10/12 2 p.m.
vs. Boyertown
Fri. 10/18 7 p.m.
at Pottsgrove
Fri. 10/25 7 p.m.
vs. Upper Perkiomen
Sat. 11/2 1 p.m.
at Methacton
Fri. 11/8 7 p.m.
at Upper Merion
Thurs. 11/28 10 a.m.
Head coach: Bill Furlong, 11th season, 66-55 career record. Last year: 6-3 PAC-10, 7-5 overall. Offense: WR-D.J. Brock (Sr., 5-6, 145) and Mike Ciaverelli (Jr., 5-9, 135); TE-Zach Gallow (Jr., 6-2, 220), G-Paul Hossler (Sr., 6-1, 210) and Collin Mea (Sr., 5-10, 220), Dave Rosati (Jr., 5-11, 240), Jason Waltman (Jr., 5-8, 225), Cory Bird (Fr., 5-7, 165); QB-Kyle Karkoska (Sr., 5-6, 150); FB-Justin McDougal (Sr., 5-8, 195) and Matt Raniszewski (Fr., 5-6, 145); TB-Damien Davido (Jr., 5-9, 165), Donnie Jackson (Jr., 5-9, 155), and Matt Palubinsky (Fr., 6-2, 175). Defense: DL-Hossler, Mea and Rosati; LB-Gallow, Theo McLemore (Jr., 6-2, 200), Waltman and McDougal CB-Jackson, Brock, Davido, Tom Hammaker (Jr., 5-7, 135) and Thomas; S-Karkoska, Palubunsky, Raniszewski, Ciaverelli and Ian Brown (So.). Special Teams: K-Cole Luzins (Sr., 6-1, 172) and Alex Wertman (Sr.); P-Luzins. Player to watch: Senior Kyle Karkoska takes over at quarterback and will also head up the defense from his safety position. “He’s done a great job for us in the preseason and we expect him to be a two-way leader for us,” Furlong said.
vs. Spring-Ford
Helmets courtesy of PAhelmetproject.com
Photos by Barry Tagliber/21st-Century Media
With Kyle Karkoska, top right, taking over at QB, Phoenixville prepares for the upcoming season.
www.gametimepa.com www.pottsmerc.com
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
The Mercury / E19
Pope John Paul II Golden Panthers Head coach: Mike Santillo, fourth season, 7-24 career record Last year: 1-8 PAC-10, 1-9 overall. Offense: WR-Dave Moermann (Sr., 6-2, 180), John Bacchi (Sr., 5-11, 185) and Charles Lake (Sr., 5-11, 200); TE-Tim Tadros (Sr., 6-4, 200); OL-Liam Steiert (Sr., 6-3, 245), OL-Darren Gregory (Jr. 6-1, 245), OL-Jack Martin (Sr., 6-4, 200), OL-Mike Mead (Sr., 5-9, 180), OL-Michael Collins (Sr., 5-9, 200); QB-Matt Mesaros (Jr., 6-3, 200); RB-Nick Howarth (Sr., 5-9, 200), Kirk Cherneskie (Sr., 5-7, 185) and Johnnie Bildstein (Sr., 5-10, 170). Defense: E-Martin and Steve Kushnerick (Sr., 5-7, 190), T-Steiert, Gregory, Joe Byron (Sr., 6-0, 250) and Joe Greenwald (6-0, 235); LB-Howarth, Bildstein, Lake, Bacchi, Mead, Bobby Tarlo (Sr., 5-8, 175) and Chase Lynch (Jr., 5-10, 200); DB-Moermann, Tadros, Frank McGuigan (Sr., 6-0, 180) and Jared Lupold (So., 5-11, 180). Special Teams: K-Cherneskie; P-Paul Taglialatela (Sr., 6-3, 185). Player to watch: Wideout Tim Tadros averaged 23.6 yards for his 20 receptions last year and should be a top target for QB Matt Mesaros as well as a big presence at safety.
Pope John Paul II 2013 Schedule Fri. 8/30 at 7 p.m.
at Berks Catholic
Sat. 9/7 1 p.m.
vs. Pottsgrove
Fri. 9/13 7 p.m.
at Pottstown
Sat. 9/21 1 p.m.
vs. Upper Perkiomen
Fri. 9/27 7 p.m.
at Phoenixville
Sat. 10/5 1 p.m.
vs. Methacton
Fri. 10/11 7 p.m.
at Perkiomen Valley
Fri. 10/25 7 p.m.
at. Boyertown
Sat. 11/2 1 p.m.
vs. Owen J. Roberts
Helmets courtesy of PAhelmetproject.com
?
Did you know??
Sat. 10/19 vs. Spring-Ford 1 p.m.
• The Golden Panthers
averaged 203.5 passing yards per game, tops in the PAC-10, last year. Photo by Tom Kelly III
Matt Mesaros will look to carry PJP to a better season.
www.gametimepa.com www.pottsmerc.com
E20 / The Mercury
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Pottsgrove Falcons Pottsgrove 2013 Schedule Fri. 8/30 at 7 p.m.
vs. Souderton
Sat. 9/7 1 p.m.
at Pope John Paul II
Riley Michaels (13) and defending PAC-10 champ Pottsgrove during an offensive drill on the first day of practice.
Fri. 9/13 1 p.m.
at Upper Perkiomen
Fri. 9/20 7 p.m.
vs. Methacton
Fri. 9/27 7 p.m.
at Spring-Ford
Fri. 10/4 vs. Owen J. 7 p.m. Roberts
Fri. 10/11 7 p.m.
at Pottstown
Fri. 10/18 vs. Phoenixville 7 p.m. Fri. 10/25 7 p.m.
at Perkiomen Valley
Sat. 11/1 7 p.m.
vs. Boyertown
Helmets courtesy of PAhelmetproject.com
Kevin Hoffman/ The Mercury
Head coach: Rick Pennypacker, 25th season, 234-124-3. Last year: 9-0 PAC10, 11-1 overall. Offense: WR-Michael Fowler (Jr., 5-10, 180), Jalen Mayes (Sr., 5-9, 165) and Anthony Lopez (Jr., 5-11, 148); TE-Jeff Adams (Sr., 6-3, 205), G-Anthony Pond (Sr., 5-11, 200) and Jeremy Cuadrado (Sr., 5-8, 250); T-Patrick Finn (Jr., 6-3, 255), Max Wickward (Sr., 6-1, 305) and Matt Faulkner (Sr., 5-8, 240); C-Tom
Sephakis (Sr., 5-10, 255), QB-Riley Michaels (Sr., 5-9, 160); RB-Marquis Barefield (Sr., 5-8, 160), FB-Sene Polamalu (Sr., 6-0, 220). Defense: E-Finn; T-Wickward and Sephakis; NG-Pond; LB-Adams, Polamalu and Tyrone Parker (Sr., 6-2, 175); CB-Barefield, Fowler and Tyrell Barr (So., 5-2, 130); S-Michaels and Mayes. Special Teams: K-Jon Klinger (Sr., 5-11, 158); P-Fowler.
Player to watch: Patrick Finn could be primed for a monster year, both at left offensive tackle and on the defensive line. “We
think he’s going to be a really good one,” Pennypacker said. “He’s been living in the weight room all year.”
?
Did you know?? • Pottsgrove is 42-3
in PAC-10 play and 57-10 overall over the last five seasons.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
www.gametimepa.com www.pottsmerc.com
The Mercury / E21
Pottstown Trojans Pottstown 2013 Schedule Fri. 8/30 at 7 p.m.
at Schuylkill Valley
Fri. 9/6 7 p.m.
vs. Hatboro Horsham
Fri. 9/13 7 p.m.
vs. Pope John Paul II
Fri. 9/20 7 p.m.
vs. Phoenixville
Fri. 9/27 7 p.m.
vs. Perkiomen Valley
Fri. 10/4 7 p.m.
Fri. 10/11 7 p.m.
at Boyertown The Pottstown Trojans line up during the first day of practice. vs. Pottsgrove
Fri. 10/18 7 p.m.
at Upper Perkiomen
Fri. 10/25 7 p.m.
vs. Methacton
Fri. 11/1 7 p.m.
at Spring-Ford
Fri. 11/8 7 p.m.
at Great Valley
Thurs. 11/28 10 a.m.
vs. Owen J. Roberts
Photo by Kevin Hoffman/The Mercury
Head coach: Don Grinstead, first season. Last year: 4-5 PAC-10, 6-6 overall. Offense: WR-Jonathan Charles (Jr., 6-3, 170); TE-Niko Teller (Sr., 6-1, 210); G-Travis Wallace (Sr., 5-10, 230) and Alex Humma (Jr., 5-8, 225); T-Jalonte Lighty (Sr., 6-5, 250) and Clayton Mitchel (Jr., 6-0, 225); C-Derrick Wilson (Sr., 5-10, 200); QB-Gary Wise (Jr., 6-1, 180); RB/WR-Dayon Mohler (Sr., 5-10, 175) and Denzel Harvey (Sr., 5-11, 180); RB-Najee Johnson (Sr., 6-0, 190); FB-Donald Johnson (Sr., 6-1, 215). Defense: Mitchel and Lighty; T-Wallace and
Jimmie Jordan (So., 5-8, 215); LB-Najee Johnson, Wilson, Bryant Wise (Jr., 5-8, 170) and Teller; CB-Austin Debnam (Sr., 5-9, 160) and Harvey; S-Mohler. Special Teams: P/KDebnam. Player to watch: Southpaw Gary Wise takes over at quarterback and should make an immediate impact. “He’s an intelligent, smart kid,” Grinstead said. “He understands the game and picked up the playbook quickly. We’re going to run a lot more triple options than in the past, and that means he’s the guy that’s going to be making those decisions.”
?
Did you know??
• The Trojans’ six wins
last season were their most in a decade.
E22 / The Mercury
www.pottsmerc.com www.gametimepa.com
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Spring-Ford Rams Spring-Ford 2013 Schedule Fri. 8/30 at 7 p.m. Thurs. 9/5 7 p.m.
at Whitehall
vs. South Phila.
Fri. 9/13 7 p.m.
vs.Perkiomen Valley
Fri. 9/20 7 p.m.
at Boyertown
Fri. 9/27 7 p.m.
vs. Pottsgrove
vs.Methacton
Sat. 10/19 1 p.m.
at Pope John Paul II
Fri. 10/25 7 p.m.
vs.Owen J. Roberts
Fri. 11/1 7 p.m.
vs.Pottstown
Thurs. 11/28 10 a.m.
at Phoenixville
Photo by Barry Taglieber
Fri. 10/4 at Upper 7 p.m. Perkiomen Sat. 10/12 1 p.m.
Spring-Ford works on blocking drills during its preseason football practice.
Head coach: Chad Brubaker, fourth season, 31-8 career record. Last year: 7-2 PAC-10, 12-3 overall. Offense: WR-Gary Hopkins (Sr., 6-2, 200), Tate Carter (Sr., 5-9, 185), Cody Davis (Sr., 5-10, 170), Joe Sink (Sr., 5-9, 145), Mason Lucas (Sr., 5-11, 160), Danny Matthews (Jr., 5-10, 165) and Brandon Barone (Jr., 5-8, 145); TE-Alec Vagnozzi (Sr.,6-0, 195) and Tyliek Freeman (Sr., 6-5, 200); OL-Andy Cutler (Sr., 6-0, 235), Josh Boyer (Sr., 6-0, 255), Chase Stine (Sr., 6-3, 235), Zach Dorsey (Jr., 6-2, 265), Tyler German (Sr.), Zach Smiley (Jr.) and Joe Goul (Jr.); QB-Zach DeMedio (Sr., 5-11, 190), Brandon Leacraft (Jr., 6-0, 170), Matt Daywalt (Jr., 6-2, 190); RB-Jarred Jones (Sr., 5-11, 195).
Defense: E-Mason Romano (Sr., 6-1, 215), T-Robby Varner (Sr., 6-2, 235), DL-Vagnozzi and Smiley; LB-Andy Lovre Smith (Sr., 6-0, 230), Jake Leahy (Sr., 6-1, 195), Connor Murphy (Sr.), Jones and Daywalt; CB-Joe Bush (Sr., 5-10, 165) and Jarred Shoemaker (Sr., 5-11, 160); S-Carter, Davis (Sr.) and Mike Fuhrmeister (Jr., 5-10, 160). Special Teams: K-Dave Gulati (Sr., 5-9, 175). Player to watch: With stalwart fellow tackle Zach Dorsey expected to miss the season with an ACL injury, Chase Stine could emerge as a key force on the line. “He’s still learning the position,” Brubaker said. “but he’s worked really, really hard in the weight room and he wants to play and be good.”
Did you know?? The Rams are 31-7 over the past three years after going 28-78 over the previous nine seasons.
www.gametimepa.com www.pottsmerc.com
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
The Mercury / E23
Upper Perkiomen Indians Upper Perkiomen 2013 Schedule Fri. 8/30 at 7 p.m.
vs. Quakertown
Fri. 9/6 7 p.m.
at Boyertown
Fri. 9/13 7 p.m.
vs. Pottsgrove
Sat. 9/21 1 p.m.
at Pope John Paul II
Sat. 9/28 1 p.m.
at Methacton
Fri. 10/4 7 p.m.
vs. Spring-Ford
Fri. 10/11 7 p.m.
at Owen J. Roberts
Head coach: Steve Moyer, second season (14th overall), 55-85-1. Last year: 0-9 PAC-10, 0-10 overall. Offense: WR-Travis Kline (Sr., 6-4, 178) and Jake Pirri (Jr., 5-9, 165); TE-Owen Leister (Jr., 5-9, 183); T-Justin Crossley (Sr., 6-2, 233) and Kyle Neumann (Sr., 6-1, 248); G-Mahlon Schaffer (So., 5-11, 249) and David Weller (Sr., 6-0, 238); C-Rico Marrero (Sr., 5-5, 179); QB-Wyatt Brumm (Jr., 5-11, 165); RB-Aidan Schaffer (Sr., 5-7, 190) and Randy Godshall (Sr., 5-8, 176). Defense: E-Mitch Fretz (Jr., 6-0, 222) and Jake Hovanec (Sr., 6-5, 182); T-Mahlon Schaffer and Nate Dunn (Sr., 5-10, 220); LB-Leister, Marrero and Chad Butler (Jr., 5-11, 171); CB-Chandler Carberry (Sr., 5-10, 175), Pirri and Mike Felix (So., 5-10, 150); S-Aiden Schaffer and Kline. Special Teams: K-Godshall; P-Zeke Hallman (Fr., 5-11, 158). Player to watch: Junior Wyatt Brumm takes over at quarterback for the graduated Dylan Wesley and will try and ignite an offense that averaged just 15.4 points last season. “How well he comes around will be a big key for us,” Moyer said.
Fri. 10/25 7 p.m.
at Phoenixville
Fri. 11/1 7 p.m.
vs. Perkiomen Valley
Helmets courtesy of PAhelmetproject.com
?
Did you know??
Fri. 10/18 vs.Pottstown 7 p.m.
• The Indians have lost
Photo by Barry Taglieber
Upper Perkiomen quarterbacks Wyatt Brumm (12) and Jacob Breyer (17) during passing drills.
11 straight games since a 48-6 victory over Upper Merion in the penultimate game of the 2011 season.
www.gametimepa.com www.pottsmerc.com
E24 / The Mercury
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Grinstead joins PAC-10 Former Great Valley assistant looking forward to 1st year at Pottstown By Darryl Grumling dgrumling@pottsmerc.com As an assistant coach for Great Valley for the past four seasons, Don Grinstead became somewhat familiar with the Pioneer Athletic Conference football scene. Starting this season, Grinstead will get an up-closeand-personal look at the PAC-10 as the new head coach at Pottstown. The 31-year-old Grinstead succeeds Brett Myers, who took the job at Middletown (his alma mater) in the offseason after coaching the Trojans for the previous six seasons. Pottstown (4-5 PAC-10, 6-6 overall) is coming off its first .500 campaign in nine seasons, and Grinstead hopes to build off that behind an attack that will feature the explosive trio of RB/WR Dayon Mohler, RB/WR Denzel Harvey and QB Gary Wise. “We will be diverse in our running game,” Grinstead said. “We have a lot of skill players who can make plays, so our priority will be to get them the ball in space and let them make plays.” On the other side of the ball, Grinstead is hoping to shore up a unit that was torched for an average of 39.1 points per game last year. “Defensively, we’ll be small and have to rely on our speed,” he said. “We return a ton of experience in our secondary, so we are really counting on those guys to provide the leadership.” Please see GRINSTEAD on E25
Photo by Kevin Hoffman/ The Mercury
Former Great Valley assistant Don Grinstead takes over as head coach at Pottstown.
www.gametimepa.com www.pottsmerc.com
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
The Mercury / E25
Grinstead takes over helm at Pottstown GRINSTEAD, from E24
Steve Anspach, the former defensive line coach at Spring-Ford, will serve as Trojans defensive coordinator. Also on Grinstead’s staff are running backs coach Del Smith, receivers coach Art Knight, running back and quarterbacks coach Jake Bean and linebackers coach Ryan Michaels. Grinstead and the Trojans debut Friday at Schuylkill Valley, which is coached by St. Pius X grad Jeff Chillot. Chillot, in his fifth season at the helm of the Panthers, has a 25-20 career mark. He guided Schuylkill Valley to an 8-4 mark last year and berth in the District 3-AA semifinals.
PRESEASON POTPOURRI Three PAC-10 players — Perkiomen Valley’s Rasaan Stewart, Spring-Ford’s Tate Carter and Pottsgrove’s Michael Fowler — have been named to the Pennsylvania Football News preseason allstate team. Stewart was a Class AAAA second team pick at offensive specialist, Carter was a Class AAAA second team pick at wide receiver and Fowler was a Class AAA second team pick at defensive back. Spring-Ford enters the season under honorable mention in Class AAAA in the PFN preseason rankings, Woodland
Hills is ranked No. 1, while District 1 squads Coatesville and Neshaminy check in at No. 3 and No. 6, respectively. In the PFN Class AAA poll, Pottsgrove is listed as honorable mention, along with fellow District 1 squads Henderson and Interboro. District 3’s Bishop McDevitt is the top-ranked squad.
ROUTE 29 RUMBLE Phoenixville’s season opener Saturday at 7 p.m. at Great Valley is the anchor leg of the inaugural “Route 29 Series,” in which the Phantoms and Patriots will square off in 10 different sports over the course of Friday and Saturday. Each contest will be worth one point, with the winner earning bragging rights and taking home the Devault Trophy. AROUND THE AREA You could say Daniel Boone lost a Photo by Christine Reckner/21st-Century Media little bit of pop from its attack after ju- Rasaan Stewart was named to the Pennsylvania Football News all-state team. nior two-way starter Emmanuel “Pop” Lacey transferred to Berks Catholic over the summer. The Saints, by the way, open the season ranked No. 7 in The Pennsylvania Football News Class AA rankings. Last year, Lacey carried the ball 23 times for 84 yards and caught nine balls for 68 yards before his season was curtailed by an injury. Follow Darryl Grumling on Twitter @MercSmokinD.
10 GAMES TO WATCH A quick guide to some of the top area games this season Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 11 Oct. 25 Nov. 9 Nov. 28
Perkiomen Valley at Plymouth-Whitemarsh Methacton at Perkiomen Valley Daniel Boone at Owen J. Roberts Perkiomen Valley at Spring-Ford Spring-Ford at Boyertown Pottsgrove at Spring-Ford Pottsgrove at Pottstown Pottsgrove at Perkiomen Valley Hill School at Lawrenceville Owen J. Roberts at Pottstown
Photo by Barry Taglieber
Spring-Ford’s Tate Carter joined Stewart on the Pennsylvania Football News preseason all-state team.
E26 / The Mercury
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Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Daniel Boone Blazers
Blazers looking to rebound in 2013 By Dennis Weller sports@pottsmerc.com UNION- Last year was just one of those years for the Daniel Boone football team. A new coaching staff without adequate time to work with the squad, the loss of key players to graduation, and a general lack of varsity experience all led to a tough season and a 2-8 overall record. But the Blazers feel that they’re ready to go this time around with an entire offseason of hard work and two good weeks of pre-season practice under their belts. “We’re all excited, ready to work hard with the team, and we want to win,” senior running back and defensive back Xavier Smith said during last week’s Picture Day at Brazinsky Field. “The boys are putting in a lot of work,” added second-year head coach Bill Parks, who had stepped up to that position after a seven-year stint as an assistant at Pottstown. “We’ve made a lot of progress. We’ve had a full off-season with them and we’ve had a second full week of camp.” Last year the Blazers struggled out of the gate with five straight losses before rebounding with two wins in a row. They finished up at 2-5 in the Berks Football League Section 1 and scored just 116 points on the season while allowing 308. But the two main 2012 ground gainers return in senior Kyle Myers - who ran for 597 yards while averaging 6.6 yards per carry and also caught 17 passes for 221 yards – and 5-foot-10, 188-pound speedster Smith, who gained 299 yards on 73 rushing attempts and pulled in 16 passes for another 98 yards. Myers, a 5-foot-7, 198-pound running back and linebacker, thinks the team’s conditioning work during the off-season will help the two-way players. “It’s a lot of conditioning and that helps,” he said. “We all admitted that’s the thing we needed. And team chemistry will help.” “I think we’re going to be really good,” said 6-foot-2, 190-pound senior tight end and defensive end Adam Myers. “Our team chemistry is great. We’re really a tight-knit group. We’ve all been playing together since we were really little. We’ve been friends for
a while. We all want to play with each other. It’s a good group.” The Blazers also feel that they’ll benefit from the two full weeks of pre-season drills and the resulting extra time to work on details after last year’s football camp was cut short by in-service days required of the new coaching staff members. “We learned our steps a lot more,” said 6-foot-4, 300-pound offensive and defensive tackle Jeremy Bartman. “We’re paying more attention to detail. We’re getting more conditioning. Playing both ways – it takes a toll on you. We have better conditioning and it feels like I’ve got more technique and better position.” “We definitely have a bunch of good coaches,” added Adam Myers. “We didn’t have a lot of time last year, and that hurt us.” The hard work has already shown results in the weight room, where more players have attained higher benchmarks than before, and in the skills contests held before the Berks Senior All-Star Football Classic in June where the 12-man Boone contingent placed second overall. And the most important factor in favor of a Boone rebound this year is the additional season of experience the Blazers gained while taking their lumps in 2012. “Absolutely,” said Parks. “The kids we have now are a lot more experienced than the kids we had last year. Most of our varsity players hadn’t been in varsity football before.” “It really does help,” added Kyle Myers. “You know how the speed of the game is and you can adapt. It really did get us used to coming up with the varsity. It helped me adapt a lot to the speed.” The veteran Smith, who also started as a safety during his sophomore year, knows what the team needs to do to improve. “There’s a lot of things we can do better,” he said. “Practice a little harder, just a little more intensity, just all the little stuff. I just know the team’s better. I pretty much know what to expect from the other teams, their weaknesses and strengths.” The Blazers will have a chance to show Photo by Tom Kelly III what they’ve learned when they host CoDaniel Boone is looking to finish better than its 2-8 record a year ago. calico in their season opener on Friday.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
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The Mercury / E27
Daniel Boone Blazers Daniel Boone 2013 Schedule Fri. 8/30 at 7 p.m.
vs.Cocalico
Fri. 9/6 7 p.m.
at Owen J. Roberts
Fri. 9/13 7 p.m.
vs. Manheim Central
Fri. 9/20 7 p.m.
vs. Governor Mifflin
Fri. 9/27 7 p.m.
at Conrad Weiser
Fri. 10/4 7 p.m.
vs. Twin Valley
Fri. 10/11 7 p.m.
at Pottsville
Fri. 10/18 7 p.m.
vs. Reading
Fri. 10/25 7 p.m.
at Muhlenburg
Fri. 11/1 7 p.m.
at Exeter
Helmets courtesy of PAhelmetproject.com
Head coach: Bill Parks, 2nd season. Last year: 2-5 Berks Football League Section 1, 2-8 overall. Offense: Wide receiver Tommy Pufnock (Sr., 6-0, 170); tight end Adam Myers (Sr., 6-2, 190); tackles Jeremy Bartman (Sr., 6-4, 300) and Connor Johnson (Jr., 6-4, 240); guards Dylan Marquette (Sr., 6-2, 235) and Tylor McCann (Jr., 5-8, 230); center Jared Gaspari (So., 5-9, 195); quarterback Nick Hughes (So., 6-1, 185); and running backs Paul Galanti (Jr., 5-7, 160), Kyle Myers (Sr., 5-7, 185), and Xavier Smith (Sr., 5-10, 188). Defense: Ends Darius Hinton (Jr., 6-2, 235) and Adam Myers; interior linemen Bartman and Marquette; linebackers Kyle Myers, Shane Bookwalter (Jr., 6-1, 170), and Ryan Quigley (So., 6-1, 185); and defensive backs Christopher Ford (Jr., 5-10, 165), Galanti, Pufnock, Smith, and A.J. Spagnoletti (Jr., 5-11, 188). Kickers and punter: Drew Kresge (So., 5-8, 165). Notes: The Blazers have 45 players on the roster. ... Seven players will start on both offense and defense. ... Smith was third in the state in the 100-yard dash last year. ... The defense has eight returning starters.
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Did you know?? • Boone’s Xavier Smith finished third in the state in the 100-yard dash last year. Photo by Tom Kelly III
Daniel Boone gets ready for its season opener vs. Cocalico.
E28 / The Mercury
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Bears’ Roar is Getting Louder
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
URsinus College Bears
Ursinus poised for great year behind senior leadership By Sam Stewart sstewart@pottsmerc.com Six wins, four losses. For two straight years the Ursinus College Bears have floated at that mark. It had become a symbol of mediocrity — average play for a team that could not capitalize when it needed it most. Storming out of the gate with a 5-2 start in 2012, the Bears dropped two of their next three to close out the season, including a 35-7 drubbing at the hands of Johns Hopkins and a 24-17 overtime defeat to Muhlenberg the next week. Last year’s squad failed to put a dent into the notion that this team was better than its 6-4 record, however, it did succeed in bringing hope into a new year. The Bears bring back a slew of talent back into the fold on both sides of the ball in 2013, including senior quarterback Chris Curran, senior wide receiver Jerry Rahill and senior defensive lineman John Carty. The three have been vital in the reformation of the Bears and head coach Pete Gallagher’s outlook as hope and a stronger drive has been reinforced throughout camp ahead of the fledgling season. “Our goals don’t have the terms ‘win’ or ‘championship’ in them,” Gallagher said. “A big part of what we’re going to do this year is to dedicate ourselves, win each play and let the results take care of themselves. Compete and be the best they can be.” Please see URSINUS on E29
Photo courtesy of Ursinus College
Quarterback Chris Curran ranked No. 26 in Divison III in total yards a year ago. His leadership behind center willl be a determining factor in the Bears’ success this season.
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The Mercury / E29
Ursinus Bears poised for great year URSINUS, from E28
For Curran and company, they believe that they can make a run to a conference title that has eluded the team’s grasp for over 10 years. “We’re as talented as any team in the conference,” Rahill said. “This year we’re more experienced. That experience and the confidence that comes with it … I don’t see why we can’t win it all this year.” “There are a lot of good teams in this conference but I feel like we can compete with every team in this conference,” Carty said. “The mistakes were on us and we could pick out the things that put us behind.” Voters in the Centennial Con-
ference preseason poll are feeling the same way. Furnished by the sports information directors of the conference, Ursinus was slated to finish No. 3 in the annual preseason poll. Johns Hopkins and Franklin and Marshall were picked ahead of the Bears — both handing the Bears losses in 2012. “We’re not accepting losing,” former PAC-10 defensive player of the year and Pottsgrove graduate Steve Ambs said. “We brought in a great group of guys, we have a great leader in Chris. We worked real hard in the winter and spring to build on that.” Gallagher also senses that the Bears have more to compete with in 2013, but they will also need to fix some of the problems of 2012, one of those being a ground at-
tack that ranked No. 200, and a defense that ranked No. 147 in Division III in total defense, allowing 378 yards per game. “Our biggest goal of this season is to be able to run it and stop the run,” Gallagher said. “Offensively we need to be able to run the ball. We can pass it very well. We’re going to continue to pass it here, and pass to set up the run.” One of the critical pieces behind establishing a better run attack is a healthy offensive line — an aspect that has taken a hit with the loss of former Boyertown star Wilmer Barndt, who is out for an additional five weeks with a knee injury. Please see URSINUS on E30
Sam Stewart/The Mercury
Giovanni Waters (24) goes to deflect a pass in practice last week.
The Bears’ offensive line will be vital if quarterback Chris Curran wants to put up the same statistics he did in 2012.
Photo courtesy Ursinus College
E30 / The Mercury
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Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Ursinus Bears poised for great year URSINUS, from E29
Woody Stefankiewicz, Joe Polansky and Sean Cooney-Olson have looked impressive so far and will be leaned on to perform even better with the absence of Barndt. Benefiting from a strong performance by the O-line would be quarterback Curran, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound gunslinger from Oceanview, N.J., who was a huge piece to the offensive attack last season. Curran ranked No. 26 in Division III in total yards for a quarterback (2,929), while posting a gaudy 25-4 touchdown to interception ratio. His receiving core has only gotten better with the maturation of Rahill and up-and-comer Darius Jones. “Rahill is just a tremendous athlete who can work in traffic, and then be a deep threat,” Gallagher said. “Jones is a tall kid who can catch the ball and turn short passes into long gains.” Curran has also been impressed with running back Jay Cooper and hopes to improve on the Bears’ lack of a rushing attack in 2012. “You’re going to see a lot more balanced attack this year,” he said. “Jay Cooper has been doing awesome this camp. The run game will give us a chance to have the deep threat over top. “We’ve gone from having individual players to having guys stepping up into their roles. It’s not revolving around one guy. A lot of people have improved big time and you’re
Ursinus freshman and sophomores practice special teams drills during a practice last Thursday night.
going to see a big jump in their performance this year.” Gallagher expects an improved defensive unit in 2013 and believes it will learn from last year’s per-
formance. “Our defensive line is stronger, bigger and faster,” Gallagher said. “Chris Rountree has been great as well as Scott Carlson. I think the defense will be
fine.” “Our motto has been to play fast, hit hard, run hard and play as a team,” Ambs said. “(We) can’t go wrong when you have 10 guys running to the ball.”
And for defensive leader Carty, it’s a way for him to become the leader of a stalwart defense. “I feel as a senior I can do some pretty good things,” he said.
Sam Stewart/ The Mercury
For the Bears, it is time for them to make a statement to themselves and the conference. Follow Sam Stewart on Twitter @Samuel_Stewart7
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Wednesday, August 28, 2013
The Mercury / E31
Ursinus College Bears Head coach: Peter Gallagher 13th season 60-62 Last year: 5-4 Centennial Conference, 6-4 overall. Offense: WR-Jerry Rahill (Sr., 5-11,195), Darius Jones(Jr.,6-2,180);TE-Mark Impagliaizzo (Jr., 6-3,240); OL- Woodrow Stefankiewicz (Jr., 6-7 335), Sean CooneyOlson (Sr., 6-0, 260) and Eric Wyant QB-Chris Curran (Sr., 6-3,225); RB-James Cooper (So. 5-7,180) and Taylor Paul (Jr.,5-9,205) Defensive Key Players: DL-Andrew Fiorentino (Sr., 6-0, 235), Steve Ambs, John Carty and Michael Moronese; LB-Roccograndi, James and Kerwyn Ross (Jr., 5-8, 195); DB-Matt Glowacki (Sr., 5-8, 175), Disanto, Endy and Kohout (Jr., 6-1 190) Special Teams: K-Eric Boyer (So., 6-2, 230); P-TBD Player to watch: Chris Curran is looking to build upon his stellar 2012 season in which he threw for over 2,500 yards.
Ursinus College 2013 Schedule Sept. 6 vs. TCNJ
7:00 pm
Sept. 14 at Gettysburg
1:00 p.m.
Sept. 21 vs. Frank & Marsh. 12:00 p.m. Sept. 28 vs. McDaniel
1:00 p.m.
Oct. 5 at Moravian
1:00 p.m.
Oct. 19 vs. Juniata
12:00 p.m.
Oct 26. at Susquehanna
6:00 p.m.
Nov. 2 at Johns Hopkins
1:00 p.m.
Nov. 9 vs. Muhlenberg
1:00 p.m.
Nov. 16 at Dickinson
1:00 p.m.
Ursinus’ Marc Impagliazzo will have an increased role for the Bears this season.
Photo by Barry Taglieber
E32 / The Mercury
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Wednesday, August 28, 2013