2013 Football Preview Bald Eagle Area
Bellefonte
TAKING CHARGE
Shanon Manning grabs the reins of the Bellefonte football program.
Penns Valley
PhilipsburgOsceola
State College
St. Joe’s
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Page 2
The Centre County Gazette — Football Preview
August 29, 2013
No appointment? No time to waste? No problem. Geisinger Careworks provides appointment-free healthcare for Centre County.
$5 GIFT CARD
Careworks is great for minor emergencies, sports and camp
physicals, sprains and strains, flu shots, or just to find out if that sniffle is something more. So, if your doctor’s office is closed or
Present this coupon at the Bellefonte or State College Careworks locations at time of service and a $5 gift card will be mailed to you after your visit.
is open 7 days a week and has convenient evening hours—it’s
(Not valid for lab services; one coupon per visit, offer expires March 31, 2014)
walk-in facility to accept GHP. Visit mycareworks.com
174 Buckaroo Lane, Bellefonte (Weis Plaza)
you simply can’t get an appointment, just stop on by. Careworks
appointment-free healthcare, close to home. Plus, Careworks
accepts cash payments, most major insurances, and is the only
Mon.-Fri. • 8 am – 8 pm, Sat.-Sun. • 8 am – 6 pm
1630 North Atherton Street, State College (opening this fall) (Best Buy Plaza)
August 29, 2013
The Centre County Gazette — Football Preview
GAZETTE
STAFF WRITER Marjorie S. Miller SALES MANAGER Don Bedell ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS 403 S. Allen St., Vicki Gillette, Debbie Markel, State College, PA 16801 Kathy George, Amy Ansari Phone: (814) 238-5051 BUSINESS MANAGER Fax: (814) 238-3415 Aimee Aiello www.CentreCountyGazette.com AD COORDINATOR Bikem Oskin PUBLISHER ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Rob Schmidt Gigi Rudella MANAGING EDITOR GRAPHIC DESIGN Chris Morelli Beth Wood
Football returns
THE CENTRE COUNTY
The Gazette is a weekly newspaper serving Centre County and is published by Indiana Printing and Publishing Company. Reproduction of any portion of any issue is not permitted without written permission. The publisher reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement for any reason.
CONTENTS:
High School Previews 6 .... Bald Eagle Area 8 .... Bellefonte 10 .... Penns Valley 12 .... PhilipsburgOsceola 14 .... State College 16 .... St. Joe’s
College Previews
19 .... Penn State
Pro Previews 26 .... Pittsburgh Steelers
Page 3
The temperatures have started to drop and the kids are headed back to school. That can only mean one thing — football is back! The start of the high school and college football seasons is just a few days away. The six Centre County high schools kick off their seasons on Friday and Saturday, while the Penn State Nittany Lions begin the 2013 season against Syracuse at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. We’re hopeful that Centre County football fans will pick up the Gazette each and every week. We want to be your guide to gridiron all season long. Each week, we’ll have previews and re-caps of the high school football games. You’ll see our staff and photographers all across the county on Friday nights. Once again, we’ll be picking the best high school, college and pro contests. It was a tight race last season, with Gazette correspondent Sami Hulings claiming the crown as the best prognosticator. We’ll see if she can go backto-back. As anyone who has ever
played football knows, it’s tough to win a title. Even tougher to defend one. You’ll also want to pick up a copy of the Gazette to check year No. 2 of “Gazette Gameday.” As usual, we’ll preview that week’s Penn State game. In addition to stories and columns about the Nittany Lions, there will be statistics, depth charts, schedules and more inside the special pullout section. As always, if you have any suggestions as to how we can improve our coverage, please email me at editor@centrecountygazette.com. In the pages that follow, you’ll find previews of Bald Eagle Area, Bellefonte, Penns Valley, Philipsburg-Osceola, State College and first-year program, St. Joseph’s Academy. There are also numerous stories about the Penn State Nittany Lions, who will be trying to build on last year’s amazing 8-4 campaign. Fill the stands. Flip the coin. Kick it off. Football is indeed back. — Chris Morelli
The Very Best in Austrian Home Cooking Everything Fresh . . . Every Day
Come Try Our Homemade Bread & Our BACON-based Desserts! “Where Bacon is an herB!”
TM
132 W. College Avenue, Downtown State College
(814) 272-0738 SERVING BRUNCH SUNDAYS 11a-3p Home PSU Football Weekends
As Featured on ESPN’s “Todd’s Taste Of The Town” with Todd Blackledge! “Eat-In, Take Out, Catering, Franchising”
www.herwigsaustrianbistro.com
Specializing in 1 Owner, Low Mileage Vehicles!
Family Owned & Operated 1 S. Water Street, Mill Hall, PA
570-726-3107
millerbrothersauto.com Just a 30 minute drive from State College or a 20 minute drive from Bellefonte!
Page 4
The Centre County Gazette — Football Preview
August 29, 2013
New Chief in Town
Manning takes charge on the gridiron at Bellefonte By CHRIS MORELLI
editor@centrecountygazette.com
BELLEFONTE — Ask Shanon Manning to recall the day he was hired as the head football coach at Bellefonte Area High School, and he smiles. With pride. “The first thing I did was call my wife,” he said. “I told her they weren’t doing second interviews. She said, ‘I guess you didn’t get it.’ I said, ‘no, I did get it.’ Once we got school board approval, we were off and running.” The Red Raider program suffered through a tough 2-8 campaign in 2012. The departure of then-coach Duffy Besch opened the door for Manning, who always wanted to be a head coach. Once the school board made it official, Manning went to work. “The day after I was approved,” Manning said, “we started workouts.”
THE ROAD TO THE WOODSHED
Manning played at Penns Valley Area High School and coached at three Centre County schools — Bald Eagle Area (one year), Bellefonte (one year) and Penns Valley (11 years). As an assistant coach at Bald Eagle Area, he really got his feet wet and had a chance to observe an extremely knowledgeable coach in Jack Tobias. Manning praised Tobias for his coaching style and said that he gave the assistants a lot of responsibility. “Coach Tobias was pretty open with how he let me do things,” Manning said. “He pretty much let me run one half of the defense.” The opportunities at BEA, Bellefonte and Penns Valley readied him for job as head coach. “It’s been a little bit of a transition,” Manning ex-
TIM WEIGHT/For The Gazette
FIRST-YEAR BELLEFONTE head coach Shanon Manning makes a point during a recent practice. The Red Raiders finished 2-8 last season. plained. “The nice thing is, at each place I’ve been, I’ve had a lot of freedom. I’ve had the opportunity to do some of the daily routines that I get in now as a head coach.” When Manning heard the job at Bellefonte was open, he immediately had an interest, he said. “Living in the community made a huge difference. It was something that I thought about a lot. It was nice coaching at Penns Valley because I played there. It was nice coaching at Bald Eagle, but to have the opportunity to coach in the town that you live in … to have an impact in your own community was big for me,” Manning said.
TAKING CHARGE
Once he had the head coaching job, Manning sent out a letter to the current players. He put in motion an offseason optional workout regimen that would help the
players not only build muscle, but character. He said that the program was well-received by the players. “The seniors have been leaders the entire summer, which is good. They’ve shown up for workouts the entire summer and they’ve put us where we need to be,” Manning said. Before he got the head coaching job, several players left the Bellefonte program. However, Manning is more than happy with the number of players who came out for this year’s squad. “It’s been great. We had great commitment through the summer, great attention to detail. I’ve been really surprised,” Manning said. Preseason workouts officially began on Aug. 12. During those first few days, Manning truly began getting acclimated with his squad. “We have a young team, but the nice thing about hav-
ing a young team is that they learn through modeling behavior. You model what you want to see and they mimic it pretty quickly,” Manning said. It’s early, but Manning believes he has a good relationship with his team. At the squad’s first scrimmage with Moshannon Valley and Purchase Line, he did a lot of teaching on the field. He knows the teaching aspect won’t end — and he doesn’t want it to. “This is something that I’ve always wanted to do,” he said. “As I started getting older and we started having children, I wondered if it was something I was going to be able to do. It’s worked out great. I’m really glad I have the opportunity.”
RISE TO THE OCCASION
Walk around the practice field at Bellefonte and you’ll Chief, Page 24
augusT 29, 2013
The CenTre CounTy gazeTTe — FooTball Preview
Penn State Town&Gown’s
2013 Football Annual
Catching Fire Nittany Lion receiver Allen Robinson looks to put more heat on opposing defenses after last year’s record-setting breakout season
Ready foR MoRe! The 2013 season is here! And following a special 2012 season, this year’s Penn State football team is ready for what promises to be an exciting campaign. You can get to know this year’s Nittany Lions by order Town&Gown’s 2013 Penn State Football Annual! Once again, the Annual brings together some of the best football writers from across Pennsylvania in bringing you the most comprehensive preview magazine for Penn State football. You’ll find in-depth features, interviews, analysis, and more!
Order YOur COpY TOdaY aT www.TOwnandgOwn.COm.
Page 5
Page 6
The Centre County Gazette — Football Preview
August 29, 2013
Eagles are ready to soar By JUSTIN PACKER
tations are high. With a talented group returning from last year’s District 6 playoff squad, BEA’s head coach Jack Tobias has a lot to be excited about. “We have a great group of guys coming back and they
correspondent@ centrecountygazette.com
WINGATE — With football season on the horizon, there is one certainty around Alumni Stadium, the expec-
Bald Eagle Area High School Head coach
Jack Tobias 6th season Career record: 21-31
Conference
Mountain League
TIM WEIGHT/For The Gazette
2012 Results
Record: 6-5 BEA 42 BELLEFONTE 27 at P-O 21 PENNS VALLEY 28 CHESTNUT RIDGE 0 at Central 6 TYRONE 36 at Huntingdon 8 CLEARFIELD 41 at Bellefonte 6 at Ligonier Valley 6 at Ligonier Valley
Opp. 17 7 20 26 34 54 26 49 0 48 41
THE 2013 BALD EAGLE AREA coaching staff. Front row, from left, Mike Turner, Donny Burns and Aaron Irvin. Back row, Ernie Greene, Ron Hoover, Head Coach Jack Tobias and Dave Jones.
at this point,” Tobias said. “They have seen the guys before them and know that they need to help the guys around them. This group has stepped in and really done a great job. They are confident in stepping up and helping the younger guys out. They are great kids and everything you want in a leader. It makes it a better atmosphere. They lead by example. They are going 100 miles an hour and the younger guys look at them at know that is how it is suppose to be done.” Coming of a spectacular year, in which he racked up almost 1,000 yards rushing, Bartley will be the sparkplug
are excited at the opportunity to build off last year,” Tobias said. “They are not only ready to go, but willing to help the younger guys. They have bought into the system that we are going to be as strong as our weakest link.” While leaders like Cole Long, Nate Sharkey, Dion Barnard and Jon Romine is tough, returning the likes of Dakota Bartley, Tyler Schall, Jason Jones, Conner Hall, Tanner Cramer, Levi CramSignificantly lower auto & homeowner’s er, Bryan Greenepremiums and Jordan Quotable Kobularick makes it is easy • Multiple policy discount Tobias: “We have a great group of guys coming to see why the head Eagle is First accident forgiveness back and they are excited at the opportunity• to build off looking forward to this sealast year. They are not only ready to go, but •willing to son. service Award-winning claim “I think the returners help the younger guys.” • Expert friendly service & advice have bought into the system
Garbrick-Shadle Insurance Agency
Auto • Home • Business • Life
Clinton County’s LARGEST DEALER With 36 YEARS of Service (& Counting!) 10 East Walnut Street – Lock Haven, PA 866-519-2737 • Local: 570-748-4068 www.billmacintyre.com
from experienced local agents
GARBRICKSHADLE AGENCY, INC.
You owe it to yourself to get a quote from Garbrick-Shadle Insurance Phone: (814) 359-2506 • Fax: (814) 359-3029 • E-mail: gs-ins@verizon.net
Sean F. Shadle, President Auto • Home • Business • Life 175 W. College Avenue, Pleasant Gap, PA 16823-3224 814-359-2506 • Fax 814-359-3029 Info@garbrickshadle.com
“Big enough to serve you and small enough to know you!”
August 29, 2013
The Centre County Gazette — Football Preview
Page 7
TIM WEIGHT/For The Gazette
THE 2013 BALD EAGLE AREA football team. First row, from left, Nate Cleaver, Bryce Greene, Ryan Watkins, Dakota Rossman, Bryan Greene, Dakota Bartley, Jason Jones, Mitchel Struble, Levi Veneziano, Dustin Pluebell and Dameon Vanderhoof. Second row, Dennis Shaw, Tyler Schall, Austin Cowher, Ryan Dyke, Kurt Johnson, Colton Comly, Jeffrey Bennett, Jordan Kobularcik, Mike Kachik and Elliot Peters. Third row, Jared Ishler, Joshua Fye, Hunter Hall, Scott Sayers, Austin Kim, Jared Shreffler, Adam Morgan, Kaleb Weaver, Collin Thompson, Robert Jones and Alec Songer. Fourth row, Cole Robinson, Kevin Howell, Hunter Vandermark, Ben Bytheway, Kolyn Mellott, Cody Scholl, Levi Cramer, Tanner Cramer, Matt Haupt and Dakota Heath Back row, coaches Ernie Greene, Ron Hoover, Mike Turner, Donny Burns, Aaron Irvin and head coach Jack Tobias. Not pictured: Shane Kunes and Jacob Cramer. for the Eagle offense. “We have to take advantage of his skills,” Tobias said. “He rushed for over 950 yards last year, in basically 7 games. His potential is through the roof and we look to him for a big season.” While Bartley is going to be the workhorse, don’t discount the air attack of BEA. Junior Jason Jones will step under center, while Bryce
Greene and Bryan Greene will split out wide for the Eagles. “On the outside, the Greene boys and Bubba Bennett will help us create a nice balance and make defenses respect our ability to throw.” Up front, Tobias will lean on Tanner Cramer and Levi Cramer to anchor the offense line.
Low-rate loans Freedom checking Online banking Mobile banking Free e-statements Business banking
Defensively, there is one name that will stick out for the Eagles this season — Kobularick. The senior linebacker has been in the scheme for a while and knows that it takes to be a successful leader. “He sandbagged me a bit heading into this season,” Tobias said. “He told me he didn’t do much work on the off season, but when he
came in, you could tell he is great shape. He has been flying to the ball. He is the heart and soul of this defense. He helps get the younger guys pumped up. He just has a motor that won’t quit.” In fact, look for the linebackers to be the stabilizing force for Eagles. “We have a great group Eagles, Page 24
In a game of inches, we go the extra mile.
Page 8
The Centre County Gazette — Football Preview
August 29, 2013
Red Raiders ready to roll into 2013 By JUSTIN PACKER
correspondent@ centrecountygazette.com
BELLEFONTE — Big things are happening around Rogers Stadium. Just one look at a practice and the change is easy to see — Shanon Manning. The new head coach for the Red Raiders is bringing energy and enthusiasm to Bellefonte. He is running around, yelling and bringing the excitement back to Bellefonte football. “When we started lifting in April, we hit the reset button,” Manning said. “Every kid knew that every position was wide open. They had the opportunity to work their way into a position. We implemented the lifting program and saw great num-
bers.” While the enthusiasm is there, the Red Raiders have a lot of work, learning a whole new offensive and defensive system, while trying to replace standouts like Jordan Fye, Dan Roan and Brian Green. “It has been a little rocky,” Manning said. “We are trying to install two new systems, but I will tell you our leadership from the seniors has been outstanding. They are really helping make this transition smooth. Each day we are making progress and it is steady.” Those seniors the new coach speaks of are Nick Leiter, Jake Martin, Brian Hough, Matt Querns, Doylan Deitrich and Zach Dann. “This group is very close knit,” Manning said. “It isn’t about who is a senior or ju-
Bellefonte Area High School Head coach
Shanon Manning First season Career record: 0-0
Conference
Mountain League
2012 Results
Record: 2-8 Bellefonte 17 at Bald Eagle Area 29 at Huntingdon 42 P-O 14 CENTRAL MOUNTAIN 10 at Tyrone 14 at Clearfield 7 at Penns Valley 15 CENTRAL 0 BALD EAGLE AREA 0 at St. Marys
Quotable
Opp. 42 14 7 50 48 49 42 70 41 24
Manning: “The first thought is rebuild as quickly as possible, but we don’t want to get the cart ahead of the horse. We want to do this right and we want to restore this program where it belongs.”
TIM WEIGHT/For The Gazette
THE 2013 BELLEFONTE AREA High School coaching staff. Front row, from left, Matt Masullo, Tom Hiltenberger and Pete Saylor. Back row, head coach Shanon Manning and Rob Irwin. nior, but about who is on offense and who is on defense. That has helped this quite a bit. The older guys are eager to help the younger ones; while the younger players are eager to soak up that knowledge.” While the talent is there for Manning and the Red Raiders, the new coach knows the importance of building this program the right way. “We have to show some patience,” Manning said. “The first thought is rebuild as quickly as possible, but we don’t want to get the cart ahead of the horse. We want to do this right and we want to restore this program where it belongs.” Helping the Red Raiders build are newcomers like Mark Armstrong, Danny Caprio, Dom Masullo and Patrick Johnsonbaugh. These younger guys are leading the youth charge on the field for the Red Raiders. Most coaches would have reservations about over half of the 40-man roster
being sophomores, but not at Bellefonte. Manning has seen the fire and passion of the younger players. “The benefit is they are extremely eager to step in and work hard,” Manning said. “They are willing to take the hits and they are pushing the competition on the field.” With Manning being a defensive-minded coach, look for the Red Raider defense to throw a couple schemes together that create fits for opposing offenses. “The mindset on the defense is just to focus on doing our jobs correctly,” Manning said. “We aren’t worried about what offense is coming in, rather we are focused on making ourselves better. The ultimate question at the end of the day is ‘did we put ourselves in a position to get better?’” On the line, look for Querns to be the leader, while Martin and Deitrich anchor the second and third levels for Bellefonte. “Querns, Martin and De-
Like us on Facebook.
August 29, 2013
The Centre County Gazette — Football Preview
Page 9
TIM WEIGHT/For The Gazette
THE 2013 BELLEFONTE AREA High School football team. Front row, from left, Aaron Scott, Hunter McElfresh, Reese Lucas, Cody Allison, Brian Hough, Doylan Deitrich, Kellen Moss, Ben Putnam and Brian Heckman. Second row, Mike Bertolino, Austin Jackson, Storm Smith, Brendon Owens, Jon Kerschner, Dillon Kephart, Cody Watson, Gage Fischer, Dillon Ault and Doug Musser. Third row, Patrick Johnsonbaugh, Danny Caprio, Nick Jabco, Jake Morelli, Mark Armstrong, Zach Dann, Connor Rigg, Zach Kaltenbach, Bryce Steiner and Jake Jasper. Fourth row, Issiah Hahn, Jesse McCartney, Nick Leiter, Dominic Masullo, Logan Harter, Matt Querns, Jacob Martin, Sam Cini, Lane Vonada and Andrew Stover. Back row, trainers Jasmine Glover, John Smaniotto, Ryan Chupak, coaches Matt Masullo, Shanon Manning, Rob Irwin, Pete Saylor and Tom Miltenberger. itrich are excellent leaders on the three levels of defense,” Manning said. “These guys are playmakers and make it easy on me. They are going to coach the defense on the field and lead us.” With the loss of Fye, the Raiders have a battle for the quarterback position this year. Both Armstrong and Danny Caprio have caught the eye of Manning. “Caprio and Armstrong are both proving to be ex-
cellent quarterbacks for us,” Manning said. “They each possess their own unique skills. Both have been making great progress and each have tremendous leadership skills.” Again, it will be the youth of the Raiders that shine in the trenches. “Some of the younger lineman have stepped in and surprised me to this point,” Manning said. “Dom Masullo and Patrick Johnson-
baugh are the two that stand out right now, but the entire group have stepped in and are talented.” Collectively, the Red Raiders are looking to make 2013 the start of something great. “These kids have put a lot of hours in for such a short period of time,” Manning said. “They are buying into the lifting and workouts. The kids kept showing up and putting in the work. They
have worked hard.” Bellefonte will host Bald Eagle Area on Aug. 30, a rivalry that Manning (former defensive coordinator at BEA) knows too well. “Last year, I was on the other side of the rivalry,” Manning said. “This year it is different for me. I can’t wait. I have a ton of respect for Jack (Tobias) and the whole BEA staff, but we have to be ready to compete against them come game time.”
HOURS: Mon. & Fri. 7:30am - 7:30pm *Tues. Wed. Thurs. 7:30am -5:00pm *Sat 7:30am - 4:00pm * CLOSED SUNDAY A Large Selection of Circle Y, Big Horn, WINTEC, Colligiate and Lancer Saddles, and Strap Goods, Weatherbeeta Sheets & Blankets!
814-349-8266
Rt. 445 Madisonburg, PA 11 miles E. of Centre Hall, PA
Page 10
The CenTre CounTy gazeTTe — FooTball Preview
augusT 29, 2013
Rams ready to build on last season By JOHN PATISHNOCK
question or considered possible answers. The inquiry was a simple one: “Coach, can you talk about who you think will start at each position?” As the Rams opened training camp a little more than two weeks ago, Tobias said every position was still open, indicating that even
sports@centrecountygazette.com
SPRING MILLS — Martin Tobias didn’t answer the question with words, at least not at first. Instead, the Penns Valley football coach instantly shook his head, indicating it’s probably not the first time he’s heard the
Penns Valley High School Head coach
Martin Tobias 18th season Career record: 78-93 TIM WEIGHT/For The Gazette
Conference
THE 2013 PENNS VALLEY coaching staff. Front row, from left, Keith Ripka, Matt Myers and Forrest Rishel. Back row, from left, Craig Callison, Martin Tobias, Tom Shearer and Bob Sealy.
Mountain League
2012 Results PV 7 7 20 7 42 27 42 31 14 21
Record: 5-5
JUNIATA CLEARFIELD at Bald Eagle Area at Central HUNTINGDON at P-O BELLEFONTE at Bucktail TYRONE at Mount Union
Opp. 45 47 21 42 21 7 7 12 42 18
Quotable
Tobias: “We don’t have a lot of depth, so we’re going to create depth. Kids are going to have to do multiple things. We’re going to find out who can do what best.”
WSTORE S EAVER’ INC.
Your One Stop Shop for Hunting & Archery Supplies!
Plus, Housewares, Apparel, Hardware, Footwear, Infantwear…
108 Market Drive
1 Mile West of Millheim on Rt. 45
Spring Mills, PA 814-349-2650
Mon-Sat, 8a-9p, Closed Sun.
returning starters will have to re-earn their spots from a year ago. Another reason for the uncertainty is the Rams feature just 36 players. Usually, Tobias has between 40 to 45 guys on the roster through he recalled one other season in which 36 players comprised the team. The smaller-than-usual group, which includes 20 letterwinners, will try to improve upon last season’s 5-5 mark, which Penns Valley reached after winning five of its final six contests. The Rams will begin this season at Juniata on Friday night. Kick-off is set for 7 p.m. “We’re going to evaluate all of them and see who presents the best options at various positions,” said Tobias, who’s been leading the Rams since 1996. “We don’t have a lot of depth, so we’re going to create depth. Kids are going to have to do multiple things. We’re going to find out who can do what best.” Tobias did tab his son, Cameron, as the frontrunner for the quarterback spot, a position Cameron assumed last season. Earlier this month, Martin said that Cameron, a senior, continually got better last year, when he completed 93-of-171
passes for 1,252 yards and six touchdowns. He also led the team in rushing, accumulating 352 yards on 69 carries. “We’re looking for general overall improvement: improvement in his leadership, improvement in his footwork, improvement in his recognition, improvement in his throws,” Martin said of Cameron. “Last year, we saw a progression and he progressively improved as the season went on. We want to see that go to the next step.” Six other starters return on offense: senior tackle Ken Grubb, junior guard Gabe Gensimore, senior running back Taylor Collison (86 carries, 462 yards, four touchdowns a year ago), senior receivers Luke Weaver (23 catches, 427 yards, two touchdowns) and Ian Brown (16 catches, 245 yards, one touchdown) and senior offensive lineman Ben Engle, who has been playing varsity since he was a freshman. “I kind of feel it’s my responsibility … to kind of teach (my teammates), give them the way to do it correctly,” Engle said of providing additional leadership in practice. “If they’re not doing it correctly, then take Rams, Page 23
August 29, 2013
The Centre County Gazette — Football Preview
Page 11
TIM WEIGHT/For The Gazette
THE 2013 PENNS VALLEY High School football team. Front row, from left, Ian Brown, Luke Weaver, Liam Benfer, Cameron Tobias, head coach Martin Tobias, Taylor Collison, Andrew Deardorff, Logan Bonar and Ben Engle. Second row, from left, Collin Egelhoff, Luke Bitsko, Andrew Long, Levi Spicer, Kevin Butts, Kenny Grubb, Steve Brown, Zach Smith, Garrett Evans and Gabe Gensimore. Third row, from left, Garrett Evans, Corey Hazel, Colton Treaster, Sean Beamesderfer, Zach Auker, Hunter Ilgen, Wyatt Sharp, Ethan Dunlap and Ryan McElwee. Fourth row, from left, Allen Cain, Chase Collison, Ben Alexander, Corby Woodring, Dustin Zettle, Dakota Luse, Brandon Witmer, Scott Kline and Jeremy Shawley. Back row, from left, Lydia Collison, Jenny Manning, Staci Bowersox, coach Matt Myers, coach Forrest Rishel, coach Bob Sealy, coach Craig Collison, coach Tom Shearer, equipment manager Keith Ripka, athletic trainer Carley Casado, Caroline Collison, Logan Snyder and Aaron Tobias.
One Mile West of Millheim on Route 45 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7:30-6:00 pm, Sat 8:00-1:00 pm, Closed Sun.
814-349-5007
(Leave Message)
MILLHEIM SMALL ENGINE AND HARDWARE We Stock A Complete Line of Parts & Accessories for Husqvarna Chain Saws and Trimmers
Excellent Products, Outstanding Results!
Catch this offer and
Get In The Game with ...
Get ready to rumble with High Definition Service! 1/2 price for 3 months Call Today! (814) 353-2025 or (800) 704-4254 www.tele-media.com
Page 12
The Centre County Gazette — Football Preview
August 29, 2013
Mounties eager to turn things around Philipsburg-Osceola High School Head coach
Jeff Vroman 12th season Career record: 54-64
Conference
Mountain League
2012 Results
Record: 0-10 PO 0 LINE MOUNTAIN 7 BALD EAGLE AREA 7 at Bellefonte 7 TYRONE 7 at Chestnut Ridge 7 PENNS VALLEY 20 at Central 13 HUNTINGDON 7 at Clearfield 0 at Forest Hills
Quotable
Opp. 56 27 42 60 34 27 74 34 42 43
Vroman: “I just hope our kids have a good memory. That’s what they need to have — a good memory. Last year, we turned the football over like eight times in the first game. And we can definitely put ourselves into position to play good football, which is something we didn’t do a lot of last season.”
MICHAEL CZAP/For The Gazette
THE 2013 PHILIPSBURG-OSCEOLA coaching staff. Front row, from left, Terry Bumgardner, Jeff Vroman and Barry Jones. Back row, from left, Brian Wood, Lester Horton, J.B. Brown and Dave McKnight. By PAT ROTHDEUTSCH
sports@centrecountygazette.com
PHILIPSBURG — The Philipsburg-Osceola Mounties held their annual Meet the Mounties Day on Aug. 16 this year. If Mountie head coach Jeff Vroman is right, the team the fans met that day is much better — and much healthier — than the one they met at last year’s affair. Suffering under a mountain of injuries and a disas-
trous turnover ratio, P-O did not win a game last season. All of that is ancient history, though, according to Vroman, who with his staff is overseeing the preparations for the 2013 campaign. “I just hope our kids have a good memory,” Vroman said. “That’s what they need to have — a good memory. Last year, we turned the football over like eight times in the first game. And we can Mounties, Page 25
Centre County State Rep. Scott Conklin supports all High School sports. 301 S. Allen St., Suite 102 State College, PA 16801 (814) 238-5477 | Fax: (814) 863-3898
August 29, 2013
The Centre County Gazette — Football Preview
Page 13
VAL BUNYAK/For The Gazette
THE 2013 PHILIPSBURG-OSCEOLA High School football team. Front row, from left, Dallas Thompson, Eli Jury, Nick Gray, Curtis Matsko, Dustin Shuey and Aaron Mason. Second row, from left, Travis Straw, Caleb Pepperday, Travis Arnold, Nick Boumerhi, Dan Fowler, Nick Megahan, Matt Hummel and Shayne Straw. Third row, from left, Curtis Shimel, Caleb Belinda, Alex Hunsaker, Kyle Hawkins, Ben Webster, Jake Anderson, Aaron Boumerhi and Ryan Kost. Back row, from left, Nick Patrick, John Minnehan, Ben Johnson, Tanner Lamb, Trent Reams, Collin Kerfoot, Logan Day and Ty Laird. Missing from photo: Mason Pryde.
Page 14
The Centre County Gazette — Football Preview
August 29, 2013
Little Lions have plenty of holes to fill State College Area High School Head coach
Al Wolski 10th season Career record: 82-36
Conference
Mid-Penn Conference
2012 Results
Record: 9-4 SC Opp. 26 BETHLEHEM LIBERTY 7 36 at Central Mountain 7 33 at Father Judge 23 12 HARRISBURG 33 7 at Central Dauphin 32 30 CHAMBERSBURG 28 21 at Central Dauphin East 7 35 at Carlisle 0 20 MIFFLIN COUNTY 13 14 CUMBERLAND VALLEY 17 42 CENTRAL MOUNTAIN 25 35 at DuBois 13 0 vs. Erie McDowell 42
Quotable
Wolski: “There’s a lot of work ethic and there’s a large senior class. If those guys lead, you can’t predict, but I think that we can have a fun year.”
CHRIS MORELLI/The Gazette
THE 2013 STATE COLLEGE AREA High School coaching staff. Front row, from left, Josh Restivo, Mark Baney, Mike Snyder and Rick Hall. Back row, from left, Matt Lintal, Nicholas Klass, Dirk Grissinger, Al Wolski, Rob Irwin, Chris Weakland and Diane Swauger. By PAT ROTHDEUTSCH
sports@centrecountygazette.com
STATE COLLEGE — State College’s Memorial Field construction project is still a major work in progress, and according to head coach Al Wolski, so is the State College Little Lions football team. The Little Lions lost their entire defensive backfield and most of their offense through the graduation of Darian Hernecane, Dan
Fry, Andrew Kelly, and Ryan Gienke, among others, from last year’s District champions. For Wolski and his staff, replacing those players has been one of the major goals of the 2013 preseason. “That’s what we are trying to find out,” Wolski said. “I don’t know if they are as good as Hernecane, Fry, Andrew Kelly, and Ryan Gienke, and I know it’s going to be tough to replace those Little Lions, Page 23
August 29, 2013
The Centre County Gazette — Football Preview
Page 15
CHRIS MORELLI/The Gazette
THE 2013 STATE COLLEGE AREA High School 2013 football team. Front row, from left, Jordan Misher, Alex Banerjee, Tristan Daman, Lantz Hopkins, Pat Manyak, Anthony Misher, John McCauley, David Irish, Nathan King, Drew Flanagan, Carter Hardy, Connor Pighetti, Derek VanHorn, Vinnie Albegiani and Charlie Riley. Second row, Nathan O’Brien, Chris McDonough, Patrick Irwin, Duncan Barner, Justin Gardner, Johnny Weakland, Jon Seighman, Alec Aspray, Nick Collins, Jake Knouse, Matt Lembeck-Edens, Matty Suchanec, Chris Seighman, Brett Graham and Kellin Valentine. Third row, Michael Hall, Joe DeSandre, Stan Martin, Kevin Cramer, Brandon Fedeli, Michael Mazzara, Mike White, Mike O’Melia, Christian Fishel, Gus Snyder, Shawn Hertz, Lonnie Koudela, James Anzalone and Zachariah Rittenhouse. Fourth row, Kiran Judd, Jake Castles, Will Roeshot, Zach Damiano, Ben Roeshot, Will Shields, Lucas Sainburg, Kyle Maggi, Sam Plafcan, Mike Riley, Colin Spencer, Nick Miller, Tim Slys, Joaquin Alvarez and Jake Williams. Fifth row, Patrick Begg, Adam DeBoef, Barrett McMurtry, Marcus McFall, Camden Nickell, Jack Vanderport, Holt Pupo, Tristan McLellan, Mark Weakland, Gabe Manyak, Matt Harpster, Rod Tyson, Tommy Chiusano and Jordan Good. Sixth row, Matt Patrick, Patrick Timney, Mitch Strawser, Matt Johns, Douglas Swoboda, Jordan Reighard, Chris Partsch, Sam Meyer, Wade Bonsell, Austin Peck, Josh Mauersberg, Zachary Lindau, Colin Corbett and Peter Muto. Seventh row, Jacob Stauffer, Kyle Horne, Sheldon Davis, Zachary Driver, Josh Rickley, Tenen Osbey, Ryan Lunsford, John Fitzgerald, Matt Mullin, Nate Jobe, Timmy Reed, Lucas Gray and Ryan Blonski. Back row, coaches Rob Irwin, Mark Baney, Nicholas Klass, Josh Restivo, Matt Lintal, Chris Weakland, Dirk Grissinger, Al Wolski, Diane Swauger, Rick Hall, Mike Snyder, managers Emily Taylor, Kara Walters and Michaela Penkala. Missing from photo: Sarah Nueman.
GOOD LUCK LITTLE LIONS!
Page 16
The CenTre CounTy gazeTTe — FooTball Preview
augusT 29, 2013
St. Joseph’s ready for inaugural season By JOHN PATISHNOCK
Joseph’s Catholic Academy. He’s not upset or worried about fatigue. That’s good, because that’s the type of commitment that the team will need as it competes in
sports@centrecountygazette.com
BOALSBURG — Zach Stephens expects to play three positions this season for St.
St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy Head coach
Dave Carson First season Career record: 0-0
Conference Independent
SJ Aug. 31 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1
2013 Schedule MERCYHURST PREP at Towanda at Coudersport at Curwensville ELK COUNTY CATHOLIC at Chestnut Ridge KANE A-C VALLEY CALVARY CHRISTIAN at Ridgway
Quotable
Opp. 2 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.
Carson: “The biggest thing is dedication and just trying to survive this first year, trying to build the program, get it off the ground and running.”
its inaugural season of high school football this year. Eighteen players comprise the squad for the faithbased school, which is located in Boalsburg, including several students who previously played at Bald Eagle Area, Bellefonte and State College. St Joseph’s, whose nickname is the Wolves, will host Mercyhurst Prep at 2 p.m. Saturday. “We’ve got a lot of dedicated kids, obviously, to come to a first-year program,” said coach Dave Carson, who spent the last two decades coaching at various levels in the Bellefonte program. “We have success already, just getting it formed up. If we come out and we’re competitive, we compete, I’ll be thrilled.” Stephens, a junior who was at Bellefonte prior to coming to St. Joseph’s, expects to play center and defensive end as well as oversee the team’s long-snapping duties. Last year with the Raiders, Stephens played on a team with about twice as many teammates, so smaller numbers presents challenges. As Stephens will do, many players will need to play multiple positions. Stephens said St. Joseph’s is still in the process
of getting conditioned for the season, but he sounded confident the guys will come around. In the meantime, the players have been going through more 7-on-7 drills to help simulate game conditions. “We actually get a little more excited here because we’re all more of a family here,” Stephens said. “We all come out ready to work, we all know we’re going to push each other every day.” Joining Stephens on the offensive line will be junior Trent Fye, junior J.T. Mobley, freshman Cam Walker and senior Evan Young. In the backfield, Jack Driscoll and Phil Fenstermacker, both juniors, will compete at quarterback. Senior Sabirr Breon, freshman Eli Lipscomb and junior Kashin Buey will split carries at running back and senior Dominic Gregory and junior Mike Jabco will play receiver. The players who are expected to also start on defense are Breon (defensive back), Buey (defensive back), Fye (lineman), Jabco (defensive back) and Mobley (lineman). Carson added junior Titus Tice is slotted to start at linebacker. “The biggest thing is dedication and just trying to survive this first year, trying to build the program, get it
HAPPYVALLEYCARCREDIT.COM
CREDIT AMNESTY
WE WILL TRY AND GET YOU THE CREDIT YOU NEED!
OUR GOAL IS 100% CREDIT APPROVAL. Even if your Credit is DESTROYED:
• Bankruptcy • Charge Offs • Divorce
• Repossessions • Tax Liens • Credit Card Difficulties
The Centre County Gazette — Football Preview
August 29, 2013
Page 17
TIM WEIGHT/For The Gazette
ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC ACADEMY will play its first-ever season in 2013. Team members and coaches are, from left, coach Scott Stephens, coach Scott Fye, NuNu Buey, Jack Driscoll, Sabir Breon, Charlie Ross, Phillip Fenstermacker, Evan Young, Mike Jabco, Titus Tice, Elisha Lipscomb, Zach Stephens, J.T. Mobley, Sam Denezza, Trenton Fye, Noah Peeler, Dominic Gregory, Kamron Walker, Josh Safko, head coach Dave Carson and coach Kip Peeler. we can come to a school like this gives us a great opportunity,” Stephens said. “We want to come here and do big things. We don’t
want to come here and just be the first program. We want to come here and show this program can be a success.”
Penn State Golf Courses
The Best Deal in Town for Penn State Students and Alumni!
CHECK OUT OUR ONLINE SPECIALS!!!
Blue Course Home of the 2012 NCAA Women’s Regionals. - 7,214 Yards
- Par 72
White Course With holes dating back to 1922, the White Course will test even the most skilled player.
- 6,344 Yards OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
- Par 72
Green Fees Starting at $31 for the Blue Course • Starting at $20 for the White Course. Call (814)865-GOLF (4653) for details & prices
Please call to Reserve Tee Times • (814) 865-1833 1523 W. College Ave. • www.pennstategolfcourses.com
DRIVING RANGE AVAILABLE
Advertise your business in the Centre County Gazette’s Weekly Football Gameday Section previewing each Penn State game. Call 238-5051 or email us at sales@centrecountygazette.com today!
PENN STATE GOLF COURSES
$35 to play the Blue • $28 to play the White (18-Holes w / Cart)
Mon.-Thurs. after 11 AM Expires 10/31/13. Valid for 4 Players, with Coupon ONLY
added the team is interested in joining a league in the near future. “You take what you can get this first year,” Carson said. “We’re just happy we’ve got a 10-game schedule, so the opportunity is there to play.” That this team is the first in school history isn’t lost on the players. Stephens immediately perked up when talking about the impact he and his teammates want to make this year. Carson said if the guys can finish the season with a break-even record, he’d be happy. That’s possible, but so are other goals, such as laying a foundation for the future. “Most of us here share religious beliefs and I think the fact that we come here,
Not Valid with any other Special Offers
Buy 1, Get 1 Free Range Buy 1 Small Bucket of Driving-Range Balls, Receive One FREE
off the ground and running,” Carson said. “We’ve got great kids and the school is behind us 100 percent. They want football.” As of two and a half weeks ago, the team was practicing on a vacant field behind the school, though St. Joseph’s will host games this season and will feature bleachers, a scoreboard and a press box. Finding opponents, at least close to the area, temporarily presented problems. Carson thought the team might have to travel as far as to West Virginia to fill out its schedule but that wasn’t necessary as St. Joseph’s found teams were willing to play this year. Other programs expressed interest in scheduling St. Joseph’s sometime in the next year or two, and Carson
Expires 10/31/13 • MUST Present Coupon to Receive Offer
Page 18
The Centre County Gazette — Football Preview
August 29, 2013
2013 Football Schedules BALD EAGLE AREA HIGH SCHOOL Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25
@ Bellefonte Philipsburg-Osceola @ Penns Valley @ Chestnut Ridge Central @ Tyrone Huntingdon @ Clearfield Bellefonte
BELLEFONTE AREA HIGH SCHOOL Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1
Bald Eagle Area Huntingdon @ Philipsburg-Osceola @ Central Mountain Tyrone Clearfield Penns Valley @ Central @ Bald Eagle Area St. Marys
PENNS VALLEY AREA HIGH SCHOOL Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1
@ Juniata @ Clearfield Bald Eagle Area Central @ Huntingdon Philipsburg-Osceola @ Bellefonte Bucktail @ Tyrone Mount Union
PHILIPSBURG-OSCEOLA HIGH SCHOOL Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1
@ Line Mountain @ Bald Eagle Area Bellefonte @ Tyrone Chestnut Ridge @ Penns Valley Central @ Huntingdon Clearfield Forest Hills
STATE COLLEGE AREA HIGH SCHOOL Aug. 31 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 21 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25
@ Liberty Central Mountain Martinsburg @ Harrisburg Central Dauphin @ Chambersburg C. Dauphin East Carlisle @ Mifflin County
ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC ACADEMY Aug. 31 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1
Mercyhurst Prep @ Towanda @ Coudersport @ Curwensville Elk County Catholic @ Chestnut Ridge Kane A-C Valley Calvary Christian @ Ridgway
7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.
7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.
7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.
7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.
7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 2 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.
2 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.
August 29, 2013
The Centre County Gazette — Football Preview
Page 19
Plenty of questions for O’Brien, Lions UNIVERSITY PARK — It’s time for round two. As Penn State head coach Bill O’Brien enters his second season at the helm at the helm of the Nittany Lions, he’s got his work cut out for him. The Lions enter the 2013 campaign with question marks on both sides of the ball, most notably at quarterback. There’s also the loss of players like linebacker Michael Mauti, which leaves a gaping hole as far as leadership is concerned. With last season’s magical 8-4 campaign fading into the rearview mirror, it’s gut-check time for O’Brien. He got a hefty raise during the offseason. There are some who wonder if he can duplicate his 2012 success. As the Lions enter the 2013 season, there are numerous question marks surrounding this year’s squad. Here’s a look at the top 10: Q: Who will the Nittany Lions miss more: Mauti or former quarterback Matt McGloin? A: The fans will definitely miss Chris Morelli is the Mauti more. He was editor of the Centre the vocal leader of County Gazette. He last year’s squad can be reached at even though he editor@centre missed his final countygazette.com game with a severe knee injury. However, the team will miss McGloin more. The prior coaching staff didn’t realize what they had in McGloin. Fortunately, O’Brien saw his talent and turned him into a potential NFL quarterback. When the season kicks off on Aug. 31 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, McGloin will be missed more. Q: Who’s the running back? Bill Belton, Akeel Lynch or Zach Zwinak? A: All of the above. At media day, O’Brien indicated that all three would see significant playing time. “There’s three of them. They’re all going to play … all three running backs will play this year,” he said. It doesn’t get much simpler than that. While all three will play, look for Zwinak and Lynch to be the workhorses, especially if Belton has trouble holding onto the football. Q: What does Allen Robinson do for an encore? A: No question, Robinson has a tough act to follow. He was the Big Ten’s breakout player last season, hauling in
CHRIS MORELLI
TIM WEIGHT/For The Gazette
PENN STATE head coach Bill O’Brien went 8-4 as a first-year coach in the Big Ten. What will he do for an encore? 77 receptions for 1,013 yards as a sophomore. The 77 catches shattered the previous record of 63, set by O.J. McDuffie and Bobby Engram. When your name is mentioned in the same breath as those two, you know you’re in rarefied air. While Robinson’s stats are impressive, he won’t have McGloin throwing him the football. And chances are that teams will start to double-team him, so look for a slight drop in his numbers this season. O’Brien’s mission for 2014 will be convincing Robinson to stick around. After all, he’s ready for the pro game now. Q: Are Sam Ficken’s troubles behind him? A: Goodness, let’s hope so. Ficken was awful at the start of 2012, and his misses in the Virginia game kept the Lions from being 9-3 instead of 8-4. However, he bounced back to make 14of-21 (66.7 percent success rate). His longest field goal came from 38 yards out and he was 0-for-4 in the 40- to 49yard range. Those numbers will have to change because there will be at least one or two games that ride on Ficken’s leg. Q: What’s more of a concern — offense or defense? A: Offense has too many weapons to be a concern. On the defensive side of
the ball, the Lions are thin at linebacker and in the secondary, so an injury or two could be devastating. This is where the loss of scholarships will truly be felt. The blue chip players that Penn State could afford to keep around as backups just aren’t there anymore. Sure, there are plenty of bodies to throw back there, but it remains to be seen if they can compete in the Big Ten. Q: Is John Butler ready for his role of defensive coordinator? A: Absolutely. Butler’s young, but he’s ready to go. At media day, he was confident as he talked about his new role. He may not have the talent that the Lions had on defense in 2012, but if anyone can motivate the defense to do great things, it’s Butler. He’s the real deal. Q: Who will be the go-to guy in the return game? A: O’Brien has talked an awful lot about the return game getting better. At media day, he mentioned Bill Belton, Trevor Williams, Geno Lewis, Akeel Lynch, Richy Anderson and Alex Kenney. Kenney is probably the fastest guy on the team, so look for No. 15 to be part of the return game in some way, shape or form. Questions, Page 23
Page 20
The Centre County Gazette — Football Preview
August 29, 2013
Howle leads revamped offensive line By JOHN PATISHNOCK
sports@centrecountygazette.com
UNIVERSITY PARK — Undoubtedly, the biggest question mark concerning this year’s Penn State football team centers on who will start at quarterback; whether it’s true freshman Christian Hackenberg or junior college transfer Tyler Ferguson taking the snaps is still to be decided. In the meantime, the Nittany Lion offense features other changes, most notably concerning the guys who will block for whoever earns the starting job. In the middle of it all — literally — is senior center Ty Howle, who is transitioning back to his most natural position after earning his first start at left guard in last year’s season finale against Wisconsin. As a whole, coach Bill O’Brien called the offensive line “high-character guys that are doing a nice job.” But they also double as pranksters. When the group was out having dinner recently, senior guard/tackle Eric Shrive placed a fake parking ticket under Howle’s windshield, causing him to temporarily freak out. Howle opened the ticket and saw a message that said “Gotcha.” That the guys on the line get along well has helped
form a fast bond that’s assisted as Howle spent the spring transitioning back to center, a position he’s played for the majority of his career at Penn State. “Get down the offense, pick up the little nuances that we have on each play — because that stuff’s important — being able to know what each player is doing, being able to read defenses, stuff like that,” Howle said of what he wanted to accomplish in the spring. “Physically, get down the technique and build rapport with both the guards because we’re doing so many combo blocks and we’re always working together. That was one thing in spring practice we had to accomplish to be a better offensive line.” For his progress, Howle earned the Red Worrell Award, which is given to an offensive player for “exemplary conduct, loyalty, interest, attitude and improvement” during spring practice. “It was nice knowing that I had a good spring ball and I improved and people took notice,” Howle said. “It was good that happened, but the most important part, whether I won an award or not, was actually getting better.” No one is disputing that, not even after Howle had to play catch-up a little bit.
A pectoral injury caused Howle to miss all of last year’s training camp and half the summer workouts; he also was held out of the first three games last season before playing in the final nine and starting against Wisconsin. “From spring a year ago, I saw a lot of potential in Ty — I really liked what I saw,” offensive line coach Mac McWhorter said. “Everything he’s done to this point, I’m just delighted with. I just expect him to get better and better.” One reason for this is because McWhorter said Howle is blessed with “Godgiven leverage,” considering that Howle is usually at least three inches shorter than most other centers at 6-foot. “That’s OK, because he can carry 300 pounds and he’s very athletic in doing it,” McWhorter said. “He’s really smart, he’s tough, got a great work ethic, and so he’s got all the intangibles. So that three inches sometimes can be an advantage when you can still carry 300 pounds.” O’Brien said he can choose from eight guys to play the offensive line, giving depth to a position that either way will need to protect a first-year quarterback. It’s a different challenge from last season, when fifth-year senior Matt McGloin over-
TIM WEIGHT/For The Gazette
TY HOWLE will lead the Nittany Lions’ new-look offensive line.
saw the offense. Different season. Same approach. Howle and the line won’t alter their mission. “Not at all, not at all,” Howle said. “It doesn’t change us at all because we’re still going to do what we do. These guys are being coached by the best: Coach (Charlie) Fisher and Coach O’Brien and they’ll pick (everything) up so quickly. We’re just focused on our job and it’s all we’re going to do. We’re not going to try to play outside of our capabilities. It doesn’t change us at all.”
August 29, 2013
The Centre County Gazette — Football Preview
Page 21
HEALTHCARE EDUCATION
We’re a health system that cares as much
about our patients as we do for our patients. That’s why, at Mount Nittany Health, we offer a host of free support groups, health and wellness screenings and educational programs throughout the year, along with new services, physicians and state-of-the-art technologies. Our mission is to make the whole patient healthier. It’s that simple – and we believe it’s the right thing to do. By providing the
latest resources on important health topics, from diabetes and depression to heart health, cancer care and more, we want to help you make more informed decisions about your health. Visit us online to explore our wellness library or find upcoming programs of interest. Caring for and about your health is just another way we
Kristie L. Kaufman, MD, Pediatric Physician Anthony Cardell, MD, Executive Director and Chief Medical Officer for Mount Nittany Physician Group
mountnittany.org
©2013 Mount Nittany Health
move LIFE FORWARD.
Page 22
The Centre County Gazette — Football Preview
August 29, 2013
Getting his kicks
Punter hopes to go out with a monster senior season By CHRIS MORELLI
editor@centrecountygazette.com
UNIVERSITY PARK — The Penn State football media guide lets readers know that Alex Butterworth was the lone Nittany Lions to punt the football last season. According to Butterworth, he remembers every single one — the good, the bad and the ugly. “Pretty much,” Butterworth said with a laugh. “When I hit a good one, it’s the best feeling in the world, you can’t top it. The bad ones? They’re tough. I’ve hit a few, I think everyone knows that. You just have to have a short memory.” During the 2012 season, Butterworth punted 51 times, amassing 1,905 yards — a 37.4 average. His long went for 58 yards and he landed 19 inside the 20-yard line. Most importantly, he did not have a punt blocked. According to Butterworth, he worked extremely hard during the offseason to improve his game. Heading into his senior season, he’s confident that he can finish his career as a Nittany Lion on an upswing, so to speak.
“I’m really excited. I feel better now about my punting ability than I ever have while I’ve been here,” Butterworth explained. “I feel like I had a really good spring. I feel like I did a really good job carrying over what I learned in the spring into the summer. Now, I just need to take it through camp and carry it through until the fall. I’m hoping to have the best season I’ve ever had.” Butterworth helped swing field position numerous times throughout the Lions’ 8-4 campaign. Butterworth punted just eight times during the 2011 season, but he became a key part of the Lions’ special teams when kicker/punter Anthony Fera left Penn State following the NCAA sanctions. When O’Brien named Butterworth the starting punter in 2012, he knew he had a tough act to follow. He had to prepare mentally for his new role as starter. “The mental part of the game is probably the hardest. It takes a while to get comfortable mentally,” he said. “I’ve found that it’s good for me just to stay
TRUCK & EQUIPMENT
MAXUM Trailers are the affordable, high-quality trailer solution you’ve been searching for! And we’ve got them in stock!
MAXWELL TRUCK & EQUIPMENT
689 East College Avenue, Pleasant Gap (Corner of Rt. 26 & Rt. 64)
814-359-2672 • www.maxwellinc.net
TIM WEIGHT/For The Gazette
PENN STATE PUNTER Alex Butterworth has spent the off-season fine-tuning his game. He’s expecting big things in 2013. loose. I’m loose all week right up until the game. When it’s gametime, I get my game face on.” The 5-foot-10, 206-pounder got his first taste of collegiate punting in 2010, when Fera underwent an emergency appendectomy three days prior to the Indiana game. That season, he punted 12 times for 457 yards, an average of 38.1 per punt. When it comes to the mechanics of punting, Butterworth said there are a lot of factors involved. The weather conditions, the snap and the drop all factor into things before he even strikes the football. “I know when I’m dropping the ball if it’s going to be a good or bad punt,” Butterworth said. “You try to ad-
just to it if it’s a bad drop. A lot of times, if it’s a bad drop, it’s not going to be a good punt.” Butterworth has been working in the offseason on all facets of his game. “I’ve done a lot of work with my drop. I’m really confident that this will be a much more consistent year,” he said. Butterworth said that having O’Brien as a head coach has helped his game. “He really knows special teams really well. It’s one of the things that surprised me when he first got here,” Butterworth said. “He was really big on special teams. He knows what we’re going through. In high school, our coaches really didn’t know. He knows how to handle us well. Really well.”
August 29, 2013 Little Lions, from page 14 guys. We do have some young guys who are challenging, and it’s just a matter of bringing them up to varsity level. “There are some sophomores with some nice speed and good athletic ability and some guys who have been playing JV who are starting to show. We are still a ways away.” Even with the losses, which also included Penn State recruit Evan Galimberti, who played along both the offensive and defensive line, the turnout for the team was strong and there are many positives. “We have over a hundred with us right now,” Wolski said, “and, you know, we don’t have a hundred play-
Rams, from page 10 them aside and show them how to do it, demonstrate how to correctly do it instead of just telling them, ‘Hey, get better.’ Actually work with them, one-on-one.” Senior offensive lineman Kevin Butts, who started as a sophomore but missed last season because of an injury, noted preseason workouts have been noticeably upbeat. He credits a high offseason workout attendance that allowed everybody to learn
B ad Cre dit? it? No C red No Prob lem !
The Centre County Gazette — Football Preview
Page 23
ers but we are trying to get a hundred players — we have to make a few and have a few step up. “We have some experience at quarterback (Patrick Irwin), and it’s the second time in a row that we have a quarterback return who was the starter in his junior year. So if he can stay healthy, he’s a nice thrower, he can run, good leader, and he does a great job in that area.” Defensively, the secondary is the big concern. “We lost our secondary,” Wolski said, “so we have to replace those guys. We have some nice linebackers and some descent guys up front. But we really have to work on the secondary if we want to be a good football team.” The Little Lions do return plenty of lettermen from last
season, and they have a sizeable senior class to provide leadership. As usual, the Lions will depend heavily on their captains. “Our captains were just elected yesterday,” Wolski said. “They are Jordan Good, Irwin, Ben Roeshot, and Adam DeBoef. These were the guys who led the off season programs, too, so we are looking to them as the leaders. “As we progress in the season we are going to see how we execute, how we come together. We have a bunch of guys who I just told are in a ‘middle position’ who haven’t really stepped up and given us everything they have. I just told them that they need to step up — there’s about 10 guys — and if they can do that, we can be
pretty good.” The schedule offers the Little Lions no breaks. After an opening game at Bethlehem Liberty, SC will face West Virginia state champion Martinsburg. Then it’s the usual suspects from the always-tough Mid-Penn Conference that include Central Dauphin, Harrisburg, Central-Dauphin East, Cumberland Valley, and Carlisle. But with good numbers, and a large group of seniors and leaders who have been through this before, Wolski can see this team finding success. “There’s a lot of work ethic,” he said, “and there’s a large senior class. If those guys lead, you can’t predict, but I think that we can have a fun year.”
what they needed to before the season begins. “We’re actually a lot further ahead of where we thought we would be right now, which is really good because that means we can move on to other things a lot quicker,” Butts said. The defense also boasts seven returning starters, as Collison (cornerback), Engle (end/tackle), Grubb (tackle) and Weaver (cornerback) possess experience on both sides. Weaver nabbed a teamhigh three interceptions last
year and Collison snagged one. The trio also racked up tackles, as Collison and Weaver each finished with 33 and Grubb totaled 17. Senior Liam Benfer and junior Wyatt Sharp return at linebacker and junior Luke Bitsko supplies more depth in the secondary, playing safety. Benfer led the team last year with 70 tackles, while Sharp tallied 43 and Bitsko posted 26. Martin Tobias said the returning starters possess an edge as they all compete to
start this season, while the experience of the collective team is what gives the coach the most confidence heading into the season. “They’ve seen both the upside and the downside and last year they never wavered,” Martin said. “They kept at it, they kept working at it. We kept telling them, ‘You keep doing these things, you keep getting better, you’ll see it,’ and they bought into that. They saw that, they saw the results. That’s what we’re hanging our hat on for this year.”
Troubled by poor credit due to ... • Divorce • Bankruptcy • Past Judgement • Tax Liens • Charge-Offs • Repossessions • 1st Time Buyer
Big Buff Dannelley Says,
“IF YOU HAVE A FULL TIME JOB, YOU DRIVE!” Let us use our EXTENSIVE CREDIT RESOURCES to help you to purchase a new or used car or truck and re-establish your good credit!
We have a LARGE INVENTORY to select from to meet your budget and driving needs! Call and ask for Big Buff at 814-238-4805 or Toll Free 800-473-1498 Or Just Stop In ... No Appointment Needed. *Certain incomes and length of job required. Down payment may also be required.
701 Benner Pike • State College, PA
Page 24
The Centre County Gazette — Football Preview
August 29, 2013
Chief, from page 4 notice nearly every player wearing a “Rise to the Occasion” plastic red wristband. If the 2013 Red Raiders have a motto, that’s it. According to Manning, it’s more than just four words. “It basically means ‘step up.’ It’s time for everyone to step up and do their part. Instead of looking around and waiting for someone else to do it, step up. Don’t be willing to accept mediocrity. Push mediocrity to the side. We’ve really pushed the standard of what we expect,” Manning said. Manning has high expectations of his squad — both on and off the field. “We have a lot of nonnegotiables,” he said. “The guys will either decide to be a part of what we’re doing or move on. Ninety-nine percent of them have decided to stay with us.”
RED RAIDER PRIDE
No doubt that the recent struggles of the Bellefonte football program have taken a toll. It’s taken a toll numbers-wise (there are approximately 40 players on the roster). It’s also taken a toll on a school that has a lot of pride in its athletic programs. Manning wants to get the program back on track and make Rogers Stadium the place to be on a Friday night. “The community really backs the football team, they seem to back the program. That makes it nice to be a head coach here,” he said. On Aug. 17, members of
Eagles, from page 7 of linebackers this year,” Tobias said. “We are deep in the linebacker position with Kobo, Ryan Dyke, Nate Cleaver and Austin Cowher.” If the linebackers are going to lead, the rest of the defense will follow. The Eagles are returning eight starters from last year’s playoff team and added a few more talented players in the process.
TIM WEIGHT/For The Gazette
BELLEFONTE AREA High School head coach Shanon Manning demonstrates proper technique during a recent practice at the high school.
With the season right around the corner. Manning is still putting the pieces in place. As of press time, there were numerous position battles still going on.
“We’ve seen progress each and every day we show up,” Manning said matterof-factly. Manning has high expectations. That’s just how he lives his life. It may be a cliché, but he expects nothing less than 110 percent from his squad every time they step between the white lines. “As we progress, playoffs will be an expectation that occur every year, not once every three or four years,” Manning said. “I really think that’s something we can achieve.” Manning will learn more about his squad when the Red Raiders host Bald Eagle Area on Aug. 30. It’s the first of two meetings between the
schools. He will face off with Tobias, the coach he worked under last season. He had nothing but high praise for his former boss. “Jack was a huge help. I can’t say enough about him. He’s been a huge help through my transition. He stays in weekly contact with me and any questions I have, he’s willing to help me out. I’m friends with all of those guys,” Manning said. But when kickoff comes, the friendship will be put aside — at least for a few hours. “It’s odd how it worked out from a scheduling perspective,” Manning said. “At the same time, I wouldn’t rather play anyone else.”
“We are a veteran defense, that is for sure,” Tobias said. “We return a ton of guys and they have played together for at least years together. They trust each other and know what to expect from one another. It is a nice feeling. They know to play their role and not be a hero.” Once again, Bald Eagle Area will kick their season off against their rival, Bellefonte. “We don’t have to do
much to get these guys fired up,” Tobias said. “I have always said, ‘if you are a Centre County team, you want to play another Centre County team in week one because of the Grange Fair.’ It is a great motivator for our guys and they will be ready to go. There is an extra spark in camp right now.” In fact, BEA will square off against three Centre County teams to start the season. On Aug. 30, the Eagles travel to
Bellefonte, on Sept 6, Philipsburg-Osceola comes to Alumni Stadium, followed by a road trip to Penns Valley. “Like Bellefonte, Penns Valley and PhilipsburgOsceola, the guys are fired up about it,” Tobias said. “To open up with those three games is crucial for us to establish ourselves. These guys know the importance of each game, but we aren’t looking past week one.”
the football team headed out into the community to sell fundraiser cards. The players heard a lot of positive comments about the team. There’s an excitement level that comes with a changing of the guard. Manning likes the buzz in the air. “You know you’re going to have a lot of people interested. Where there is interest there’s also high expectations. I’m OK with that,” Manning said.
STRAPPING IT ON
The Centre County Gazette — Football Preview
August 29, 2013 Mounties, from page 12 definitely put ourselves into position to play good football, which is something we didn’t do a lot of last season. “When you’re minus-42 in turnovers, not a lot good is going to happen. But it was a learning experience. We have to take it, and use some of it, but we have to forget some of it, too.” There are some numbers that suggest that this year’s Mounties have to potential to put the memories of 2012 to rest once and for all. P-O returns 16 seniors from last season, 18 lettermen, and the core of both the offensive and defensive units. They are a year older and a year bigger — and they are healthy. “That’s a key,” Vroman said, “to have depth. You never know when you are going to have an injury. Last year we had some lettermen, but we didn’t have a lot of game experience. A lot of that was special teams experience and whatnot, but this year we have a lot of game experience returning.” That game experience will show up on both sides of the ball this season, and on special teams, as well. “I think you have to look at the guys that have lettered here for three years,” Vroman said. “You have guys like (6-3, 240 lb. quarterback) Curtis Matsko, Nick Gray, Caleb Pepperday, Dan Fowler. Guys like that have been here. They have been through the grind. They know what it takes to be successful. They also know what happens on the negative end. “So it all ties in. You have to have a little luck along the way. We had zero luck last year. You know, last year at this time we’re sitting here with five or six starters out — right now. But we are healthy now, and hopefully we can keep that because that’s huge.” There will also be some
significant position changes for the Mounties this season. Last season’s starting quarterback Pepperday will move to tight end this year (“a huge weapon,” according to Vroman), and last season’s leading rusher Nick Gray (6-0, 225) will move to guard on offense and play linebacker on defense. “As far as in the backfield,” Vroman explained, “we have Kyle Hawkins back there, Mason Pryde (5-11, 210), who was doing some good things before he got hurt, Dustin Shuey, Aaron Mason, Ben Webster — we still have six or seven guys back there. “And we have Curtis (Matsko) now at quarterback, which means that we put Jack Anderson in there at wing. I’m trying to build a lot of depth there and crosstrain them for position so they understand that I’m not just this wing or this back. I know everything.” All of this together with the return of senior punter and kicker Nick Boumerhi, who is getting D-1 college attention, has Vroman, his staff, and the players themselves excited about the upcoming season. “There is some leadership there,” Vroman said, “and that’s something that you can’t teach. These seniors have been doing a nice job, and I think they have learned a lot since their sophomore season. Now they are carrying through with it.” It will not take long for the Mounties to find out if their optimism is warranted. They open up at Line Mountain on August 30, travel to Bald Eagle Area for a big showdown in week two, and then return home for another biggie against Bellefonte in week three. Central, Penns Valley, Tyrone and Clearfield are all lurking down the road. As Vroman pointed out, much will depend on what the Mounties remember from last season — and what they forget.
Follow us on Twitter! @centrecogazette
Questions, from page 19 Q: Are the sanctions still having an effect on the program? A: Sure. You don’t lose as many scholarships as the Nittany Lions have and not feel it. However, O’Brien has done a great job keeping the morale up throughout the whole mess. Players are excited to be part of a team that has no chance of competing for a Big Ten title or playing in a bowl game. That’s a credit to the head coach. Make no mistake about it, the sanctions have done some damage, but O’Brien has weathered the storm nicely. Q: Another uniform change? Really? A: Yes, really. The Penn State chipmunk logo has
the
FIND A
Page 25 been added to the collar. It says here that change is good. Everything that has happened with the uniform — names on the back, stripe removed, etc., have made the jersey look more modern and sleek. After so many years without a single update, any change is good change. Q: How will the 2013 Nittany Lions fare? A: With O’Brien breaking in a new quarterback, expect some ups and downs. The schedule is built for success, especially early on. Look for the Lions to win most of the games they’re expected to and perhaps drop a game they’ll be favored it. When the dust settles, I expect another 8-4 campaign that will be filled with as much drama as last season.
JOB
Post your resume. Get matched instantly.
.com
814-238-5051
Powered by The Centre County Gazette & RealMatch
A TRUE DUAL-TRIP
WORKHORSE. THE BOSS DXT combines both trip-edge and full moldboard trip technologies for high and low trip protection when striking hidden obstacles like frozen snowbanks, manhole covers and curbs. THE DXT PLOW: • Steel - 8’2”, 9’2”, 10’0” • Stainless Steel - 8’2”, 9’2” • Poly - 8’2”, 9’2”
ONLY AT YOUR BOSS DEALER!
KEY FEATURES: • Dual-Trip Design • Flared Blade Wings • High-Performance Hydraulics
• Heavy-Duty Push
Frame and Quadrant
• SmartHitch 2 ®
• SmartLight ® 2 • SmartTouch ® 2 • SmartShield ®
TRUCK & EQUIPMENT
689 East College Avenue, Pleasant Gap (Corner of Rt. 26 & Rt. 64) 814-359-2672 © 2013 BOSS Products / Northern Star Industries, Inc. www.maxwellinc.net
b o s s p l o w . c o m
Page 26
The Centre County Gazette — Football Preview
August 29, 2013
Steelers look to bounce back By SHAWN CURTIS
Special to The Gazette
PITTSBURGH — As far as overused phrases go, few are more grating than “put up or shut up.” But every time a game kicks off, score is kept and accomplishments are being chronicled; the idea is in place that someone’s performance in whatever they do dictates their right to speak of their skill(s), the weather or whatever comes to mind at that moment. With the 2013 edition of the Pittsburgh Steelers in a transition phase from key veterans and superstars of the 2000s to whatever the future holds for the team, there are a few members of the franchise who will certainly need to put up this season. Shutting up? Let’s leave that decision to those signing paychecks and contracts. Todd Haley — offensive coordinator: Haley’s first season with the Steelers offense was a mixed bag. When he and Ben Roethlisberger appeared to play nice, the passing game hummed along as tight end Heath Miller was rediscovered as an option after years of a wideout-centric approach. When things didn’t click, the running game was usually to blame. When the passing game faltered too, the sights weren’t pretty at all. Arguments against Haley — and there seem to plenty more of those than arguments for Haley – include the idea that he’s handcuffing Roethlisberger and limiting his ability to improvise, which has made him one of the league’s best signalcallers when healthy. But the three-step drops and quick patterns are designed to keep Roethlisberger upright and avoid the threat of injury. With more injuries and ailments on Roethlisberger’s NFL docket than Cavity Sam can claim on an Operation board, any and all efforts to keep him away from the hard contact
PITTSBURGH STEELERS quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will be looking to rebound from an injury-plagued 2012 season.
NICK WASS/The Associated Press
he draws is noble, but immediately washed away when Roethlisberger’s extend-play instinct kicks in. Part of drawing pass rush focus away from Roethlisberger transitions to … A running back — someone, anyone: Drafting Le’Veon Bell out of Michigan State was a great start. Then again, anything was an upgrade over the injury-riddled mess that plagued the Steelers’ backfield. Isaac Redman proved that his worth isn’t as a feature back, but more as a weardown back late in games. Jonathan Dwyer showed bursts of promise, but also showed that he has the durability of a china doll. Rashard Mendenhall spun his way to Arizona. Baron Batch maintained a roster spot. Redman, Dwyer, Batch and Bell were joined on a clustered depth chart in the spring by free agent acquisition LaRod Stephens-Howling, who saw third-down duty during most of his four seasons with the Cardinals with a few emergency starts last season as the feature back. Bell projects to win the starting job if he can overcome a slew of camp injuries. Whomever is toting the
ball a majority of the time for the Steelers has to relieve the pressure off the passing game. Bruce Arians isn’t walking through that door unless he gets lost when the Cardinals visit Heinz Field in 2015ish, so an emphasis on the run is part of the Steelers’ philosophy. Production is still a work in progress. LaMarr Woodley — linebacker: Simply put, this has to be the year that Woodley makes this defense his. The talent is there. He’s shown that. The numbers are there. He’s proven that he can produce in the NFL. The task at hand for Woodley is to establish that the Steelers’ defense, one that thrives on great linebacker play, is under his leadership. When James Harrison snarled and bullied his way to a Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2008, Woodley had posted numbers that nearly eclipsed what Harrison contributed on paper. While Harrison missed time in the following seasons, Woodley never quite made it feel like he was stepping into Harrison’s onfield leadership role. Harrison is in Cincinnati now. This defense — at least the front seven — needs to belong to Woodley. Even if the numbers drop, Wood-
ley’s leadership ability has to trend upward. Troy Polamalu’s body — a body: Troy Polamalu, the football player, is still awfully good when his body allows it. While 16 healthy games for Polamalu carries larger odds than hitting Powerball, his presence is needed in a secondary that had issues with everything a secondary shouldn’t have issues with. His athleticism leads to greater risk-taking. Sometimes, those risks lead to injuries. Some injuries are nagging and able to be quelled long enough for Polamalu to at least suit up and play at a high-end fraction of what he’s capable of. Other times, he’s Nike’s most recognized sweatsuit model. Polamalu is 32 to start the year, which means that his body will start to fail him more as his career sees more sunset than sunrise. A healthy 2013 — or at least a moderately healthy year — will go a long way in returning him to the “force of nature” category on the team’s depth chart. It’s up to you Troy’s body. If all of those stars align, those proclaiming doom and gloom this season after the Steelers limped to an 8-8 mark in 2012 won’t have much to say. Just consider it “putting up to shut up (the critics).”
August 29, 2013
The Centre County Gazette — Football Preview
Page 27
Page 28
The CenTre CounTy gazeTTe — FooTball Preview
augusT 29, 2013
Helping you with your
FREE DELIVERY Your Weis Pharmacy will deliver your prescription within a 10 mile radius! Only at 170 Buckaroo Lane, Bellefonte Phone: 814-355-2429 see store for more details
OPEN 24 HOURS! Pharmacy Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-9pm Saturday 9am-6pm Sunday 9am-5pm
health! over 10,000 health & beauty care products to fit your every need
fresh produce & seafood look for sustainable seafood and locally grown produce need to see a doctor? visit
just a couple stores down, no need for an appointment!
O