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SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
PLAYBOOK 2011 OUR TEAM
INSIDE
THE ABINGTON JOURNAL www.theabingtonjournal.com 211 South State Street Clarks Summit, PA 18411 Phone: (570) 587-1148
Abington Heights .......................................................................................................................Pages 5-6, 44
Kristie Grier Ceruti Abington Journal Editor (570) 585-1604 kgrier@theabingtonjournal.com GO LACKAWANNA www.golackawanna.com 210 Wyoming Avenue Scranton, PA 185003 Chris Hughes Go Lackawanna Editor (570) 558-0113 chughes@golackawanna.com
Scranton Prep....................................................................................................................................Pages 11-13 Valley View .......................................................................................................................................Pages 14-15 West Scranton..................................................................................................................................Pages 16-17 North Pocono ................................................................................................................................Pages 18, 34 Dunmore ...........................................................................................................................................Pages 19-21 Carbondale.....................................................................................................................................Pages 22-23 Lakeland .........................................................................................................................................Pages 26-27 Riverside ........................................................................................................................................Pages 28-29 Holy Cross .....................................................................................................................................Pages 30, 37 Lackawanna Trail ............................................................................................................................Pages 31-33 Old Forge........................................................................................................................................Pages 35-36 Additional Lackawanna Football Conference teams ..............................................................Pages 39-40
Tom Robinson Project Coordinator robbyTR@aol.com
Mid Valley........................................................................................................................................Pages 41-42
Paul Andrews Go Lackawanna General Manager (570) 558-0845 pandrews@golackawanna.com
Combined staffs return to action
Contributing Writers/ Photographers • Don McGlynn (570) 585-1601 dmcglynn@ theabingtonjournal.com • Robert Tomkavage (570) 585-1600 rtomkavage@ theabingtonjournal.com • Elizabeth Baumeister (570) 585-1606 lbaumeister@ theabingtonjournal.com • Matt Morgis • Jason Riedmiller • J. Michael Schirra • Alex Seeley • Alice Stuffle • Emily Taylor • Stephanie Walkowski On the Cover Photo – Jason Riedmiller Design – Lindsey Jones Pictured - From left, Scranton’s Joe McCarthy, West Scranton Malcolm Sweeting, and Lackawanna Trail’s Eric Laytos.
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Scranton ............................................................................................................................................Pages 8-10
Retail Advertising Account Executives Judy Comerford T’Shaiya Stephenson Karen Fiscus
The top teams from the 2010 football season are trying to find ways to duplicate their success. Playbook, the section you hold in your hands, represents a repeat performance for Go Lackawanna and The Abington Journal. Playbook 2011, a Lackawanna Football Conference season preview, is the second straight year that the two newspapers combined efforts for the season outlook. This is the fifth straight year that the section, originally in a smaller form, has been part of The Abington Journal. In the section, we will tell you about just how difficult the task of repeating could be in the LFC this season. The pages that follow take a comprehensive look at what to expect in the season ahead. The section includes information on all 20 teams that make up the conference, with concentration on the 14 football-playing high schools that take at least some of their student body from within Lackawanna County. Each of the 14 county teams has its own season preview story with an emphasis on returning veterans and top newcomers most likely to fill the re-
maining spots in the lineup. Coverage of each of those teams includes a fact box, featuring last year’s performance, a list of returning all-stars, enrollment figures and the division and state classification in which the team competes. The all-stars listed represent those selected for their divisional team in 2010 by www.northeastpafootball.com. Complete rosters and season schedules are also included on the team pages, as well as pictures of those who add to the scene at games on Friday nights – and occasionally Saturday afternoons. Photos of band members and cheerleaders are part of each team package. Also included is a look at how some of those marching bands prepare for the competitive portions of their schedules. Following the favorite team or teams of each reader involves an awareness of the entire league and the issues it faces. The six schools from outside the county are all summed up with fact boxes, a combined schedule and a more concise look at their season outlooks. Health concerns surrounding the sport on all levels are addressed with an in-depth look at the latest understanding of concussions as addressed in a summer seminar at the Commonwealth Medical College. Of course, many of the preseason questions center on who the best
teams and players are. Playbook attempts to answer those questions, as well as they can be addressed before the season ever starts. The league overview explains why Valley View, Lakeland and Lackawanna Trail are viewed as favorites but Delaware Valley, Abington Heights, Dunmore, Riverside and Old Forge are also feared by opponents. The centerfold feature on the three athletes on the cover takes a look at the multi-sport exploits of Scranton’s Joe McCarthy, West Scranton’s Malcolm Sweeting and Lackawanna Trail’s Eric Laytos. The preseason discussion, though exciting, is just the beginning. Go Lackawanna and The Abington Journal will continue to cover the LFC during the season, both in weekly print editions and in online updates heading into and throughout each weekend at www.golackawanna.com/sports and www.theabingtonjournal.com/sports. Go Lackawanna coverage will feature the 14 county teams while The Abington Journal will focus on Abington Heights, Lackawanna Trail, Lakeland and Scranton Prep. Enjoy the season ahead by keeping Playbook available for reminders on schedules and what to expect from the opponents your favorite team meets along the way. TOM ROBINSON Playbook 2011 Coordinator
Chiefs, Lions, and Cougars
DIVISION FAVORITES By TOM ROBINSON Go Lackawanna Reporter
C
hanges are expected at the top of the Lackawanna Football Conference divisions this season. Only Lakeland, which won the title in Division 2 despite Riverside having more overall success, is considered a favorite to repeat.
Valley View and Lackawanna Trail are regarded as teams to beat in the other divisions where the defending champions are not even necessarily seen as the top threats. Veteran teams at Valley View and Delaware Valley are ranked ahead of Abington Heights, which has won at least a piece of the last three Division 1 titles, in a preseason poll of division coaches. Lackawanna Trail is given the edge over Old Forge in Division 3 where Susquehanna is trying to overcome the
loss of the division’s top offensive player and what was supposed to be the division’s top returning player. Lakeland is rated the favorite over Dunmore in Division 2. A closer look at each division of the LFC: DIVISION 1 Nyeem Wartman has committed to Penn State largely because of his See OVERVIEW, Page 46
GO LACKAWANNA FILE PHOTO
Alex Filarsky, a two-time all-state selection as a defensive back, will help the Chiefs try to defend their division championship.
Head injuries cause concern
SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
LEAGUE OVERVIEW
Summer seminar addressed seriousness of concussions. By TOM ROBINSON Go Lackawanna Reporter
See INJURY, Page 47
PAGE 3
SCRANTON – Dr. Wayne Sebastianelli’s views from the Penn State University sidelines make it clear to him that football has changed since the 1970s when he played at Valley View High School and the University of Rochester. “If you look at the game now, it is played in so much space that it is very uncommon for a tackle not to be made at close to full speed,” Sebastianelli said. “When I played, you very seldom hit someone beyond three or four yards.” The running start before collisions in the modern era of football, with its spread formations and speedy receivers darting into the path of larger, more mobile linebackers, has created challenges that test even the impressive advancements in equipment and sports medicine. The impact of those collisions can be seen in other injuries, but perhaps the most-talked about current injury issue in football, from its youngest players to its oldest, is the concussion. On-field diagnosis, pre- and post-injury assessments, treatment plans, return-to-play scenarios, cumulative effects and potential impact later in life have all been the subject of discussion in recent years. “I can tell you that I think we’ve learned more in the last five to 10 years than we did in the previous 100,” said Dr. Michael (Micky) Collins, a consultant for the National Football League’s Pittsburgh Steelers and the National Hockey League’s Pittsburgh Penguins. While more is known, there remains much more that needs to be known. When the Commonwealth Medical College in Scranton hosted its first seminar in July, concussions in sports formed the agenda. Collins and Sebastianelli shared their
SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
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ROSTER
STEPHANIE WALKOWSKI PHOTO
Abington’s varsity captains for 2011 are, from left, front, Brandon Sochovka, Joe Dolan, and Brandon Pacyna. Back, Dylan Berardelli, Matt Riggi, and Casey Quinn.
New faces, same aspirations
By DON McGLYNN Abington Journal Reporter
A
SCHEDULE Sept. 3 – HAZLETON AREA Sept. 9 – at Wyoming Valley West Sept. 17 – TUNKHANNOCK Sept. 23 – at Wallenpaupack Oct. 1 – DELAWARE VALLEY Oct. 8 – VALLEY VIEW Oct. 15 – at Scranton Prep Oct. 22 – WEST SCRANTON Oct. 28 – at North Pocono Nov. 4 – at Scranton
PAGE 5
bington Heights is hoping a new group can lead the Comets to familiar success. The Comets closed each of the last two seasons as Lackawanna Football Conference Division 1 and District 2 Class AAA champions. The team went undefeated in the regular season, advancing as far as the first round of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Class AAA playoffs, where eventual state champion Allentown Central Catholic was responsible for the only loss in a 12-1 season. The difference between last year’s team and this year’s is the amount of experience the Comets have coming back. In 2010, Abington Heights had 10 starters returning. This year, the Comets have three.
For the Comets, fewer starters means tor. “We have high expectations coming inmore opportunities for new players to get to his senior season.” on the field. The trio will be joined on the field when “There’s a lot of excitement, and a lot of enthusiasm about the 2011 season,” Come- they begin play in September by a group of players who, while ts coach Joe Repshis said. they didn’t start, did see “There are a lot of posiplaying time last year. tions to be filled, and FACTS AND “We lost a lot of startwhat we have are some FIGURES ers on both sides of the players who have had a Nickname: Comets ball due to graduation, great off-season, great Home Field: Comets Stadium, but we have a lot of playsummer, who are ready Clarks Summit ers who have gotten to compete and step in, Division: LFC Division 1 some very good varsity and have their opportuniEnrollment: 444 experience through the ty to get on the football Classification: AAA 2010 Recap: 7-0 for first place past year or two,” Repfield.” in Division 1; 12-1 overall; 10-0 in shis said. Returning to the team regular season; won District 2 One of those players is this year on defense is Class AAA by defeating North quarterback Dante Pastackle Joe Dolan, middle Pocono, 21-7, and West Scranqualichio. Last year, as a linebacker Matt Riggi ton, 28-21; lost in state playoffs sophomore, Pasqualiand back Brandon Pacyto Allentown Central Catholic, chio took over in the sec54-14. na. Dolan is the only reReturning all-stars: Joe Doond quarter of the Disturning starter on oflan, first-team OL; Matt Riggi, trict 2 semifinals for an fense. second-team LB. injured Mike Beamish, “Dolan has had a very and started at the posigood career,” Repshis said. “He played as a freshman so he’ll tion in the district finals and first round of be a four-year player in the program. the state playoffs. Pasqualichio made a case for securing Each year, he’s worked extremely hard in the offseason on both sides of the the starting position full-time this year ball. He’s an anchor for us on the offen- with a strong performance, completing sive line. He’s very strong, athletic, plays with a great effort and a great mo- See ABINGTON, Page 44
No. Player, Ht., Wt., Yr., Pos. 2 Dustin Eyerman, 5-9, 175, So., FB/DE 3 Sean Rock, 5-7, 140, So., RB/DE 4 Jake Henzes, 5-8, 135, Fr., WR/DB 5 Zach Kilbourne, 5-6, 150, So., RB/LB 6 Joe Carroll, 6-1, 160, So., WR/DB 7 Joe Murray, 5-10, 170, So., WR/LB 8 Brandon Sochovka, 5-10, 185, Sr., TE/LB 9 Dante Pasqualichio, 5-9, 165, Jr., QB/DB 10 Casey Quinn, 6-0, 200, Sr., TE/LB 11 Ryan Fiorillo, 6-0, 140, Jr., WR/DB 12 J.C. Show, 6-2, 180, So., WR/DB 13 Matt Tumavitch, 5-9, 155, Sr., FB/LB 14 Matt Huggler, 5-8, 135, So., WR/DB 17 Dan Harris, 5-11, 165, Sr., WR/DB 18 Nathan Hollander, 5-9, 140, So., WR/DB 19 Joe Dietz, 5-11, 160, So., WR/LB 21 Alosha Fox, 5-5, 140, Jr., RB/DB 22 Jamie Henzes, 5-10, 165, Jr., WR/DB 23 Kyle Tierney, 5-8, 130, So., WR/DB 24 Chris Murnin, 5-10, 165, Jr., WR/DB 25 Corey Degilio, 5-6, 130, Sr., RB/DB 26 Alfonse DeSanto, 5-6, 180, Sr., FB/LB 27 Joe Mills, 5-8, 165, Sr., RB/LB 28 Ryan Judge, 5-7, 170, Jr., RB/LB 30 Kyle Walsh, 5-6, 140, Jr., WR/DB 31 Jerry Langan, 5-10, 180, Jr., FB/LB 32 Sam Kontz, 5-10, 160, So., FB/LB 33 Matt Riggi, 6-0, 225, Sr., FB/LB 34 Quinn Karam, 5-7, 180, So., RB/LB 35 Jerry Murray, 5-6, 150, So., RB/LB 37 Sam Vale, 5-7, 145, So., K/P 38 Garrett Mehall, 5-9, 180, Sr., FB/DE 40 Will Kozar, 5-10, 165, So., WR/DB 41 Pat Kearney, 5-8, 215, Jr., FB/DL 43 David Kontz, 5-8, 160, Jr., WR/DB 44 Justin Brown, 6-1, 175, Sr., TE/DE 46 Kevin Wellard, 5-7, 160, So., RB/DB 47 Toli Epsom, 5-9, 155, Sr., WR/DB/K 48 Mark Novak, 5-9, 150, Sr., RB/LB 50 Corey Moletsky, 6-0, 205, So., OL/DL 51 Max Pagnani, 5-10, 200, So., OL/DL 52 Glenn Hopkins, 5-9, 195, Sr., OL/LB 54 Joe Dolan, 6-1, 255, Sr., OL/DL 55 Dan Stevens, 5-9, 230, So., OL/DL 56 T.J. Murray, 6-3, 230, Jr., OL/DL 57 Drew Kuzma, 5-9, 185, So., OL/LB 58 Chris Sagan, 5-10, 200, Jr., OL/DL 61 Kyle Pitts, 5-9, 175, So., OL/DL 62 Zack Sutter, 5-11, 180, Jr., OL/DE 63 Mike Voyce, 5-9, 195, Sr., OL/DL 64 Marquis Ivey, 5-9, 200, Sr., OL/DL 65 Logan Herman, 5-11, 210, So., OL/DL 66 Peter Hubbard, 6-1, 230, Jr., OL/DE 67 Mason Moher, 6-2, 270, Sr., OL/DL 73 Colin Langan, 5-10, 210, Sr., OL/DL 75 Dylan Berardelli, 6-1, 240, Sr., OL/DE 77 Ben Barrick, 6-2, 250, So., OL/DL 78 Jon Rarrick, 6-1, 300, Jr., OL/DL 79 Bobby Bauman, 5-11, 250, So., OL/DL 80 Sean Sanderson, 6-1, 165, Jr., WR/DB 81 Alex Nelson, 6-2, 170, Sr., TE/DE 82 Kevin Malone, 6-2, 195, So., TE/DE 83 Nick Ksiazek, 6-0, 165, So., TE/DE 84 James Brown, 6-0, 155, So., TE/DE 85 James Neff, 6-0, 160, Sr., WR/DB 86 Michael Fitzpatrick, 6-0, 175, So., TE/DE 87 Conor Dickinson, 5-11, 165, Jr., WR/DB 88 Brandon Pacyna, 5-10, 205, Sr., WR/DB/K/P
SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
ABINGTON HEIGHTS
SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
ABINGTON HEIGHTS
Ally Lamanna.
STEPHANIE WALKOWSKI PHOTOS
The 2011 Abington Heights Marching Comets.
GOOD LUCK COMETS!
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Varsity cheerleaders at Abington Heights are, from left, front, Marisa Gretz, Erica Keller, Jenna Jalowiec, Gianna Baldoni, Alexa Julian, and Susie Stone. Second row, Ally Lamanna, Stephanie Larar, Jessica Kurey, Courtney Norton, and Allie Albright. Third row, Hollis Coldwater, Brooke Chapple, Ann Moschorak, Julia Pagnani, Camille DeMatteo, Casey Wrobel, and Danielle Barrasse.
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SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
SCRANTON ROSTER
CHRISTOPHER J. HUGHES PHOTO
Scranton High School’s veteran lineman are, from left, Frank Pallien, Brian Cummings, Mike Watral and Joel Casteleiro.
Developing line Knights’ focus
T
By TOM ROBINSON Go Lackawanna Reporter
PAGE 8
here are very few secrets when assessing the hopes of the Scranton Knights. “We always have skills, but the last few years, up front, we were kind of light and weak,” Scranton coach Mike Marichak said. “This offseason, the guys up front put a lot of time in the weightroom. “They worked hard.” The Knights will not be at a size advantage as often as in the recent past and, if the line play improves, they have skill position players who scare opponents enough to think they could jump from 3-7 to contender status.
“Everybody knows it,” Marichak said. “I don’t care what level you’re at. It all starts up front. “We have a ton of talent with guys at the skill positions and speed. If these guys come together, we’re going to be all right.” Mike Marichak, the coach’s son, is back for his third year as a two-way starter at wide receiver and defensive back. Eric Pabst is a three-way starter on defense, Joe McCarthy is a three-year starter on offense and both have experience as starters on the other side of the ball.
FACTS AND FIGURES Nickname: Knights Home field: Scranton Memorial Stadium Division: LFC Division 1 Enrollment: 705 Classification: AAAA 2010 Recap: 2-5 tied for sixth in Division 1; 3-7 overall. Returning all-stars: Joe McCarthy, second-team athlete; Mike Marichak, secondteam DB.
Marlinn Waiters, who started at wide receiver last year, is set to start at quarterback. McCarthy, who has started at quarterback and wide receiver in the past, should settle in at Marichak tailback behind returning fullback Kyle Czarkowski. McCarthy led the team in rushing last season. “We try to get the ball to him anyway we can, whether it is as a running back, See SCRANTON, Page 10
No. Player, Ht., Wt., Yr., Pos. 5 Vancel Barnes, 6-0, 168, Sr., WR/DB 7 Karlon Quiller, 6-0, 165, Jr., WR/DB 9 Tyler Newhart, 5-11, 138, So. WR/DB 10 Mike Marichak, 5-10, 185, Sr., WR/DB 13 Andrew Mason, 5-9, 165, Jr., WR/DB 14 Jim McNally, 5-6, 160, Jr., QB/DB 15 Jake McCarthy, 6-1, 160, Fr., WR/TB/DB/K 16 Eric Pabst, 5-11, 200, Sr., TB/LB 17 Marlinn Waiters, 6-0, 170, Jr., QB/DB 18 Kyle Pieczynski, 6-2, 175, So., QB/DB 19 Joe O’Malley, 5-11, 203, Sr., FB/LB 20 Bryan Keller, 5-9, 152, So., TB/DB 21 Junior Potter, 5-7, 147, Sr., TB/DB 22 Matt Gorton, 6-2, 162, Sr., TE/LB 23 Jeff Smith, 5-9, 124, Jr., WR/DB 24 Dylan Crusen, 5-10, 157, Jr., WR/DB 28 Paul Rutledge, 5-9, 179, Jr., TB/LB 31 Joe McCarthy, 6-3, 230, Sr., TB/DB 34 Jon Wegielewski, 5-11, 170, Sr., WR/DB 36 Deep Patel, 5-9, 142, Sr., WR/DB 37 Marcus Morrison, 6-0, 195, So., TB/DB 39 Marquis Brownlee, 6-1, 197, Jr., TB/DB 40 Scott Syryla, 5-6, 145, Jr., FB/LB 41 Jared Little, 5-6, 195, So., FB/LB 42 Pat Robinson, 6-0, 190, Sr., TE/LB 45 Kyle Czarkowski, 5-10, 205, Jr., FB/NG 46 Tyree Andrews, 5-9, 150, So., TB/DB 47 James Lewis, 5-9, 157, So., WR/DB 48 Matt Redetsky, 6-4, 205, Jr. , TE/DE 50 Dan Stuckart, 5-11, 160, Jr., G/LB 51 Eric Pitt, 5-9, 180, Sr., G/DT 52 Chris Herbert, 5-11, 215, Jr., T/DT 53 Mike Watral, 6-1, 213, Sr., C/LB 54 Shawn Smith, 5-10, 205, Jr., G/DT 55 Joel Casteleiro, 5-11, 195, Sr., G/DT 56 Peter Nguyen, 5-10, 210, So., G/DT 57 Mike Condrad, 5-8, 197, Jr., G/LB 58 John Vargas, 5-9, 220, So., G/DT 59 Brian Cummings, 5-11, 178, Sr., G/DE 60 Kyle Grabowski, 5-8, 188, So., G/DT 61 Carlos Rosario, 5-5, 215, Jr., G/DT 62 Stephen Locker, 5-7, 250, Jr., G/DT 63 Jared O’Hearn, 6-1, 210, Sr., G/DT 64 Chris Lewis, 5-8, 210, So., G/DT 65 Chris Santiago, 6-1, 214, So., G/DT 66 Eric McCabe, 6-3, 190, Jr., G/T/DE 67 Anthony Saul, 6-1, 185, So., G/DE 68 Anthony Salcedo, 5-11, 242, Jr., T/DT 69 Mike Ray, 6-0, 265, So., T/DT 70 Cody McPhillips, 6-1, 255, So., T/DT 71 Alex Eiden, 5-11, 285, Jr., T/DT 72 Paul Brady, 6-5, 282, Jr., T/DT 73 Justin Gale, 5-9, 255, Jr., T/DT 74 Matt McGuigan, 6-3, 219, Jr., T/DT 75 Fabian Coleman, 5-10, 220, So., G/DT 78 Jeff Nunez, 6-0, 221, So., T/DT 79 Frank Pallien, 6-1, 195, Sr., T/DE 81 Elijah Howard, 5-11, 163, Sr., WR/DB 82 Anthony Preambo, 6-3, 162, Sr., WR/DB 84 Mark Dunford, 5-9, 167, Jr., WR/DB 86 Mitchell Williams, 6-1, 195, So., TE/DE 87 Kareem Smith, 6-2, 157, Jr., WR/DB 88 Kevin Bagasevich, 6-1, 202, TE/DE 89 Brandon Navoczynski, 6-1, 202, TE/DE 99 Hiren Patel, 5-11, 154, Jr., WR/DB
SCHEDULE Sept. 2 – WYOMING VALLEY WEST Sept. 9 – at Pittston Area Sept. 16 – EAST STROUDSBURG SOUTH Sept. 23 – VALLEY VIEW Oct. 1 – at Scranton Prep Oct. 7 – at West Scranton Oct. 14 – at North Pocono Oct. 21 – DELAWARE VALLEY Oct. 28 – at Wallenpaupack Nov. 4 – ABINGTON HEIGHTS
Scranton High’s Kaycee Crofton, Ms. Knight Lindsay Smith, and Samantha Weiksner strike a pose.
SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
SCRANTON
Scranton High School’s senior cheerleaders are, from left, front, Kaycee Crofton, Ms. Knight Lindsay Smith, and Samantha Weiksner. Back, Lauren Beppler, Cara Browning, Megan Jones, Alyssa Auer, and Kaela Barchak.
CHRISTOPHER J. HUGHES PHOTOS
Front, from left, Jessica and Amanda VanBuskirk, Emily Wesolowski, Amanda Lucas, Greg Swartz, Megan Bresser, Samantha Reinhardt, Melisa Gallo, Moriah Lovell, and Christina and Justine Mason. Back, Mercedes Acevedo, Justin Severe, Noe Dominguez, Chris Doherty, John Domenick, George Reif, Anthony Mandile, Aaron Grier, Marcus Perkins, Frankie Castaldi, and Jade Weibrecht.
VOTE FOR
James J. Timlin
PAGE 9
Scranton School Director
Paid for by friends of James J. Timlin
SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
SCRANTON
SCRANTON Continued from Page 8
slot or wideout,” coach Marichak said. Kevin Bagasevich is back at receiver along with Marichak. Karlon Quiller is also back. Quiller was off to a strong start last year before an injury ended his season early. Vancel Barnes also figures to be part of the combination of receivers. Jake McCarthy, Joe’s freshman brother, may see some time as an allpurpose receiver/back on offense and will likely
return some kicks. Pat Robinson has some experience at Pabst tight end. Center Mike Watral, guard Brian Cummings and tackle Frank Pallien return from the starting offensive line. Pallien may move to guard. Eric McCabe should figure into the mix at guard or tackle. Guard Mike Condrad and tackle Paul Brady are also expected to be fighting for playing time this
season. Czarkowski returns at nose guard, Joel Casteliero is back at defensive tackle and Brandon Navoczynski returns at defensive end. Pabst is back for third season at linebacker where Joe O’Malley and Robinson also return. Marichak, Bagasevich, Barnes, Quiller and Joe McCarthy all have experience as starters in the secondary. Because of his anticipated offensive load, coach Marichak would like to be able to limit McCarthy to use as an extra defensive back in situations.
“We have a ton of talent with guys at the skill positions and speed. If these guys come together, we’re going to be all right.” — Scranton coach Mike Marichak
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ROSTER
DON MCGLYNN PHOTO
Scranton Prep’s returning starters are, from left, front, Fran Notarianni and Marshall Kupinski. Back, JJ Fives, Clem Rinaldi, Pat Perih and Pat Fricke.
Prep returns strong core By DON McGLYNN Abington Journal Reporter
A
SCHEDULE Sept. 3 – LAKELAND Sept. 10 – at Dallas Sept. 16 – at Carbondale Sept. 23 – at North Pocono Oct. 1 – SCRANTON Oct. 7 – at Wallenpaupack Oct. 15 – ABINGTON HEIGHTS Oct. 21 – at Valley View Oct. 29 – DELAWARE VALLEY Nov. 4 – WEST SCRANTON
PAGE 11
strong returning group of players, with a year of Division 1 experience under their belts, is leaving Scranton Prep confident that it can be competitive this season. The Cavaliers moved from Division 2 to Division 1 last year. The switch put a number of new teams on their schedule for the first time in years and they finished with an overall record of 3-7. Going into this year, the team has a better idea of what to expect from opponents, and, despite the record, coach Nick Donato looks back on the 2010 season positively.
freshman teams the last few years “It was kind of an enjoyable have had outstanding skill kids. year,” Donato said. “We would This one, from last year, had a have liked to have won a few more great group of linemen. games, but we stayed competitive “I don’t know how soon we’re all year, felt every time we took going to get them on the field, but the field we had a chance to win, those coming along will be a big and we played that way.” key for us, too.” The team returns five Donato The group of talented starters on defense – outsophomores will be comside linebackers Pat Perih FACTS AND peting against several Cavand J.J. Fives, inside lineFIGURES aliers who saw substantial backer Clem Rinaldi, deNickname: Cavaliers playing time last year infensive tackle Fran NotaHome field: Scranton cluding Shane Farrell, rianni and safety Pat Memorial Stadium Ryan Rudalavage, and Fricke, who are hoping to Division: LFC Division 1 Mike Burke. help Scranton Prep rack up Enrollment: 335 Donato said the players a few more wins this year. Classification: AAA that are going to make up “Those are five solid 2010 Recap: 2-5 tied for sixth in Division 1; 3-7 the offensive and defensive kids, so there’s a solid nuoverall. lines is one of two big quescleus there that if we can Returning all-stars: tions facing Scranton get kids to fill around them None. Prep’s coaching staff this on defense, we should be preseason, the other was fine,” said Donato. Rock Magnotta could be joining the re- who was going to take over as quarterback. Tom Timlin and Griff DiBileo were comturning five at cornerback, along with a peting for the position. DiBileo played group of underclassmen. “Most of our bigger kids are going to be backup last year, and Timlin, who played sophomores,” Donato said. “We had a very good freshman team last year. Most of our See PREP, Page 13
No. Player, Ht., Wt., Yr., Pos. 1 Pat Fricke, 6-2, 180, Sr., TE/S 2 Kevin Bannon, 6-0, 170, So., WR/DB 3 Matt Walker, 5-10, 150, So., QB 4 Jake Stafursky, 5-11, 175, Jr., WR/DB 5 J.J. Fives, 6-2, 210, Sr., TE/WR, 8 Pat Marino, 5-5, 130, So., TB/DB 9 Rock Magnotta, 5-10, 165, Jr., WR/ DB 12 Tom Burke, 6-1, 155, Sr., WR/DB 15 Tom Timlin, 6-1, 160, Sr., QB 16 Griff DiBileo, 6-1, 170, Jr., QB 21 Corey Kapicki, 5-10, 165, So., TB/LB 25 Pat Perih, 6-1, 200, Sr., RB/LB 29 Norm Frederick, 5-9, 150, Sr., WR/DB 31 Hunter Mulligan, 5-8, 145, So., WR/DB 32 Owen Perih, 5-10, 180, So., FB/LB 33 Marshall Kupinski, 5-9, 170, Jr., RB/LB 34 Tom Steele, 5-8, 180, Jr., RB/LB 35 Seth Stafursky, 5-11, 180, TE/LB 39 Mike Burney, 5-10, 160, Sr., K 40 Clem Rinaldi, 5-11, 200, Jr., RB/LB 50 Brad Shovlin, 5-11, 165, Jr., G/DE 51 Chris Opsasnick, 6-2, 220, So., G/DT 53 Shane Farrell, 5-11, 245, Sr., C/DT 55 Silas Sheridan, 6-0, 220, Jr., G/DE 60 Mike Voitek, 6-1, 225, Jr., T/DT 61 Noah Beh, 6-5, 230, So., T/DE 62 Seth Newhart, 6-0, 175, Jr., G/DE 63 Nick Chaump, 5-9, 240, So., G/DT 64 Fran Notarianni, 5-10, 210, Sr., C/NG 65 Ryan Rudalavage, 5-11, 200, Sr., G/DE 66 Griff Walters, 5-8, 160, Sr., G/LB 68 Joe Holmes, 5-10, 235, So., C/DT 71 Nick Sadowski, 5-11, 330, Sr., T/DT 72 Alec Meta, 6-1, 200, Jr., C/DT 75 John O’Boyle, 6-1, 225, So., T/DT 76 Devin Wood, 6-2, 235, So., T/DT 78 Mike Burke, 6-1, 240, Jr., T/DT 82 Zach Brandt, 6-3, 180, So., TE/DE 88 Chris Schoen, 5-10, 145, Sr., WR/ DB 95 Aaron Para, 6-1, 180, Jr., TE/LB
SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
SCRANTON PREP
SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
SCRANTON PREP
Cassie Lucke leads the Scranton Prep cheerleaders during a recent practice.
EMILY TAYLOR PHOTOS
Brianna Coyne, front, rehearses with the squad.
From left, first row, Cassie Lucke, Nicole McAndrew, Cate Hartman, Annie Ferrario, Tori Sluko, and Aleni Mackarey. Second row, Brittany Rolon, Dana Addesa, Rebecca Brown, Ashley Hine, Caroline Marino, and Brianna Coyne. Third row, Ashtyn Tarapchak, Maggie McHale, Charlette Woethers, Katie O’Brien, Sydney Gedman, Elizabeth Greco, and Emily Boino. Fourth row, Jenna Walker, Tinnina Atherton-Ely, Grace Rapp, Bridey Moyle, Olivia Farrell, Olivia Hager, and Meghan Rose. Fifth row, Gabby Summa, Gabby Rossi, Rachel Para, Isabelle Ragan, Gracie McGrath, Abigail Dempsey, and Maggie Hanqhue. Absent from photo, Emily Lance.
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PREP Continued from Page 11
for the Cavaliers his sophomore year, is rejoining the team after taking his junior year off. “Right now DiBileo’s one, and Timlin’s two,” Donato said. “He (DiBileo) didn’t really play in any crucial situations last year, but he was an outstanding quarterback with our freshman team, as Timlin was also, and when Griff went in, in the JV games, and when he got in varsity games he did a good job for us.”
Joining DiBileo in the starting lineup will be Rinaldi, returning at fullback, and Notarianni, retuning at guard and center. Fives, who started last season as tailback, filling in for the injured John Mariotti, will play the flanker position this year and Marshall Kupinski will play tailback. “J.J. stepped in and played tailback last year for us, Donato said. “Marshall was a sophomore.… About halfway through the year (Marshall) was ready to go in. “We like J.J. at a wide-out position, and we like Marshall at the tailback.” Magnotta is also expected to start at tight end.
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SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
VALLEY VIEW ROSTER
DON MCGLYNN PHOTO
Valley View’s returning division all-stars are, from left, Mike Galantini, Mark Soltis, Brian Lalli, Tyler Kapinus, Chris Cicilioni and Nyeem Wartman.
Good view for Cougars T By TOM ROBINSON Go Lackawanna Reporter
he Eastern Conference playoffs do not have the prestige they enjoyed through the early years of the state playoff system. The conference still has a purpose for many, however, as the Valley View Cougars are about to try to prove. Valley View missed out on the District 2 playoffs, which feed into the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association playoffs, a year ago. They did earn a spot in the runner-up Eastern Conference playoffs, which they used to tack on two more impressive wins over Berwick and Coughlin while claiming the Class AAA title.
“If that’s the case, I’d rather take the two games, win the Eastern Conference chamNickname: Cougars pionship and end the season as a chamHome field: John Henzes Veterans pion.” Memorial Stadium, Peckville. The Cougars now start this season with Division: LFC Division 1 the makings of a team that could win bigEnrollment: 312 ger titles. Classification: AAA Tight end/linebacker Nyeem Wartman 2010 Recap: 3-4 tied for fourth in Division Howanitz 1; 7-5 overall; 5-5 in regular season; won and wide receiver/defensive back Brian Eastern Conference Class AAA title by Lalli are regarded as two of the confervorite. beating Coughlin, 28-7, and Berwick, 35-21. ence’s top two-way players and several oth“I think last year we thought we’d have a Returning all-stars: Brian Lalli, firster returning starters are not far behind. good season,” Valley View coach George team DB and second-team WR; Nyeem Wartman has already committed to a Wartman, first-team LB and secondHowanitz said. football scholarship from Penn State. team TE; Patrick Jeffers, first-team RB; “We wound up winning the Eastern Mark Soltis, first-team OL; Mike Galantini, “He’s very athletic,” Howanitz said of Conference, so it turned out OK for the second-team OL; Chris Cicilioni, secondthe 6-3, 230-pounder. kids.” team DL; Tyler Kapinus, second-team LB. “He runs well. He’s big. He can play inThe regular season may not have gone side. He can play outside. quite as well as Howanitz hoped, but the “The versatility was a big thing for Penn State.” post-season result was just fine for a team not quite ready to The Nittany Lions will probably use Wartman on defense, contend for district and state honors. but the Cougars will get more out of his athletic ability. “I think it’s relevant, just in the fact that we won a champion“By the end of last year, I think he was the best tight end in ship,” Howanitz said.
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The Cougars will try to use their veteran-filled lineup and the momentum they gained in the Eastern Conference playoffs to fulfill this year’s promise as the Lackawanna Football Conference Division 1 fa-
FACTS AND FIGURES
“You could have a team make the (district) playoffs, lose the first game and your season’s over.
See VALLEY, Page 15
No. Player, Ht., Wt., Yr., Pos. 1 Abdul Muhammed, 6-2, 235, Sr., FB/DT 2 Cody McAndrew, 5-11, 160, Jr., WR/CB 3 Nyeem Wartman, 6-3, 230, Sr., TE/LB 4 Adam Iyoob, 5-8, 145, Jr., QB/CB 5 Garrett Rupe, 5-11, 155, Jr., WR/CB 6 Brandon Bednash, 6-0, 170, Sr., WR/S 7 Corey Angeli, 6-1, 180, Jr., WR/S 8 RaeKwon Patrick, 5-11, 250, Jr., FB/NG 9 Tony Rovinski, 5-11, 165, Sr., WR/CB 10 Liam Callejas, 5-9, 155, Jr., QB/S 11 Brian Lalli, 6-1, 180, Sr., WR/S 12 Tyler Phillips, 6-0, 175, Jr., TB/CB 14 T.J. Grant, 5-9, 150, So., K 15 Andrew Garbarino, 6-4, 185, Jr., TE/DE 16 Cory Callejas, 6-3, 160, Sr., WR/S 18 Alec Sebastianelli, 6-0, 170, So., WR/S 19 Dave Lesnefski, 5-8, 160, So., K 20 Rob Castellani, 5-11, 160, Jr., TB/CB 21 Patrick Jeffers, 6-0, 195, Sr., TB/S 23 Nate Santarelli, 5-9, 160, So., QB/CB 24 Luke Brady, 5-9, 155, Sr., K 26 Dylan Pollack, 5-9, 165, Jr., TB/LB 28 Brandon Ossont, 5-11, 175, Jr., TB/CB 29 Billy Santarelli, 6-0, 175, WR/CB 30 Nick Krehel, 5-10, 185, Sr., LB 33 Brandon Hazelton, 5-10, 165, Sr., P 35 Matt Rudavinski, 5-10, 165, So., TB/LB 38 Noah Strackbein, 5-9, 165, So., WR/LB 40 Bobby Williams, 5-8, 155, Jr., FB/LB 44 Tyler Kapinus, 5-9, 215, Sr., FB/LB 45 Matt Wolfel, 5-18, 165, Sr., FB/LB 49 Kevin Kozlowski, 5-11, 180, Jr., WR/S 50 Antonio Zini, 6-1, 220, Sr., T/DT 51 Luke Soltis, 5-8, 215, Sr., C/NG 54 Darnell Ashton, 6-1, 220, Jr., G/LB 55 Mike Galantini, 6-3, 255, Sr., T/DE 56 Anthony Galantini, 5-10, 225, Jr., G/NG 57 Vince Rinaldi, 6-0, 220, So., G/DT 59 Jose Figueroa, 5-11, 225, So., T/DT 60 E.J. Sumski, 5-8, 220, Jr., T/DT 66 Brett Mozeleski, 6-1, 290, So., T/DT 68 Jimmy Dougherty, 6-1, 195, Jr., T/DE 71 Mike Soltis, 6-2, 280, Sr., T/DT 73 Aqyil Muhammad, 5-11, 300, Jr., T/DT 75 Chris Cicilioni, 6-2, 225, Sr., G/DE 77 Anthony Mengoni, 6-1, 275, Jr., C/DT 82 Brian Vanvestraut, 6-1, 220, So., TE/ LB 86 Xavier Allen, 5-9, 150, So., WR/CB 88 Michael Christ, 5-7, 155, Jr., WR/CB
SCHEDULE Sept. 2 – EAST STROUDSBURG NORTH Sept. 9 – CARBONDALE Sept. 16 – at Coughlin Sept. 23 – at Scranton Sept. 30 – WALLENPAUPACK Oct. 8 – at Abington Heights Oct. 14 – at Delaware Valley Oct. 21 – SCRANTON PREP Oct. 28 – at West Scranton Nov. 4 – NORTH POCONO
VALLEY Continued from Page 14
RIGHT: Mellophone player Kevin Burke is in step with the horn section. BELOW: Valley View Band Captain Tori Rudovitz and bassist Adam Martin.
JASON RIEDMILLER PHOTOS
Valley View’s football cheerleaders practice a build for the 2011 season.
the league,” Howanitz said. Wartman was second on the Cougars in receptions behind Lalli, who pulled in 45 passes for 585 yards. The Cougars have other weapons returning. Pat Jeffers ran for 1,697 yards last season while Liam Callejas passed for 1,062 and nine touchdowns with a completion percentage of 52.2. “Our skill position kids are back for the most part,” Howanitz said. “They’re very good, they’ve gotten bigger and they’ve gotten faster. “It’s going to be very hard to key on one guy.” Fullback Tyler Kapinus, the second-leading rusher, is also back. Center Anthony Mengoni, guard Chris Cicilioni and Anthony Galantini, tackles Mark Soltis and Mike Galantini and kicker Luke Brady are also back to the starting lineup. Tony Rovinski, a transfer from Hazleton Area, and Garrett Rupe are likely to spend a lot of time at the other wide receiver spot. Tyler Phillips is expected to get some action at running back. Mike Galantini and Abdul Muhammad and Cicilioni, an end, all return to the defensive front. Nose guard RaeKwon Patrick and end Darnell Ashton are likely to join them. Wartman, Kapinus and Nick Krehel return at linebacker where Matt Wolfel is also expected to see time. Lalli and Phillips are back in the secondary. Rovinski, Rupe and Cody McAndrew will help fill out the spots in the defensive backfield.
SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
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SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
WEST SCRANTON ROSTER
CHRISTOPHER J. HUGHES PHOTO
Members of West Scranton’s ’LB Unit,’ from left, Marcus Moody, Demetrius Dickey, DeVaughn Chollette, Jon Kobrynich, and Tyler Rakauskas, hope to successfully defend the bell against city rivals at Scranton on Oct. 7.
West looks to two standouts
By TOM ROBINSON Go Lackawanna Reporter
W
PAGE 16
est Scranton went from having the Lackawanna Football Conference’s most productive offensive weapon to trying to develop its best 1-2 punch. Running back DeVaughn Chollette and wide receiver Malcolm Sweeting will each expand their roles to find more ways to get the ball more often as the Invaders try to rebuild an offense that lost nine starters, including quarterback Tyler Hughes.
“There’s only one ball and those the quarterback job. “I think both of those guys are going two kids have to be touching most of to be capable, but the time,” Invadno one is going to ers coach Joe GeFACTS AND FIGURES replace Tyler rek said. Hughes,” Gerek Most of the ofNickname: Invaders Home field: Scranton Memorial said. “I don’t fensive plays in Division: LFC Division 1 think anyone in last season’s run Enrollment: 423 the league will to the District 2 Classification: AAA have a kid like Class AAA cham2010 Recap: 6-1 second in Division 1; 9-3 pionship game overall; 8-2 in regular season; beat Dallas Hughes. “He was a spestarted or ended in District 2 Class AAA playoffs, 49-26, before losing to Abington Heights, 28-21. cial kid. I don’t with Hughes Returning all-stars: Malcolm Sweeting, think I’ll see one when he passed first-team WR and second-team DB; like him again.” for 2,320 and 24 DeVaughn Chollette, first-team LB. Chollette was touchdowns the lone setback while running for often last season in West Scranton’s 1,406 yards and 20 touchdowns. Danny Repshis and Nate Manning spent the preseason battling it out for See WEST, Page 17
No. Player, Ht., Wt., Yr., Pos. 1 Malcolm Sweeting, 5-11, 168, Sr., WR/DB 2 Marcus Moody, 5-9, 184, Sr., FB/LB 3 Cory Kelly, 5-10, 170, Sr., WR/DB 4 Tyler Rakauskas, 5-11, 210, Sr., FB/LB 5 DeVaughn Chollette, 6-1, 220, Sr., RB/LB 6 Daniel Repshis, 6-1, 185, Sr., QB/DB 7 Dylan Lindberg, 6-0, 185, Sr., WR/DB 8 Joe Devine, 5-9, 165, Jr., WR/DB 9 Mike Messina, 5-10, 165, So., WR/DB 10 Collin Lipowitch, 5-11, 225, So., QB/DB 11 Andrew Soulinhavong, 5-9, 160, Sr., WR/DB 12 Jason Manning, 5-10, 195, So., FB/LB 13 Mike Baranowski, 5-7, 135, So., WR/DB 14 Eric Thomas, 5-10, 165, Jr., WR/LB 15 Tyler Merrigan, 6-0, 155, Jr., WR/DB 16 Nathan Manning, 5-8, 165, Sr., QB/DB 17 Demetrius Dickey, 5-10, 169, Jr., RB/LB 18 Cory Jackson-Bey, 5-10, 184, So, WR/DB 19 Noe Herrera, 5-8, 160, Sr., K 20 Patrick Gerrity, 5-10, 150, Jr., WR/DB 21 Frazon Isaac, So, 5-10, 160, WR/DB 22 Tyaire Quiller, 5-10, 195, So., TE/DL 23 Cullen Fanning, 5-11, 170, So., TE/DE 24 Patrick Cooper, 5-8, 157, So., RB/LB 25 Brandon Oleski, 5-10, 160, Jr., WR/DB 26 Jordan Aquilera, 5-7, 155, Jr., WR/DB 27 Lamont Wright, 5-7, 155, Jr., WR/CB 29 Marquis Brownlee, 5-10, 190, Jr., RB/DB 31 Cody Mazzocchi, 5-8, 135, So., WR/DB 34 Karriem Davis, 5-8, 140, Jr., WR/DB 35 Jerry Cocozello, 5-10, 198, Sr., OL/DE 40 Doug Christiano, 5-9, 145, Jr., WR/DB 41 Zach Seabridge, 5-9, 151, So., RB/LB 43 Angel Ortiz, 5-8, 135, So., WR/DB 44 Robbie Bennett, 5-10, 230, So., OL/DL 46 Vince Miller, 5-11, 210, Sr., TE/DE 47 Jalel Monroe, 6-1, 185, So., WR/DB 48 Tyler Jordan, 5-9, 165, So., OL/DL 50 Gary DiBileo, 5-10, 245, So., OL/DL 51 Brian Fallon, 5-9, 195, So., OL/DL 52 Jon Kobrynich, 5-10, 185, Sr., OL/LB 54 Paul Stefani, 5-8, 230, So., OL/DL 55 Randy Karosek, 5-11, 210, Jr., OL/DL 56 Ross Bonaddio, 6-0, 250, Sr., OL/DL 57 Cory Cunningham, 6-2, 210, Jr., OL/DL 58 Carl Zenker, 5-9, 195, So., OL/DL 59 Harry Wildrick, 5-9, 216, So., OL/DL 60 Russell Benke, 6-2, 225, Jr., OL/DL 62 Tom Kraser, 5-10, 195, Sr., OL/DL 64 Jake DeSarno, 6-0, 225, Sr., OL/DL 65 Tommy Irwin, 6-0, 261, Jr., OL/DL 66 Vinny Goldstein, 6-0, 205, Sr., OL/DL 67 Tyrell Bacon, 5-11, 210, Sr., OL/DL 68 Cameron Williams, 5-11, 215, Sr., OL/DL 73 Jon Manuel, 5-8, 185, So., OL/DL 74 Jaleel Howard, 6-3, 261, So., OL/DL 77 Joniel Acosta, 5-10, 225, So., OL/DL 78 Devon Johnson, 5-9, 210, Sr., OL/DL 81 Marcus Royce, 6-1, 190, So., WR/DB 82 Anthony Zelliner, 6-2, 185, Jr., WR/DB 84 Brandon Sprague, 5-9, 146, So., WR/DB 85 Louie DiBileo, 6-3, 225, So., TE/DL 86 Corey Lyons, 5-8, 150, So., WR/DB 88 Nyallah Johnson, 6-2, 170, Sr., WR/DB 89 Dregg Ackies, 5-10, 150, Sr., WR/DB
WEST Continued from Page 16
Justin Ambrozia on mellophone and Anna Torres on bells.
Senior Drum Major Carla Castro, standing, and tenor saxophonist Sarah Youshock.
CHRISTOPHER J. HUGHES PHOTOS
Junior Drum Major Matt George
Sept. 2 – at Riverside Sept. 9 – WYOMING AREA Sept. 16 – at Dunmore Sept. 23 – at Delaware Valley Sept. 30 – NORTH POCONO Oct. 7 – SCRANTON Oct. 14 – WALLENPAUPACK Oct. 22 – at Abington Heights Oct. 28 – VALLEY VIEW Nov. 4 – at Scranton Prep
time in the backfield. Vince Miller, Louie DiBileo and Cullen Fanning have been working at tight end. The entirely new offensive line could still go through some adjustments. Vinny Goldstein is at center where Brian Fallon may also play. Jon Kobrynich and Joniel Acosta are guards with Gary DiBileo providing depth. Ross Bonaddio and Russell Benke are at the tackle spots with Cory Cunningham also available. Carl Zenker could also fit into the offensive line. The entire front will also have to be replaced on defense. Cameron Williams, Jake DeSarno, Paul Stefani and Jaleel Howard are working on the interior. Miller, Fanning, Jerry Cocozello and Tyaire Quiller are the end candidates. The rest of the defense has experience. Chollette and Tyler Rakauskas return as starting linebackers. Kobrynich, Moody and Demetrius Dickey also have experience while Jason Manning and Duffy are trying to figure into the mix. Sweeting and Kelly return at cornerbacks with Lindberg back at strong safety. Devine and Patrick Gerrity are working at free safety.
Running back DeVaughn Chollette and wide receiver Malcolm Sweeting will each expand their roles to find more ways to get the ball more often as the Invaders try to rebuild an offense that lost nine starters.
PAGE 17
The West Scranton cheerleaders gather during the 2010 bell game at Memorial Stadium.
spread offense when he averaged 5.3 yards per carry while rushing for 708 yards. He is expected to get more opportunities to run the ball and in different situations. “We’re going to have a blocker for him sometimes in the backfield,” Gerek said. “Last year, any yards he got, he got on his own.” This season, Chollette may catch the ball as well. Gerek “We’re going to try to get him into the slot position at times,” Gerek said. “He has developed into an improved receiver. “We want to get him into space to give him a chance to make some plays.” Sweeting caught 47 passes for 813 yards and eight touchdowns. He may be found in the slot or at split end in addition to possibly sneaking into the backfield at times. Dylan Lindberg, who caught nine passes as a part of the receiver rotation, is the only other offensive player with significant experience. Gerek expects to again have a deep core of receivers for use when the Invaders open things up. Joe Devine, Cory Kelly and Patrick Gerrity should all see action. Marcus Moody has the inside track on being the fullback in front of Chollette when West Scranton uses the I-formation. Connor Duffy and Jason Manning also will spend
SCHEDULE
SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
WEST SCRANTON
SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
NORTH POCONO SCHEDULE No. Player, Ht., Wt., Yr., Pos. 1 Mike Finella, 5-9, 170, Jr., RB/LB 5 John Gething, 5-11, 205, Sr., RB/LB 7 Joey Waldsmith, 5-10, 155, Sr., WR/DB 8 Tom Cirillo, 6-0, 195, Sr., WR/LB 12 Ryan Zaffino, 5-8, 150, So., WR/DB 14 Jack Williams, 6-4, 210, Sr., QB/DB 15 Nick Russoniello, 5-10, 140, Jr., QB/DB 16 Brian Morgantini, 5-10, 175, Jr., RB/DB 17 Matthew Nawrocki, 6-0, 170, So., QB/DB 18 Mat Acevedo, 5-11, 160, Jr., WR/DB 20 Ryan Kaye, 5-7, 120, So., WR/DB 21 Martin Moran, 5-11, 145, So., RB/DB 22 Matt Domenick, 5-11, 160, So., RB/LB 23 Eric Ciaglia, 5-11, 135, So., WR/DB 24 Austin Heinemann, 5-9, 145, Jr., WR/DB 26 Alex Carling, 6-5, 190, So., WR/DB 29 Christopher Angerson, 5-7, 130, So. WR/DB 30 Garrett Fisher, 5-10, 200, Jr., RB/LB 32 Scott Van Brunt, 5-9, 175, So., RB/LB 33 R.J. Valenti, 5-4, 150, So., RB/LB J. MICHAEL SCHIRRA PHOTO
North Pocono’s senior players include, from left, front, Al Granville, Brandon Kelly, Mike Gerakoui, Joey Waldsmith, Nick Jaggers, and Tom Cirillo. Back, Rocco Antidormi, Marcus Nielsen, Jack Williams, JP Gething, Cal Batzel, Rick Baldauff, and Pete Festa.
Chemistry lifts Trojans D By DON McGLYNN Abington Journal Reporter
PAGE 18
eveloping strong team chemistry could be the key to overcoming other possible shortfalls for an inexperienced North Pocono team. The Trojans finished last season with an overall record of 6-5, advancing to the first round of the District 2 Class AAA playoffs where they lost to AbingtonHeights. Graduation meant the loss of 21 players, who helped carry North Pocono to last year’s success, leaving a lot of questions for the coaching staff as they put together this year’s lineup.
ed 53.6 percent of his passes. Williams “We have a lot of FACTS AND FIGURES also scored one rushing touchdown on work to do,” coach Ja51 carries. son Sepkowski said. Nickname: Trojans “He’s going to be a senior, and it’s his “We lost quite a few Home field: North Pocono second year at quarterback, so we’re players.” Middle School, Moscow. going to build around him a little bit Despite the losses, Division: LFC Division 1 Enrollment: 407 this year,” Sepkowski said. Sepkowski said Classification: AAA Williams will be joined on offense by watching the way his 2010 Recap: 4-3 for third in only one other returning starter, offenteam has bonded durSepkowski Division 1; 6-5 overall; 6-4 in sive lineman Rick Baldauff. ing the preseason has regular season; lost in DisOn defense, defensive end Marcus given him some confidence. trict 2 Class AAA semifinals Nielsen is the only true returning start“I like how they’re coming together, to Abington Heights, 21-7. Returning all-stars: None. er. and gelling as a team” Sepkowski said. There are several Trojans who saw “I think having good team chemistry, playing time last year who will be and believing in each other that they called upon to play a bigger role in can get their jobs done … and gaining 2011. that experience as quickly as they can, and just feed off On defense, they’ll look to backs Joey Waldsmith, Matt each other. I think if we can do that, we’ll grow up as a footAcevedo and TaQuay Harris, linebackers J.P. Gething and ball team and get better.” Cal Batzel and lineman Shariff Daniels. One player who has been helping make up for the team’s On offense, the team hopes running back Gething and lack of experience has been returning starting quarterback receiver Waldsmith will be able to handle increased workJack Williams. Williams completed 52 of 97 passes for 714 yards and three touchdowns against four interceptions. He completSee TROJANS, Page 34
34 TaQuay Harris, 5-5, 150, Jr., RB/DB 36 Brendon Kelly, 5-8, 165, Sr., WR/DB 41 Cal Batzel, 5-11, 195, Sr., RB/LB 44 Blake Bauman, 5-9, 170, So., WR/DB 50 Rick Baldauff, 6-1, 210, Sr., OL/DL 51 Jimmy Hasselbrock, 6-0, 200, So., OL/ DL 52 Conor Rosen, 6-0, 190, So., OL/DL 53 Al Granville, 5-11, 195, Sr., OL/DL 54 Mike Gerakoui, 5-10, 205, Sr., OL/DL 56 Damian Benfatti, 5-8, 205, So., OL/DL 57 Tyler Schirra, 6-0, 275, Jr., OL/DL 58 Josh Polachek, 5-10, 210, Jr., OL/DL 64 Josh Weltz, 6-0, 250, So., OL/DL 65 Ray Watkins, 6-0, 285, Jr., OL/DL 72 Michael Levanthal, 5-11, 175, So., OL/DL 73 Nick Jaggars, 5-8, 210, Sr., OL/DL 76 Pete Festa, 6-0, 275, Sr., OL/DL 77 Rocco Antidormi, 6-1, 195, Sr., OL/LB 80 Shariff Daniels, 6-1, 220, Jr., TE/DL 81 Ryan Sheerer, 6-2, 170, Jr., WR/DB/K 84 Dom Verdetto, 6-3, 175, Sr., WR/DB 85 Terez Goodman, 5-7, 130, So., WR/DB 86 John Docalovich, 6-0, 200, Jr., TE/DL 87 Marcus Nielsen, 6-1, 205, Sr., TE/DL 88 Matthew Ritter, 5-10, 170, Jr., WR/DB
SCHEDULE Sept. 2 – DUNMORE Sept. 9 – at Berwick Sept. 16 – at Riverside Sept. 23 – SCRANTON PREP Sept. 30 – at West Scranton Oct. 7 – DELAWARE VALLEY Oct. 14 – SCRANTON Oct. 21 – at Wallenpaupack Oct. 28 – ABINGTON HEIGHTS Nov. 4 – at Valley View
ROSTER
CHRISTOPHER J. HUGHES PHOTO
From left, Jordan Dempsey, Austin Semon, Chris Yurechko and Daiquon Buckley, will use their experience in the backfield to run behind a rebuilt offensive line.
Dunmore rebuilding line I By TOM ROBINSON Go Lackawanna Reporter
n order to coach as long and as successfully as Jack Henzes has, it is necessary to address a variety of scenarios at one time or another. The task Henzes faces this year at Dunmore does not come along often. “Of our 10 linemen, we lost nine,” Henzes said of the players who were part of the offensive rotation. “That’s our biggest concern, replacing our offensive line.”
FACTS AND FIGURES
Nickname: Bucks Home field: V.J. Gatto Stadium, Dunmore. Division: LFC Division 2 Enrollment: 178 Classification: A 2010 Recap: 3-2 third in Division 2; 7-5 overall; 6-4 in regular season; beat Old Forge, 21-0, in District 2 Class A playoffs before losing to Riverside, 22-14. Returning all-stars: Daiquon Buckley, first-team RB; Tom Dailey, first-team LB; Jordan Dempsey, second-team QB; Chris Yurechko, second-team FB.
See DUNMORE, Page 21
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No. Player, Ht., Wt., Yr., Pos. 1 Daiquon Buckley, 5-10, 195, So., RB/LB 2 Matt Rogan, 5-7, 140, So., WR 3 Corey Coviello, 5-10, 180, Sr., WR/SS 4 Jason Kraycer, 5-8, 140, So., WR 5 James Cole, 5-9, 135, Jr., K 6 John Rinaldi, 6-2, 180, Jr., WR/S 8 Ryan Miller, 5-8, 135, Jr., K 9 Sal Marchese, 5-10, 160, Fr., QB 10 Jordan Dempsey, 6-2, 180, Sr., QB 13 Mike Kolcharno, 5-9, 160, Jr., WR/CB 14 Brandon Kujawski, 5-10, 150, So., QB 15 Eamon Earley, 5-9, 160, Sr., WR 26 Austin Seamon, 5-8, 180, Jr., RB/DB 28 Josh Zilla, 5-11, 180, So., TE 32 Matt Fisk, 5-8, 175, Jr., RB 33 Robert Cordaro, 5-10, 190, Sr., FB/TE 41 Robert Gentile, 5-9, 190, Sr., FB/LB 45 Chris Yurechko, 5-9, 195, Sr., FB/LB 47 Matt Sawka, 5-9, 155, Sr., WR/CB 48 Josh Sawka, 5-10, 155, So., RB/LB 50 Kevin Mee, 5-11, 190, Jr., G 55 Tim Drewes, 6-1, 205, Fr., OL 60 Tom Dailey, 5-9, 180, Sr., G/LB 62 Dan Graf, 5-11, 190, So., OL 70 Jake Korgeski, 5-11, 220, Jr., G 71 Mike Boland, 6-3, 235, Jr., OL 74 Jim McHale, 6-4, 260, So., T 75 Cory Jones, 6-2, 190, Jr., G 76 Mike Becchetti, 5-10, 180, So., OL 79 Mark Mesko, 6-2, 270, Sr., T 82 Jordan Sweeney, 5-10, 165, Jr., TE 97 Matt Smolskis, 6-1, 225, Sr., TE/LB
SCHEDULE Sept. 2 – NORTH POCONO Sept. 9 – at Meyers Sept. 16 – WEST SCRANTON Sept. 23 – at Montrose Sept. 30 – MID VALLEY Oct. 7 – HONESDALE Oct. 14 – at Lakeland Oct. 21 – at Western Wayne Oct. 28 – CARBONDALE Nov. 4 – at Riverside
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SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
DUNMORE
SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
DUNMORE LEFT: Percussionists John Glinsky, Michaela Sheehan, George Reinecke, and Mary Ferguson.
RIGHT: Dunmore High School majorette Maggie Dempsey skillfully twirls a flaming baton at the Ss. Anthony and Rocco Festival in Dunmore. BELOW: Flautists Megan Bernotsky, front, and Kerissa Svecz lean back during a rehearsal of Dunmore’s halftime show.
BELOW: Catherine Notckick and the Dunmore High School football cheerleaders perform at the Ss. Anthony and Rocco Festival in Dunmore in August.
BILL TARUTIS PHOTO
BILL TARUTIS PHOTO
PAGE 20
ABOVE: Trombonists Gabriel Cecci and Ben Pacifico with tuba player Aaron Beck.
CHRISTOPHER J. HUGHES PHOTOS
LEFT: From left, Alec Gerchman, Dominic Behler, Josh Cantarella, Natalie Walsh, Kelcey Hallinan, and Andrew Remetta.
SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
DUNMORE
BILL TARUTIS PHOTO
Bianca Nati and the rest of the Dunmore High School football cheerleaders perform at the recent Ss. Anthony and Rocco Festival in Dunmore.
DUNMORE Continued from Page 19
time. John Rinaldi started at wide receiver but missed time early and late in the season with injuries. Mike Kolcharno will handle the other receiver spot. The backfield is heavy on experience on both sides of the ball from a team that reached the District 2 Class A championship game. Jordan Dempsey returns at quarterback. Chris Yurechko, who got off to a slow start because of a preseason illness, is the fullback. Bob Cordaro, who returned to the position after playing tight end last season, and Robert Gentile give the Bucks more options. Henzes plans on using at
least two players at the tailback position, which generally has a heavy workload in the Bucks’ ball-control attack. Daiquon Buckley rushed for more than 1,000 yards as a freshman, but Austin Seamon may start out at the position. Seamon missed most of the first half of last season with a high ankle sprain,then finished strong. “When he came back, he played extremely well for us,” Henzes said. “He has got the type of speed you need and he has good vision. “We’ll use two tailbacks. We play three AAA schools. You need some backs. “We’ll try to share the carries because both Austin and
Daiquon also have to play defense for us.” Seamon will put in his time as a strong safety in the veteran defensive backfield. “Where we’re going to be good is with the experience of our secondary guys,” Henzes said. Kolcharno and Matt Sawka are back at the corners. Corey Coviello joins Seamon in handling the strong safety position. Rinaldi is at free safety. Yurechko and Tom Dailey return as starters at linebacker where Gentile and Buckley also have experience. Josh Sawka could also see playing time. Smolskis, a tackle, is the only player back in the defensive line.
PAGE 21
Although it is uncommon to put together the whole line at one time, it is an issue Henzes has seen before. “In (19)90, because we lost all those kids from our ’89 state championship team, we had to do the same,” Henzes said. “We have to have some patience and get better each week as the season goes along.” Although there will be new faces, Henzes said there is talent and size among the candidates to join senior tackle
Mark Mesko, the only veteran offensive lineman. Jake Korgeski is likely to handle one of the guard Henzes spots. Jim McHale, a 6-foot-5, 270pound sophomore, and Michael Boland, a 6-4, 245-pound junior, are candidates at tackle. Danny Hart may be at center, or at guard where the other candidates include Kevin Mee, Danny Drewes and Cory Jones. Matt Smolskis is the leading candidate at tight end where Josh Zilla may also get some
SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
CARBONDALE ROSTER No. Player, Ht., Wt., Yr., Pos. 2 Cody Kilhullen, 5-10, 175, Jr., TE/DE 3 Stephen White, 5-8, 140, Sr., DB/WR 5 Bradley Sales, 5-5, 130, Fr., RB/DB 7 Joey Gigliotti, 5-11, 185, Jr., QB/DB 10 Jordan Martin, 5-11, 160 Fr., TE/DE 11 Michael Scotch, 5-8, 145, Jr., WR/DB 12 Jesse Jankowski, 5-9, 180, So., QB/LB 13 Greg Nepa, 5-11, 170, So., TE/LB 14 Jason Martin, 6-3, 160, So., WR/DB 18 Ricky Jones, 5-8, 145, So., WR/DB 19 Lukas Durkin, 5-11, 160, Jr., WR/DB 22 Sam Demianovich, 6-1, 175, Jr., RB/LB 24 Brandon Sales, 5-6, 165, Jr., RB/DB 25 Eddie Jones, 5-2, 110 Fr., RB/DB 27 Kevin Ormes, 5-9, 170, Jr., OL/DE 29 Chance Rossetti, 6-0, 160, So., OL/DE 31 Peter Barnes, 5-8, 150, So., WR/DB 33 Jeffrey Arthur, 5-8, 150, Fr., TE/LB 34 Tim Mantis, 5-9, 190, So., RB/LB 36 Remington Hedden, 5-7, 160, Jr., RB/LB 38 Chippy Calabro, 5-8, 145, So., RB/DB 50 Chris DeGrazia, 6-0, 165, Jr., G/DE 52 Joe Munifo, 5-10, 215, Sr., G/DT 53 Brian Lavolpe, 5-9, 210, So., OL/LB 54 Isaiah McCord, 6-0, 210, So., OT/DE DON MCGLYNN PHOTO
Carbondale’s only senior players are, from left, front, Lee Frutchey and Stephen White. Back, AJ Tornvall, Cory Conway, and Joe Munifo.
Juniors carry Carbondale
By ROBERT TOMKAVAGE Abington Journal Reporter
PAGE 22
C
arbondale Area struggled through a one-win season last year, but coach Larry Gabriel is confident a large junior class is ready to lead his team to better results. “The whole junior class is standing out,” Gabriel said. “We should be much more competitive and much improved. Last year, we had a 1-9 season and there were really only two other games that we felt we were even in position to win late in the game over the course of the season. “Our goals are still to be in position to win in the fourth quarter every Friday night.”
fullback. Although its efLukas Durkin fort didn’t proreturns as a duce many wins, starter at wide Gabriel thinks receiver. Milast year’s senior chael Scotch class set a good and Jason Marexample for the tin are expectcurrent players to Gabriel Hughes Gigliotti ed to factor in follow. at the position. According “They worked hard and FACTS AND to Gabriel, Sales and they showed the way,” he FIGURES Demianovich will also be said. “They taught a lot of Nickname: Chargers split out wide in some valuable lessons to our Home field: Andrew J. packages. younger guys and hopeCerra Sports Complex, Cody Kilhullen and fully our young guys can Carbondale Area High School Greg Nepa will share the continue (what they Division: LFC Division 2 tight end duties. started).” Enrollment: 191 On the offensive line, The Chargers return juClassification: AA Joe Marion returns as the nior quarterback Joe Gi2010 Recap: 1-4 fifth in starter at center as does gliotti who was the fullDivision 2; 1-9 overall. Bailey Hughes and Russell time starter last season Returning all-stars: None. Dodge at guard. Chris Deafter also seeing some Grazia and Isaiah McCord time as a freshman. will be the starters at tackle. Joe Munifo “I learned a lot,” Gigliotti said. “I will also be in the mix on the line. learned that I have to keep my compoHughes, a tackle, is the only returning sure better and be more of a leader. That starter in the defensive line. Tyler Skasis what I picked up over those two years.” ko is expected to be the other starter at Brandon Sales returns as the starting tackle, while Kilhullen and McCord are tailback and Sam Demianovich will also see some action in the backfield. Remington Hedden returns as the starter at See CHARGERS, Page 23
55 Joe Sosa, 5-9, 220, Jr., OT/DT 56 Bailey Hughes, 6-2, 240, Jr., G/DT 57 Jack Bradley, 5-11, 210, So., OT/DT 58 Nick Cordova, 5-7, 160, Jr., G/LB 60 Guy Higdon, 5-9, 250, Fr., OT/DT 62 Joe Marion, 5-10, 230, Jr., C/NG 63 Matt Stinnard, 6-3, 260, So., OT/DT 64 C.J. Bandru, 5-9, 240, So., OT/DT 65 A.J. Tornvall, 6-2, 365, Sr., OT/NG 66 Russell Dodge, 5-10, 250, Jr., OT/DT 69 Tyler Skasko, 5-10, 175, Jr., G/NG 72 Josh Scombordi, 6-0, 200, So., G/DT 73 Zach Rossetti, 5-10, 180, Jr., TE/DE 74 Matt Robison, 6-0, 190, Jr., OT/DT 76 Pat Barney, 5-6, 175, Fr., OT/DT 77 John Thomas, 6-0, 240, Jr., OT/DT 78 Lee Frutchey, 5-9, 340, Sr., OT/DT 81 Jose Mendez, 5-10, 145, Jr., WR/DB 84 Christopher Larson, 5-9, 180, Fr., TE/LB 87 Chris Conway, 5-10, 135, Fr., WR/DB 89 Cory Conway, 6-2, 180, Sr., WR/DE 99 Jacob Huff, 5-8, 175, Sr., TE/LB
SCHEDULE Sept. 2 – Lackawanna Trail Sept. 9 – at Valley View Sept. 16 – SCRANTON PREP Sept. 24 – at Holy Cross Sept. 30 – SUSQUEHANNA Oct. 7 – LAKELAND Oct. 14 – at Western Wayne Oct. 21 – RIVERSIDE Oct. 28 – at Dunmore Nov. 4 – HONESDALE
SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
CARBONDALE
ALEX SEELEY PHOTOS
Left base Mia Esgro, right base Jennifer Pfleger, and back Joe Marion lift flyer and cheer captain Alyssa Torch.
From left, first row, Kayleigh Fisher, Abby Robinson, Erica Wilczewski, and Captains Dominique Liuzzo and Alyssa Torch. Second row, Brandi Cerra, Emily Hilker, Brooke Caviston, Kayla Roberts, and Lindsey Edger. Third row, Nicole Drawga, Hayley Skroupa, Eliza Totsky, Gabby Cassaro, Mia Esgro, and Jennifer Pfleger. Fourth row, Melissa Morgan, Emily Jablonowski, Jennifer Kunkelman, Alex Hilker, Audrey Gardus, and Britteny Sales.
CHARGERS Continued from Page 22
Cheerleaders from Carbondale High School practice a routine for the 2011 season.
W
A m erica’s e r ic a’s N ew e w C ar ar A lltern te r n ativ ativ e
H Y B U Y N EW
the projected starters at end. Hedden returns as a starter at outside linebacker. Demianovich will be the other starter on the outside. Sophomore Brain Lavolpe is a strong contender to start at inside linebacker. Gigliotti and Sales return at cornerback. Durkin, Stephen White and Ricky Jones are competing for spots at safety.
P PR RO OU UD D S SU TER SU UP PP PO OR RT TE ER RS S
B u y N a tio n w id e !!!!!
of Carbondale Area Chargers
G ood L uck in the 2011 FootballSeason
Cory Conway will be the kicker and Martin will handle the punting duties. Gabriel feels like his team has put last season behind it and is ready to compete at a high level. “They have bought into everything that we ask them to do,” Gabriel said. “The majority of kids have been in the weightroom every time we ask them. We’ve been in the classroom implementing our schemes during chalkboard sessions. They are more upbeat and enthusiastic.”
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PAGE 23
2 M ER ED ITH
By TOM ROBINSON Go Lackawanna Reporter
Laytos, S
E
ric Laytos has step. Laytos stood podium, March Giant Center ceiving a gold medal as champion. This summer, between h nior years in high schoo committed to continue hi at the University of Virgi one team in the country June’s national semifinals. By the time the 2010-11 ketball season ended, M was generally recognized around, full-time guard in wanna League. “The kid is, I think, th the area,” West Scranton f Gerek said. “I mean pure football player.” Before the 2011-12 schoo tos, Sweeting and McCart plenty of opportunities to the wrestling mat, the bas the baseball diamond. First, however, they will on fall Friday nights as th dangerous players in the L
Sweeting and McCarthy turn their attentions to football in fall
s been to the top
d at the top of the h 13, 2010, at the in Hershey, rea state wrestling
his junior and seol, Joe McCarthy is baseball career inia, the numbery until losing in . 1 high school basMalcolm Sweeting as the finest allthe entire Lacka-
he best athlete in football coach Joe athlete, not just
ol year ends, Laythy figure to have o excel again on sketball court and
take center stage hree of the most Lackawanna Football Conference. “This is my 15th year of doing this,” Lackawanna Trail coach Steve Jervis said. “Eric is one of the most recruited players I’ve had. “He wants to find a good fit, whether it’s wrestling or football.” The power of Laytos is one of the biggest reasons the Lions have the chance to produce one of the LFC’s biggest turnarounds and just may be the best team in Division 3. The speed
and strength combination that make McCarthy a major baseball prospect are likely to find a way into prominence once again when Scranton builds its offense. At just 5-11, 168 pounds, Sweeting can dunk a basketball and make long nights for those assigned to keep up with him. While the other two both move much better than the average 6-3, 230-pounder, Sweeting’s athleticism makes him a player that cannot be ignored on either offense or defense, whether it is football or basketball season. Football so often dominates, with other sports revolving around it, in the lives of the top high school athletes in Lackawanna County. Laytos, McCarthy and Sweeting will try to show that the right type of athlete can still excel on the football field, even if other sports arguably take priority for them at times. Sweeting first felt control of a game while playing basketball. Laytos has had the most success a high school athlete can experience on the wrestling mat – as an individual state champion – but now considers football on equal terms as he assesses his future. McCarthy will end his football days soon but is happy that he never gave in to the thought of becoming a full-time baseball player at a young age. “I’ve had thoughts about staying strictly baseball year-round,” said McCarthy, whose father Joe was a three-sport star at Scranton Central before going to South Carolina for baseball. “But my parents said they didn’t really think playing all three hurt my chances.” That point was driven home this summer when Virginia, McCarthy’s top choice of schools, extended the baseball scholarship offer. Just as the three athletes have had to answer their own questions about how to best use their abilities in sports, their coaches have struggled at times to find the most efficient use of what can be very impressive skill sets. The best approach? Try using their considerable abilities in as many ways as possible. McCarthy debuted as a quarterback, moved to receiver, then settled in at tailback where he is likely to be found most often this year. He has started in the secondary, but with a heavy offensive workload ahead, coach Mike Marichak would rather return him to the role of being an extra defensive back for use in certain situations.
Sweeting has been busy on both sides of the ball as a wide receiver and defensive back and has been downright scary as a kick returner. Don’t be surprised if he also moves into the backfield at times in his senior year, possibly even taking some snaps from center. Laytos plays fullback but in an offense – the wing-T – that can emphasize him more as a ballcarrier than lead blocker. He has spent some time at linebacker, but he has settled in as the strong-side defensive end, responsible for stopping opponents from getting outside but also being set free to try to tee off on the quarterback in passing situations. Their teams’ success may depend on all three remaining multiple threats this season. “We will try to get the ball to him anyway we can, whether it be as a running back, a slot or a wideout,” said Marichak, who used McCarthy in all those spots last season after moving him out of the quarterback position he held for his sophomore and the beginning of the junior year. McCarthy made a big splash as a sophomore quarterback. In his debut he threw for 202 yards and three touchdowns to lead a rally to an 18-15 victory over Wyoming Valley West. A week later, he passed for 108 yards and ran for 103 in a 27-14 win over Pittston Area. Two games into his sophomore season, he was one of the LFC’s most talked-about players. Two games into his junior season, it was time to start considering a better spot from which to help the struggling Knights. McCarthy realizes he might have never moved if football was his number-one sport, but when other high school quarterbacks were throwing to their favorite receivers in summer seven-on-seven scrimmages, McCarthy was putting his arm to work in the outfield or on the mound. When his timing and release were fouled up to start out the 2010 season, his days as a quarterback were numbered. “I feel like running back or wide receiver is where I should be playing,” said McCarthy, who, with limited practice time, has also been a key part of the rotation on two championship basketball teams at Scranton. “Wherever is going to help us win is my job. “I think if football had been the main thing, I would have been a quarterback. But I started late and last year I was having trouble throwing the ball.”
It may have been time to move McCarthy out of football’s most prestigious position, but he certainly wasn’t heading for the bench. “Joe is such a great athlete that he made a lot of things happen with his legs,” Marichak said of McCarthy’s quarterback play in the spread offense. “He had always been a tailback before that. “The point is, you have got to get the ball in his hands.” The Knights started 1-3 last season, then went 2-4 the rest of the way with losses by one and three points to Valley View and North Pocono, two teams above them in the Division 1 standings. McCarthy wound up leading the team in rushing while helping the offense improve down the stretch. With Laytos running for more than 1,000 yards and scoring 14 touchdowns, Lackawanna Trail improved to 4-6 last season, up from 1-9 a year earlier. By that time, Laytos was already well known for his athletic prowess. That was not the case in the 2010 wrestling postseason when he put together an improbable winning streak that made him a state champion as a sophomore – the first that young to ever win the 215-pound class in Pennsylvania and also the first of that age from Lackawanna County in any weight class. “I like being under the radar, then coming up,” Laytos said. It is a scenario he would like to repeat this football season. “It’s going to be different,” he said. “Everyone’s excited. It’s going to be a good year.” Laytos acknowledges that nothing has been accomplished yet. After three seasons with just six total wins, the Lions first have to prove they belong in consideration for a return to the spot they once had secured as the top team in Division 3. His roll through the district, regional and state wrestling tournaments, however, taught him what can happen when momentum gets started. “I think winning just got me excited,” he said, looking back on the state title. “When you win districts, that’s a big thing. You start thinking you can accomplish anything. “You start working harder and your intensity goes up.” And, once he started working out for See ATHLETES, Page 38
SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
LAKELAND ROSTER
DON MCGLYNN PHOTO
Lakeland’s returning starters are, from left, front, Ryan Nichols, AJ Rudalavage, Kyle Kiehart, Tyler Piatt, and Mike Novak. Back, JJ Rojenches, Alex Filarsky, Colby Clauss-Walton, Cody Delfino, and Tyler Brady.
Continuing winning ways By ROBERT TOMKAVAGE Abington Journal Reporter
PAGE 26
P
ast success at Lakeland, combined with enough returning talent, means more lofty expectations for the defending Lackawanna Football Conference Division 2 champion Chiefs. The Chiefs advanced to the District 2 Class AA championship game and finished 10-2 in 2010. Although they lost a significant number of key players to graduation, many with playoff experience return under coach Jeff Wasilchak. “There are a lot of big shoes to fill,” Wasilchak said. “The guys who played well last year, we expect to play well again this year and the guys who have to fill the empty spots have to step up, too.
stronger so I can take “I think the tradition FACTS AND all the hits,” Nichols of Lakeland (football) FIGURES said. helps to carry that on. Nickname: Chiefs At wide receiver, seGuys see it as a chalHome field: Lakeland nior Alex Filarsky relenge, not as a disadHigh School, Jermyn turns as a starter and vantage.” Division: LFC Division 2 Joey Natale returns to On offense, junior Enrollment: 211 the team after not playKyle Kiehart and senior Classification: AA 2010 Recap: 5-0 first ing last season. J.J. Rojenches, who in Division 2; 10-2 Junior Cody Delfino both saw some time as overall; 9-1 in regular returns as a starter at the position last year season; beat Susquetight end. will compete for the hanna, 20-3, in District 2 Class AA playoffs Junior Colby Claussstarting spot at quarterbefore losing to GAR, Walton returns as a back. 40-21. starter at one tackle Senior Ryan Nichols Returning all-stars: spot and senior Kurt returns as the starting Ryan Nichols, firstteam K, first-team DB Burns is expected to be tailback as does junior and second-team RB; the other starting tackTyler Brady at fullback. Alex Filarsky, firstle. According to Wasilteam DB; Cody Delfino, Senior Tyler Piatt rechak, juniors Chris second-team DL. turns as the starter at Recker and Cody Goncenter with junior A.J. sauls may also see time Rudalavage at guard. in the backfield. Juniors Jon Sekelsky and Willie DeThe Chiefs utilized a multitude of runners last year, but this season Ni- myan, and senior Chris Burcheri are in chols and Brady will be expected to car- competition for the other guard spot. The Chiefs face a challenge on the ry the load. “I’ve been training hard in the offseason, lifting a lot of weights to try to get See LAKELAND, Page 27
No. Player, Ht., Wt., Yr., Pos. 2 Bobby Lepre, 5-7, 132, So., RB 3 Dylan Kutch, 5-9, 123, Jr., WR 4 Tim Hackenberg, 5-5, 128, So., RB 5 J.J. Rojenches, 5-11, 175, Sr., QB 6 Kyle Kiehart, 6-1, 156, Jr., QB/WR/OLB 7 Shawn Carito, 6-0, 132, So., WR 8 Gavin O’Donnell, 5-10, 146, So., WR 9 Billy Thomas, 5-9, 178, Jr., RB 11 Justin Cunningham, 5-7, 155, Sr., WR 13 Adam Davis, 5-7, 134, So., RB 18 Alex Filarsky, 6-1, 170, Sr., WR/S/P 19 Chet Anuszewski, 5-10, 136, So., QB 20 Chris Roche, 5-10, 156, So., RB 21 Ron Patterson, 6-2, 189, Sr., TE 22 Ryan Nichols, 5-10, 158, Sr., RB/CB/K 23 Mike Novak, 5-9, 143, Sr., WR/CB 25 Christian Selvenis, 5-9, 200, Fr., RB/ LB 26 Joey Natale, 5-9, 150, Jr., WR/CB 27 Chris Recker, 5-8, 154, Jr., RB 28 A.J. Rupp, 5-5, 164, So., RB 29 Jesse Lick, 6-2, 157, Sr., WR 34 Cody Gonsauls, 5-9, 165, Jr., RB/LB 40 Tyler Brady, 6-1, 192, Jr., RB/OLB 44 Rio Standefer, 5-7, 140, Sr., WR 50 Jon Sekely, 5-6, 177, Jr., OL/LB 51 Josh Diehl, 5-8, 222, Jr., OL/DL 52 Kurt Burns, 6-0, 193, Sr., OL/DT 53 Jake Noldy, 5-9, 162, Jr., OL/DL 54 Tyler Piatt, 5-9, 214, Sr., OL/DL 55 A.J. Rudalavage, 5-9, 198, Jr., OL/DL 56 A.J. Wormuth, 6-0, 192, So., OL/DE 57 Bob Bradley, 5-10, 165, So., OL/DL 58 Chris Burcheri, 5-10, 231, Sr., OL/DT 59 Jordan Tratthen, 5-6, 206, So., OL/DL 60 Willie Demyan, 5-10, 175, Jr., OL/DL 62 Ben Johnson, 5-9, 197, Sr., OL/DE 63 Colby Clauss-Walton, 6-3, 283, Jr., OL/DT 65 Nick Humphreys, 5-10, 222, Jr., OL/DL 66 Kyle Griffin, 6-3, 350, Jr., OL/DL 70 Joe Teeple, 5-8, 134, So., OL/DL 71 Jared Rude, 5-8, 185, So., OL/DL 72 Billy Mecca, 5-8, 249, Sr., OL/DL 74 Frank Bauman, 6-3, 278, So., OL/DL 75 Mike Fron, 5-5, 166, So., OL/DL 80 Brian Bylotas, 5-11, 135, So., WR 84 Tyler Chadwick, 5-8, 144, Jr., WR 85 Dante DeAntonio, 6-1, 196, Jr., TE/DE 87 Tim Johnson, 5-11, 183, Jr., TE 88 Cody Delfino, 6-2, 230, Jr., TE/ILB
SCHEDULE Sept. 3 – at Scranton Prep Sept. 9 – RIVERSIDE Sept. 16 – GAR Sept. 24 – at Susquehanna Sept. 30 – LACKAWANNA TRAIL Oct. 7 – at Carbondale Oct. 14 – DUNMORE Oct. 21 – at Honesdale Oct. 28 – RIVERSIDE Nov. 4 – at Western Wayne
LAKELAND Continued from Page 26
defensive line, having to replace all four starters from last season. Both starting defensive ends and one tackle graduated and the other starter at tackle, Delfino, is moving to inside linebacker. ClaussWalton, Burns and Burcheri are expected to be in the Wasilchak mix at defensive tackle, while juniors Dante DeAntonio and Tim Johnson along with sophomore A.J. Wormuth will likely be the contributors at defensive end. “There a lot of people in there competing. Somebody has to emerge,” Wasilchak said. Brady and Kiehart return as starters at outside linebacker. Delfino will start at inside linebacker. Sekelsky, Gonsauls and freshman Christian Selvenis could also see action at linebacker. Filarsky, a two-time, second team Class AA all-state selection, returns as a starter a safety. Nichols returns as a starter at cornerback, Natale and Mikey Novak will also see time at cornerback. “We have some depth in the secondary,” Wasilchak said. Nichols will be the kicker and Filarsky will handle the punting duties. Wasilchak has been impressed with a lot of players during the off-season from the freshman to seniors. “Mikey Novak, a senior, has made some great strides,” he said. “Christian Selvenis is a freshman who is impressive.”
ALEX SEELEY PHOTOS
AT LEFT: The Lakeland cheerleaders are, from left, first row, sophomores Alexis Mcdermott, Taylor Ferko, Breann Boyarsky, Jordan Curnow, and Samantha Jenkins. Second row, juniors Alissa Steier, Abby Rieder, Sommer Larkin, and Ashton Boyarsky. Third row, seniors Deanna Leri, Kristen Bazink, Megan Babcanec, Jennifer Magnotta, Kyra Brownell, and Andrea Sokolowski. Fourth row, Captains Tori Doyle and Jana Pezanowski. BELOW: The Lakeland High School marching band.
SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
LAKELAND
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RIVERSIDE ROSTER
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Returning starters who helped lead Riverside to the Class A state championship game in 2010 are, from left, Dave Sweetman, Mike Pietrowski, Nicholas Dranchak, Mark Donaghey and Tyler Armillay.
Changes start at top T
By TOM ROBINSON Go Lackawanna Reporter
he Riverside Vikings team that opens the 2011 season will look much different than the one that was the last Lackawanna Football Conference squad to end the 2010 season. Evan Prall heads a revamped coaching staff and just three full-time starters return on each side of the ball for the defending District 2 Class A champions.
Mike Pietrowski, a 290-pound senior, returns at guard and defensive tackle. Tyler Armillay, who had a standout freshman season in the offensive line, moves to two-way duty, along with Mark Donaghey and Dave Sweetman, a pair of defensive starters who saw a lot of offensive action.
Nicholas Dranchak moves back to his original high school position, taking over at quarterback for state Class A Player of the Year Corey Talerico. “We have a good nucleus back,” Prall said. “We have the three guys up front. We have a quarterback who has played
FACTS AND FIGURES Nickname: Vikings Home field: Taylor Veterans Memorial Stadium. Division: LFC Division 2 Enrollment: 172 Classification: A 2010 Recap: 4-1 second in Division 3; 14-2 overall; 9-1 in regular season; defeated Northwest, 34-0, and Dunmore, 22-14, to win District 2 Class A title; defeated Southern Columbia, 36-0, Schuylkill Haven, 41-0, and Bishop Carroll, 34-20, in state playoffs before losing to Clairton, 36-30, in state championship game. Returning all-stars: Tyler Armillay, first-team OL; Mike Pietrowski, second-team OL and second-team DL; Dave Sweetman, second-team DB; Nicholas Dranchak, second-team DB.
See RIVERSIDE, Page 29
PAGE 28
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No. Player, Ht., Wt., Yr., Pos. 2 James Colondres, 5-7, 145, Jr., WR/DB 3 Cody Mackin, 6-2, 185, Sr., WR/DB 4 Matthew Aniska, 5-9, 155, Sr., WR/DB 5 Alec Parchinski, 5-10, 175, Jr., QB/LB 6 Tyler Briskie, 5-10, 150, Sr., WR/DB 9 Tim Lebiak, 5-9, 175, Sr., K 10 Nicholas Dranchak, 6-1, 200, Jr., QB/DB 14 Jason Ford, 5-7, 145, Jr., WR/DB 15 Sam DeStefano, 5-9, 160, Jr., RB/DB 16 Christian Reed, 5-11, 160, Jr., WR/DB 17 John Plisko, 5-11, 150, Fr., QB/DB 19 Michael Loftus, 6-2, 185, Jr., TE/DE 21 Hakeem Lincoln, 5-7, 180, Sr., RB/LB 22 Dave Sweetman, 5-10, 175, So., WR/DB 23 Nick Killino, 5-9, 160, Jr., WR/DB 24 Jim Tucker, 5-11, 175, Jr., WR/DB 25 Lashon Turner, 5-8, 175, Jr., RB/LB 32 Anthony Yackobovitz, 5-7, 165, So., RB/LB 33 John Nawrocki, 5-11, 165, Sr., WR/DB 34 Mike Killino, 5-11, 150, Jr., RB/LB 36 Jim Odzana, 5-7, 170, Jr., RB/LB 41 Troy Kempa, 6-0, 180, Sr., TE/LB 42 Tom Lavelle, 6-0, 170, So., TE/LB 50 Shane Weller, 6-1, 230, Sr., OL/DL 52 Glen Burge, 5-10, 180, Jr., OL/DT 54 Joe Nannini, 6-2, 210, Sr., OL/DE 55 Ed Martz, 6-2, 210, Jr., OL/DE 56 Clayton Casino, 6-2, 220, So., OL/DT 57 Mark Donaghey, 6-0, 220, Jr., OL/LB 60 Bryant Guevara, 5-6, 205, Jr., OL/DE 65 Michael Pietrowski, 5-10, 290, Sr., OL/DT 66 Mark Gorton, 5-9, 220, So., OL/DL 70 Jose DeJesus, 5-6, 270, Sr., OL/DT 72 Tyler Armillay, 6-1, 260, So., OL/DT 74 Jim Hoban, 6-3, 305, So., OL/DT 77 Kevin Jones, 6-3, 325, Jr., OL/DT 79 Mike Piasecki, 6-1, 220, OL/DE
SCHEDULE Sept. 2 – WEST SCRANTON Sept. 10 – at Holy Cross Sept. 16 – NORTH POCONO Sept. 23 – at Lackawanna Trail Sept. 30 – at Old Forge Oct. 7 – WESTERN WAYNE Oct. 14 – HONESDALE Oct. 21 – at Carbondale Oct. 28 – at Lakeland Nov. 4 – DUNMORE
RIVERSIDE Continued from Page 28
Kelsey Shaughnessy
From left, Aaron Robbins, Neena Hurley, Valeriya Kazysta.
Andrew Gallagher
EMILY TAYLOR PHOTOS
Riverside marching band members include, from left, first row, Destianna Evans and Morgan Perry. Second row, Aaron Robbins, Lauren Grzyboski, Neena Hurley, Kayla Reagan, Valeriya Kazysta, Kayla Creedon, Aubrey Edstrom, Morgan Gable, Brittany Fox, and Andrew Gallagher. Third row, Joey Kester, Evan Harbert, Sarah Murphy, Ryan O’Malley, Taylor Donahue, Sazia Nowshin, and Vinnie Donaghey.
From left, front, Kellie Nash, Rachael Ogden, Captain Taylor Berto, Miss Viking Stephanie Tilberry, Captain Kyra Leasure, Basketball Captains Ashley Puchalski and Katelyn Shaughnessy, Melony Plisko, and Tate Jackson. Back, Jenelle Richards, Hannah Oustrich, Lexi Scott, Abbey Wzorek, Kelsey Shaughnessy, Megan Kolis, Madison Petro, Julia Osmolia, Melia Garcia, and Ana Sottile.
PAGE 29
Bases Taylor Berto, Megan Kolis and Kellie Nash lift Abbey Wzorek.
there before. “We have some skill athletes on the outside.” How well the newcomers can fill in will determine if the handful of returnees can keep Riverside in contention a year after going 14-2 and playing in the state final. “We have athletic, tough, hardworking kids,” Prall said. Pietrowski, Armillay and Donaghey could get a boost up front from Ed Martz, a defensive end who is moving from end to the interior line on ofPrall fense. “He has made a commitment to make the move from end,” Prall said. “Every drill he does, he does 100 percent. “When you have people like that up front, it makes it a little easier, especially for a first-year coach.” Armillay is at center with Pietrowski and Martz likely at guards. Donaghey and 325-pounder Kevin Jones are the tackles. Michael Loftus is at tight end. Sweetman, who saw plenty of action as both a back and receiver last season, is at wide receiver, along with Cody Mackin, Jim Tucker and John Nawrocki. Prall would not rule out the possibility of Sweetman again seeing time in the backfield. “We’re going to be a multiple offense,” Prall said. “If they can carry the football and make people miss, they’ll end up with the ball in their hands.” Hakeem Lincoln is a running back. Dranchak started at quarterback as a freshman and was in the rotation of receivers last year. Prall said Jason Ford, Tucker and Nawrocki are all making progress as wide receivers and defensive backs. They could join Sweetman in the secondary. Donaghey moves from defensive end last season to linebacker this season. Loftus, Lincoln, Alec Parchinski and Troy Kempa are the players with the best shot at joining him there. Loftus is also in the mix at defensive end along with Martz and Joe Nannini. Pietrowski, Armillay and Jones are the down linemen.
SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
RIVERSIDE
SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
HOLY CROSS ROSTER
Top 3 runners return T
By TOM ROBINSON Go Lackawanna Reporter
he Holy Cross running attack was both predictable and impressive a year ago. Running about 10 times for every pass attempt, the Crusaders still managed to churn out yards. Rob Heyen, Tyler Hinkley and Joe Merli each had their moments leading the way while teaming to rush for more than 200 yards per game for the Eastern Conference Class A finalists.
PAGE 30
Heyen, Hinkley and Merli are all back, but new coach Jeff Stevens insists the Holy Cross offense will not operate exactly as it did last season. “We’re making the changes regardless of whether we had to or not,” Ste-
vens said. “Last year, we ended up facing teams that put 11 in the box. What we did best was running the ball and to face those 11, we want to See HOLY CROSS, Page 37
FACTS AND FIGURES Nickname: Crusaders Home field: St. Anthony’s Playground, Dunmore. Division: LFC Division 3 Enrollment: 166 Classification: A 2010 Recap: 2-3 tied for third in Division 3; 6-6 overall; 5-5 in regular season; beat Bucktail, 37-14, before losing to Mahanoy Area, 41-14, in Eastern Conference Class A playoffs. Returning all-stars: Rob Heyen, first-team DB and second-team RB; Tyler Hinkley, first-team LB; Joe Merli, second-team RB; Jordan Nicholoff, second-team OL; John Rafferty, second-team DL.
SCHEDULE Sept. 2 – at Meyers Sept. 10 – RIVERSIDE Sept. 17 – at Holy Redeemer Sept. 24 – CARBONDALE Sept. 30 – at Western Wayne Oct. 8 – SUSQUEHANNA Oct. 14 – at Mid Valley Oct. 21 – at Montrose Oct. 29 – OLD FORGE Nov. 5 – LACKAWANNA TRAIL
704157
DON MCGLYNN PHOTO
Tyler Hinkley, Rob Heyen, and Joe Merli make up the veteran Holy Cross backfield.
No. Player, Ht., Wt., Yr., Pos. 1 Andrew Meis, 5-7, 135, So., WR/DB 2 Robert Heyen, 6-1, 185, So., QB/DB 3 John Heyen, 6-2, 155, So., RB/DE 10 Matthew McDonough, 6-0, 135, So., QB/DB 11 R.J. Klein, 6-1, 160, So., TE/DL 12 Eric Gatto, 5-8, 135, So., QB/DB 14 Zach McAndrew, 5-6, 145, Sr., WR/DB 16 Duncan Coolican, 5-7, 130, Jr., WR/DB 17 Louis Gianacopolous, 5-9, 165, Sr., WR/DB 18 Christian Simrell, 6-0, 175, Jr., WR/DB 22 Tyler Hinkley, 6-0, 225, Sr., RB/ LB 24 Shawn Iezzi, 5-9, 205, Jr., RB/LB 33 Joe Merli, 5-9, 195, Sr., RB/DB 42 Marcus Purdy, 5-9, 175, So., G/LB 50 John Derenick, 5-10, 240, Jr., OL/DL 54 Zach Watters, 5-7, 230, Sr., OL/ LB 55 Jordan Nicholoff, 6-0, 290, Sr., OL/DL 60 Thomas Warden, 6-4, 265, Jr., TE/LB 61 John Rafferty, 6-0, 265, Sr., OL/ DL 62 Jared Nicholoff, 6-2, 285, Jr., OL/DL 63 Corey Yablonski, 5-8, 210, So., OL/DL 73 Steve Klassner, 5-9, 235, So., OL/DL 75 John Heffernan, 6-3, 275, So., OL/DL 78 Josh Wombacker, 5-10, 220, Jr., OL/DL 84 Patrick Hagan, 5-11, 175, Jr., WR/ DB/K 89 Shane Holmes, 6-3, 205, Sr., TE/LB
SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
LACKAWANNA TRAIL
ALICE STUFFLE PHOTOS
Lackawanna Trail cheerleaders participated in Christy Mathewson Days, a celebration honoring the Factoryville native and Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher, in August.
Have A Great Season Lions!
Color guard members Emily Stuenzi and Alyssa Sohns.
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LACKAWANNA TRAIL ROSTER No. Player, Ht., Wt., Yr., Pos. 3 Jeremy Greenley, 6-1, 175, Jr., RB/FS 4 Matt Harris, 6-1, 180, So., TE/DE 5 Cooper Rosiak, 5-10, 160, Fr., RB/DB 7 Billy Lee, 5-6, 130, So., QB/WR/DB 8 Zack Goodrich, 5-11, 180, Jr., QB/LB 10 Matt Aten, 5-11, 205, Sr., TE/ILB 11 Jordan Wallen, 5-10, 150, Jr., RB/LB 13 Levi Bennett, 5-10, 150, Jr., WR/DB 17 Caleb Darling, 6-1, 190, Sr., QB/OLB 20 Jonathon Zedar, 5-10, 160, So., WR/DB 21 Thomas Fricke, 6-0,170, So., TE/DE 23 Marvess Rosiak, 6-2, 185, Sr., RB/DB 27 Matt Pascoe, 5-8, 150, Sr., WR/DB 28 Pete Murazzi, 6-0, 170, Jr., RB/LB 29 Liam Dougherty, 5-8, 140, Fr, WR/DB 39 Josh Symuleski, 5-10, 215, Sr., FB/LB ALICE STUFFLE PHOTO
Members of the Lackawanna Trail football team are, from left, first row, Jason Wagner, Marvess Rosiak, Eric Laytos, Ben Lehman, Jeffrey Cress, and Assistant Coach James Becchetti. Second row, Coach Steve Jervis, C.J. Bonacci, Josh Symuleski, Michael Jenkins, Matt Aten, Caleb Darling, Matt Rynkiewicz, Anthony Colo, Matt Pascoe, and Assistant Coach Aaron Slick. Third row, Cooper Rosiak, Liam Dougherty, Jon Zedar, Jeremy Greenley, Jared Madans, Billy Lee, Zack Goodrich, Zach Walters, Peter Murazzi, Matt Goodrich, Justin Barber, Brian Kearney, and Manager Shannon Jones. Fourth row, Assistant Coach Chad Gibbs, Gage Dougherty, Jordan Wallen, Thomas Fricke, Matt Harris, Jacob Adcroft, and Coach Vince McClain. Absent from photo, Coaches Jeff Stage and Steve Jervis, Sr.
Experience may equal wins
W
By ROBERT TOMKAVAGE Abington Journal Reporter
PAGE 32
ith nine starters returning on defense and eight on offense, Lackawanna Trail head coach Steve Jervis is looking to improve on last season’s 4-6 record. “When I took over two years ago we were1-9,” Jervis said. “We were very young. To get to 4-6 last year was definitely an improvement. I feel like we’ll be improved again this year. “We have very lofty goals; we’ll see how the season plays out.” Jervis thinks last year’s senior class laid the framework for the current team to build off.
“You definitely have to give some credit to those guys,” he said. “We only had five seniors, but they worked hard and I believe they got the program going in the direction that we want to go in. I think they kind of handed the mantle down to this group of seniors.” Jervis is excited about how the size of the team has grown during his three year as coach. “The numbers are up which is a nice thing,” he said. “We should have around 50 kids this year which is almost double of what I had in my first year.” On offense, senior Caleb Darling returns as the starter at quarterback. Junior Zach Goodrich will also see some action at the position, according to Jervis. “Coach Jervis has taught me real well,” Darling said. “I’m looking forward to the season. We’ve worked hard and are ready for it.”
Juniors Pete Murazzi and Jeremy Greenley return and will share the duties at running back. Senior Eric Laytos returns as the starter at fullback and senior Jervis Josh Symuleski will be his backup. Sophomore Jonathon Zedar will be the starter at split end. Senior Matt Aten returns as the starter at tight end. Senior Marvess Rosiak will return at Darling flanker/wing back. A pair of freshman, Cooper Rosiak and Liam Dougherty, may also see time at running back or wide receiver. On the offensive line, junior Justin Barber will return as a starter at left tackle, senior Mark Jenkins, a three-year starter,
returns at right tackle, senior Ben Lehman returns at left guard, junior Matt Goodrich will start at right guard, and senior Jeff Crass will start at center. “We’re excited about the group,” Jervis said. “Justin Barber had a great year in the weight room. He benched 340, squatted 475, and he’s only going to be a junior.” On the defensive line, Laytos returns as a starter along with Barber and Lehman. Crass, Jenkins and Anthony Colo are also expected to contribute on the line. Aten and Murazzi return as starters at inside linebacker, Darling is back at one outside linebacker spot while Matt and Zach Goodrich will see time on the other side. Marvess Rosiak and Zedar will be the starting cornerbacks. Greenley will be the starting free safety. Murazzi will be the kicker. Laytos and See TRAIL, Page 33
45 Eric Laytos, 6-3, 230, Sr., FB/DE 50 Gage Doughty, 5-10, 180, So., OL/DL 51 Jeff Crass, 6-0, 250, Sr., OL/DL 53 Matt Rynciewicz, 5-10, 185, Sr., OL/LB 54 Matt Goodrich, 5-10, 170, Jr., OL/OLB 55 Ben Lehman, 6-0, 225, Sr., OL/DE 56 Brian Kearney, 5-10, 175, So., OL/DL 58 Jared Madans, 6-0, 200, So., OL/DL 63 Jake Adcroft, 6-0, 170, So., OL/LB 64 Mark Jenkins, 6-1, 250, Sr., OL/DL 70 C.J. Bonacci, 6-2, 275, Sr., OL/DL 72 Anthony Colo, 6-2, 235, Sr., OL/DL 76 Justin Barber, 6-1, 260, Jr., OL/DL 77 Zack Walters, 6-1, 250, Jr., OL/DL 82 Tim Griffin, 5-10, 150, So., WR/DB
SCHEDULE Sept. 2 – at Carbondale Sept. 9 – at Lake-Lehman Sept. 16 – MEYERS Sept. 23 – RIVERSIDE Sept. 30 – at Lakeland Oct. 7 – MID VALLEY Oct. 14 – at Old Forge Oct. 21 – SUSQUEHANNA Oct. 28 – MONTROSE Nov. 5 – at Holy Cross
FACTS AND FIGURES Nickname: Lions Home field: Lions Pride Stadium, Lackawanna Trail High School. Division: LFC Division 3 Enrollment: 149 Classification: A 2010 Recap: 2-3 tied for third in Division 3; 4-6 overall. Returning all-stars: Matt Aten, first-team LB and second-team RB; Eric Laytos, first-team FB; Justin Barber, second-team OL and second-team DL; Caleb Darling, second-team LB.
ALICE STUFFLE PHOTO
TRAIL
Members of the Lackawanna Trail Marching Lions are, from left, first row, Alyssa Sohns, Katie Seigel, Colin Holmes, Mikaela Weisenfluh, Jenny Keller, Fatima Thurston, Meredith Horwatt, Lowell Phillips, and Emily Stuenzi. Second row, Tim Aschenbrenner, Bobby Titus, Janine Strauch, Shania Kane, Cassandra Brown, Wynn Phillips, Ruth Cummings, Cecilia Strauch, Molly Mattes, Taryn Maleski, Alyssa Dikeman, and Kelly Hopkins. Third row, Gary Weidner, Matt Huertas, Kyle Holmes, Jesse Morvan, Richard Pollock, Eric Holmes, Ashley Mecca, and Shea Myers. Absent from photo, Garrett Craig-Lucas, Seth Williams, Zak Kongvold, and Olivia and Wyatt Cooper.
Continued from Page 32
Darling may share the punting duties. Jervis thinks the play of the veterans will determine how big of a jump the Lions can make in the Lackawanna Football Conference Division 3 standings. “The nucleus of our skill kids (Laytos, Darling, Rosiak and Aten) and the key offensive lineman we have back (Barber, Lehman and Jenkins) really have to step it up for us,” Jervis said.
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LACKAWANNA TRAIL
SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
NORTH POCONO
TROJANS Continued from Page 18
loads. Ryan Sheerer could also contribute to the offense as the kicker. “I think we lost a lot of kids, but we have a lot of kids coming back that have some experience,” Sepkowski said. “The thing is they have to be ready to play 48 minutes, and that’s the thing that worries me a little bit going in is that factor of game experience, playing a complete game, and trying to learn the speed of the game. “I think once we do that we’ll be okay.” North Pocono also has a number of underclassmen who may see some time on the field this season. “I think right now, in summer conditioning, we have a couple sophomores that are coming in and catching on really quick,” Sepkowski said. “There’s a kid Alex Carling (sophomore), he has great size, and he’s going to be a receiver/defensive back. We have a bunch of sophomores that grew up in the offseason, that are juniors now and are going to step up - kids like Garret Fisher (RB/ LB) and Tyler Schirra (OL/DL). So, I think we’re going to be able to answer some questions, just how quickly, we’ll see.”
JASON RIEDMILLER PHOTO
From left, front, Christine Reid, Rachael Baldelli, Allie Grudeski, Ashley Grudeski, Brittany Spitzer, Kayla Strausser, Jacque Strausser, Erica Viola, and Kaitlyn McDonough. Back, Olivia Pehanick, Shelby Aston, Carleen Troup, Jenine Sapienza, Sara Moss, and Desirae Santarsiero. Jumping, Lexie White and Sarah Quatra.
Soundtrack key to atmosphere High school football on Friday nights and Saturday afternoons is more than a game for many attendees, it’s an event, and providing the soundtrack for the event each week will be the school marching bands. Like the football teams, the marching bands in Lackawanna County have been practicing for weeks, getting their field shows and music ready for when the season kicks off Sept. 2. “It adds to the atmosphere, the high school football atmosphere,” Lakeland head coach Jeff Wasilchak said of the marching bands. “It’s all part of the program. It’s not just the football team - it’s the marching band, cheerleaders, drill team, the community - it’s everybody.” The groups vary in size and song selection, but they all have one thing in common. “We’re there to entertain the crowd, and provide encouragement and spirit for the football team,” Dunmore band director Nicole Zywicki said. In order to better provide that encouragement, some band directors discuss what songs will go into their routines with the coaches. “I talk to Jeff quite a bit,” Lakeland band director Mark Stevens said. “I’ll tell him
what we’re playing, and see if he has any requests. “We want the team to enjoy what they’re listening to, so we’ll ask what they think about certain songs.” Understanding that a stadium full of cheering fans can give some teams the extra boost to finish the night with a victory, the bands are careful when selecting the songs for their halftime show. “We want to pick an entertaining show for halftime so fans don’t leave and are there for the team in the stands,” said Stevens. With their peers, parents, grandparents and school faculty among the people making up the crowd each week, it can be a challenge trying to come up with a lineup that pleases everyone, but most of the bands are confident they’ve been able to do it. “This year we picked all modern songs (featuring songs from artists like Katy Perry, Ke$ha, Beyoncé, and Cee Lo Green), because we wanted to be able to pick music everyone could enjoy,” Zywicki said. A crowd-pleasing halftime show that keeps the fans in the seats, and not running to the concession stand, isn’t just beneficial to the football team. See BANDS, Page 38
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By DON McGLYNN Abington Journal Reporter
SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
OLD FORGE FACTS AND FIGURES Nickname: Blue Devils Home field: Old Forge Veterans Memorial Stadium. Division: LFC Division 3 Enrollment: 134 Classification: A 2010 Recap: 4-1 seconds in Division 3; 7-4 overall; 7-3 in regular season; lost to Dunmore, 21-0, in District 2 Class A playoffs. Returning all-stars: Dave Argust, first-team DB, second-team WR and second-team P; Lou Febbo, first-team RB; Matt Mancuso, firstteam QB; Anthony Trotta, second-team OL; Corey Stuart, second-team DL.
RICK NOTARI PHOTO
Old Forge’s offensive line includes, front row, Nick Nally, Paul Papi, Tyler Clark and Dave Rudalavage; second row, Anthony Conforti, Anthony Trotta, Ryan Paulish, Cory Stuart and Joey Bruno.
Blue Devils
ready for repeat performance our years ago, Old Forge coach Mike Schuback penciled in three sophomore offensive linemen on a team that featured skill players that were about to come into their own. That team went on to win seven games and make the District 2 playoffs. This year, Schuback will do the same and he expects even better results. “I made this statement before doubles, and I am going to stand with it. If we do not make the district championship game, it’s going to be disappointing,” said Schuback, who enters his 10th season at the helm of his alma mater. “We are at make or break right now. “With the skill kids we have and the three-year seniors we have around … even though they weren’t big names for the past two years, we feel we know each other well enough, and know the other teams well enough, that we should be successful.”
The skill players Schuback refers to are running backs Lou Febbo and Brian “Bubba” Tomasetti, wide receivers Dave Argust and Michael Vieira, and quarterback Colin Carey. Febbo rushed for 899 yards and nine touchdowns as a junior while playing in an offense that put up 1,240 yards and 16 touchdowns in the air. Tomasetti added 209 yards on just 25 carries while punching it in twice as a sophomore. See OLD FORGE, Page 36
Al Bilski, R. Ph. 730 S. Main Street Old Forge, PA 18518 At the intersection of S. Main and Drakes Lane
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GO BLUE DEVILS!
421 Lawrence Street, Old Forge • 457-8323
PAGE 35
Serving the Community for over 23 Years!
SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011 PAGE 36
OLD FORGE ROSTER
OLD FORGE Continued from Page 35
Argust, a senior, caught 20 balls for almost 200 yards and one touchdown last season, and Vieira, a junior, chipped in with five catches for almost 100 yards but was also the top return man for Old Forge with 15 kickoff returns for 208 yards. Carey will be the X-factor for the Blue Devils. Along with taking a few reps under center in passing situations last season, the fleet-footed, 6foot-3 senior did run for 224 Schuback yards on just 27 carries while scoring three touchdowns out of the Old Forge spread set. “We aren’t going to be a Carey straight I-(formation) team all of the time,” Schuback said. “Carey does such a great job spreading the field and making it work to our advantage with the skill kids we have. I think it’s going to dictate how many kids teams are going to be able to put in the box, and that is going to make it easier on the kids of front than in the past.” The players up front for Old Forge will include three sophomores in a rotation of six players as the season begins for the Blue Devils. But that is not to say Old Forge is totally inexperienced on the offensive line. Senior Anthony Trotta returns after starting every game at right tackle. When sophomore Ryan Paulish returns from an off-season knee injury, Trotta may move to guard. Seniors Anthony Conforti and Cory Stuart, a converted tight end, will also be part of the line. Paul Papi is expected to be at one guard and Tyler Clark at center with Joey Bruno and Nick Nally providing depth. “We are more adaptive upfront though with guys who can play a bunch of positions, which is kind of unique and will work to our advantage,” Schuback said. Joey Ciuccio is expected to take over at fullback with Jorden Sekol as his backup. Anthony DeSando,
RICK NOTARI PHOTOS
The 2011 Old Forge High School varsity cheerleaders, from left, first row, co-captains Nina Grippo and Mia Sallavanti. Second row, Nichole Burkhart, Tori Graham, and Kelly Kempa. Third row, Tatiana Zippittelli, Mary Cosentini, Carla Bellenzini, Shauna Nunes, Janelle Jones, Arianna Argust, Jen Macavage, Vienna Piazza, Alyssa Kosek, Vicky Eremo, and Tiffany Dukaskus.
The Old Forge High School pom pom squad are from left to right, Gabriella Gillern, Ally Brown, Shaina Eremo, Antonia Stinson, Jenna Nalaschi and Brittany Cadwalder.
who started the second half of the season, is back at tight end. Anthony Piccolini and Elijah Wilson add depth at receiver with Brenden Wahl at back-up quarterback. Trotta, Stuart and Ciuccio, the only returning starters in the front eight, anchor Old Forge’s 4-4 defense. Trotta led the team with 94 tackles as inside linebacker while ends Stuart and Ciuccio com-
bined for six sacks. Veterans Argust, Tomasetti and Vieira are set to rotate at the cornerbacks. Sophomore Jake Manetti is the safety where Argust may also see some time. Conforti has some experience at inside linebacker. Febbo and Ryan Cadwalder are the outside linebackers. DeSando and Clark appear ready to take over at tackle with help from David Rudalavage, Bru-
no and Paulish. DeSando could also add depth at end along with Papi and Paul Piemontese. Linebacker depth could come from Seko, Nally, Warren Welsh and Shane Schuback. Matt Mancuso hit 32 of 34 extra points last season and returns along with Argust, who averaged 31 yards as a punter.
No. Player, Ht., Wt., Yr., Pos. 1 Matt Mancuso, 5-6, 170, Jr., K 3 Anthony Piccolini, 5-7, 170, Jr., WR/DB 4 Shane Schuback, 6-0, 185, So., WR/LB 5 Phil Vahey, 5-10, 165, Jr., WR/DB 7 Brenden Wahl, 5-10, 165, Jr., QB/DB 8 Elijah Wilson, 6-3, 178, Jr., WR/ DB 10 Michael Vieira, 5-7, 150, Jr., WR/DB 11 Warren Walsh, 5-8, 160, Jr., WR/LB 12 Dave Argust, 6-0, 178, Sr., WR/ DB 14 Colin Carey, 6-3, 185, Sr., QB/DB 16 Ryan Cadwalder, 5-8, 165, Sr., RB/LB 20 Nick Vieira, 5-7, 148, Sr., RB/DB 21 Brian Tomasetti, 6-0, 170, Jr., RB/DB 22 Matt Trotta, 5-6, 150, So., RB/LB 23 Paul Piemontese, 5-10, 165, So., TE/DL 24 Jake Manetti, 5-10, 170, So., QB/DB 32 Joey Ciuccio, 5-11, 190, Sr., RB/DE 34 Jorden Sekol, 6-2, 205, So., RB/LB 42 Brandon Yescavage, 5-11, 165, So., RB/DB 51 Ryan Paulish, 6-2, 220, So., OL/DL 52 Nick Nally, 5-9, 200, Sr., OL/LB 53 Cory Stuart, 6-0, 195, Sr., OL/DE 54 Tyler Clark, 5-11, 220, Jr., OL/ DL 55 Anthony Conforti, 5-11, 205, Sr., OL/LB 63 Anthony Trotta, 5-10. 220, Sr., OL/LB 64 Paul Papi, 6-0, 190, So., OL/DL 66 Joey Bruno, 6-1, 200, So., OL/DL 74 David Rudalavage, 5-10, 200, Jr., OL/DL 88 Tony DeSando, 6-0, 185, Jr., TE/DE
SCHEDULE Sept. 2 – LAKE-LEHMAN Sept. 9 – at GAR Sept. 16 – NORTHWEST Sept. 23 – at Honesdale Sept. 30 – RIVERSIDE Oct. 7 – at Montrose Oct. 14 – LACKAWANNA TRAIL Oct. 21 – at Mid Valley Oct. 29 – at Holy Cross Nov. 4 – SUSQUEHANNA
SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
HOLY CROSS
PHOTO COURTESY KARIN DORMAN
Front, from left, Haley Weinberger, Christina Siracuse, Amanda Reesey, Jessica Pigga, Marisa Perella, and Andrea Kester. Back, Megan Gilroy, Lauren Strony, Rachael Ferenchick, MaryAnn Seamon, Dana Jenkins, Olivia Mayorowski, Maura Chiumento, Natalie Osborne, and Candice Baumher. Absent from photo, Alyssa Noto, Coaches Denise Olewnik and Ty Wilson.
HOLY CROSS
www.patanddan.com
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some starting experience, as well as Christian Simrell and Andrew Meese. Shane Holmes also has some expeContinued from Page 30 rience at tight end. The offensive line returns three kind of get away from that. “We want to get people out of the starters. Tackle Jordan Nicholoff and box. We’ll be running more of a guard John Rafferty return on the left side. Jared Nicholoff is moving spread offense.” from center to right tackle. Heyen, the leading rusher, Zach Waters could end up will make the move from runat center or guard. Corey Yaning back to quarterback. blonski is also working at the “It’s a case of him being a center spot while Tom Warsenior and having the most ner is a possibility at guard. athletic ability and being able Stevens said the Crusaders to fit the bill,” Stevens said. will use both a 5-2 and 4-3 Matt McDonough may also defense. see some time at quarterback Stevens Jordan Nicholoff returns at in some combinations. tackle. Jared Nicholoff and “We want to be able to John Derenich are the other throw the ball and still run interior linemen. the ball,” Stevens said. Rafferty returns at end Hinkley returns at fullback where he will be joined by and Merli is the tailback. Holmes. The ground game led a Hinkley is back at one linemidseason surge in which the backer. Shawn Iezzi and Tom Crusaders won five of six Gianacopoulos Warden will also play there. games with the only loss Gianacopolous, Merli, coming 28-22 to Lackawanna Heyen and Hagan make up an Football Conference Division experienced and talented sec3 champion Susquehanna. ondary. Louie Gianacopoulos, the Hagan will move from free top receiver, is also back. He safety to strong safety, tradwill be joined at wide receiving places with Heyen. er by Pat Hagan, who has Rafferty
SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
PLAYBOOK 2011
ATHLETES Continued from Page 24
football, Laytos said that being a wrestling prospect is not going to get in the way of his current goals. “I don’t try to overdo it,” said Laytos, who has heard from recruiters from small NCAA Division I and Division II schools in both sports. “I like to play both sports, but I don’t like them to overtake each other.” Unless he lands in a rare opportunity to try to stay active in both, the eventual choice can be seen from either a negative or positive view. “I think of them as equal, that’s the hardest thing,” Laytos said. “But that’s also good because I could be happy with either or.” McCarthy, Laytos and Sweeting have all been playing their multiple sports from the earliest ages they were offered. Sweeting still goes to occasional out-oftown summer basketball tournaments with Scranton High standouts Terry Turner and Malik Draper as part of a Scranton Boys’ and Girls’ Club team he has played with for years in various age groups. Unlike the rest of the elite basketball players who will battle for league honors this winter, Sweeting’s summer hoop time has some limitations. After all, he has football to get ready for, and that is the sport
where college recruiters are starting to find him. “As a kid, I was better in basketball, but once I got to high school, it’s been more football,” Sweeting said. While Laytos points to an increased interest in weightlifting as a boost in both of his sports, Sweeting’s quick feet and conditioning help him through basketball and football – not to mention the track season where he excels in the 400 meters while also doing some jumping. “Being a receiver helps me out in basketball,” Sweeting said. “I’m always trying to be in shape.” He knows he has to be for the multiple sprints up and down the field on pass routes or for the relentless intense defense that basketball coach Jack Lyons demands with little chance of a break from substitutions. “He works us like we’ve never been worked before,” Sweeting said. “His practices are brutal. He makes sure your footwork is there.” When it comes to defense, Sweeting admits he still gets more of a special feeling from trying to stop a high scorer in basketball than in trying to shut down a receiver in football. The overall chances football has to offer, though, make fall Friday nights an exciting time for him. Sweeting led the Invaders in receiving yards and touchdowns with 813 and eight on 47 catches. He also led in interceptions
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BANDS Continued from Page 34
JASON RIEDMILLER PHOTO
Joe McCarthy, Malcolm Sweeting and Eric Laytos have the versatility to excel in multiple sports.
(five), and averages on kickoff returns (24.4) and punt returns (11.1). Sweeting even threw for a touchdown on his only pass of the season. It’s enough to make a coach dream up more ways to get the ball into Sweeting’s hands. “If we can’t get him the ball like I intend to, we’ll just have the center give him the ball,” Gerek said.
For a few of the bands, the weekly football game is a way for them to get ready for competitions of their own. The Lackawanna Trail High School marching band competes in six to seven competitions a year, using the same routine they perform each week on the field. “We do the same show we do at the games, but the show evolves a lot,” Lackawanna Trail band director Katie Bower said. “We just finished putting together the routine yesterday, and by Halloween weekend it will be a completely different show.” The changes are all preparation for Atlantic Coast Championships held in November. Bower explained that many of the changes will be based on notes they receive from the competitions’ judges over the course of the season, but some of them are based on crowd response during the games, giving fans an opportunity to and have an influence on another of the school team’s success this year.
DV back in contention D
By TOM ROBINSON Go Lackawanna Reporter
elaware Valley did not fall very far. • The Warriors, who lost just five divisional games between 2004 and 2008, still finished third in Division1of the Lackawanna Football Conference in 2009 and qualified for the District 2-4-11Class AAAA regional in 2010. They slipped, however, to a combined .500 record in those two seasons at11-11. • The program that former North Pocono and Penn State tight end Keith Olsommer lifted to prominence from the bottom of the conference could be back to the level established in that special five-year run. • “The last two years, we’ve been down,” Olsommer said. “Two years ago, we saw it coming. • “Last year, we expected to be a little better. Three one-point losses prevented that. I think we have an opportunity to be back in contention.” • Olsommer is not the only one who thinks that. • The Warriors are regarded as the top threat to LFC Division 1 favorite Valley View, making them the most likely contender among the conference’s six out-of-county teams. •A closer look at those schools:
DELAWARE VALLEY The Warriors finished in a tie for fourth in the division last year when, in addition to falling to unbeaten Abington Heights, they let three two-touchdown leads get away in a 35-34 loss to West Scranton, dropped a 2019 decision to Valley View and were upset,18Olsommer 17, by Wallenpaupack when they again gave up a two-touchdown lead in the regular-season finale. Junior Bryan Schor, who has been starting since his freshman season, returns at quarterMorley back after hitting well over 50 percent of his passes while throwing for nearly 1,500 yards in 2010. “Bryan has a tremendous arm,” Olsommer said. “He’s worked quite a bit to improve his foot Schor speed and become a better athlete. “He has transformed his body. He had a good offseason in the weightroom.” Schor returns his top targets in tight end Connor Decker and wide receivers Kyle Zimnik and Bobby Morley. The Warriors also have experience up front where two-way returnee Mark Raunado will move from tackle to guard with the emergence of 6-8, 280-pound Luke Ritter. Brian Whitehead is a force in the defensive front.
WESTERN WAYNE The Wildcats return 11 full-time and two part-time starters from a team that went 3-7. “We started six or seven sophomores and we took our lumps,” coach Allen “Butch” Keller said. “Our offense did well, but our defense couldn’t stop anybody.” Keller The offense will need to replace halfback Josh Harrison, who rushed for more than 2,000 yards total in the past two years. Robbie Siclari will make the move from allstar wide receiver to halfback. Ingaglio The defense will get some help from the return of linebacker Connor Rosensweet, who had 40 tackles in the first three games last season before suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament
in his knee and missing the rest of the season. Tyler Stull and Joseph Ingaglio join Rosensweet among a deep group of linebackers. HONESDALE The Hornets brought an end to their 21-game overall losing streak with their only win last season, a midseason victory over winless Division 3 member Montrose. Next on the agenda is bringing an end to the 17-game losing streak in LFC divisional games. The Hornets beat Valley View in the 2007 finale before back-to-back, 0-6 seasons in Division 1 and a 0-5 mark after dropping to Division 2 Ludwig last season. The top two returnees are both on the move. Jamie Blockberger, a center/defensive tackle last season, will move to guard and may also make the switch to lineBlockberger backer. Linebacker Nick Hessling will move from tight end to fullback, a position he filled in at briefly last season. Blockberger is the only senior in the line. “Up front, we’re still Hessling young,” second-year coach Jim Ludwig said. Quarterback Tim Hart also returns from an offense that put up a season-high 35 points in a loss to Carbondale in the finale. The defense allowed 46.2 points per
Stull
See NON-COUNTY, Page 40
(Non-County LFC members) Sept. 2 Susquehanna at Hanover Area Montrose at Nanticoke Western Wayne at Wyoming Area Honesdale at Wallenpaupack Delaware Valley vs. Island Coast (Fla.) at Kissimmee, Fla. Sept. 9 Northwest at Montrose Hanover Area at Western Wayne Honesdale at Pleasant Valley Wallenpaupack at East Stroudsburg North Delaware Valley at East Stroudsburg South Sept. 10 Holy Redeemer at Susquehanna Sept. 16 Montrose at Western Wayne East Stroudsburg North at Honesdale Hazleton Area at Delaware Valley Wallenpaupack at Pocono Mountain East Sept. 17 Nanticoke at Susquehanna Sept. 23 Western Wayne at Mid Valley Dunmore at Montrose Old Forge at Honesdale West Scranton at Delaware Valley Abington Heights at Wallenpaupack Sept. 24 Lakeland at Susquehanna Sept. 30 Susquehanna at Carbondale Montrose at Honesdale Holy Cross at Western Wayne Wallenpaupack at Valley View Oct. 1 Delaware Valley at Abington Heights Oct. 7 Old Forge at Montrose Western Wayne at Riverside Honesdale at Dunmore Delaware Valley at North Pocono Scranton Prep at Wallenpaupack Oct. 8 Susquehanna at Holy Cross Oct. 14 Carbondale at Western Wayne Honesdale at Riverside Valley View at Delaware Valley Wallenpaupack at West Scranton Oct. 15 Montrose at Susquehanna Oct. 21 Susquehanna at Lackawanna Trail Holy Cross at Montrose Dunmore at Western Wayne Lakeland at Honesdale Delaware Valley at Scranton North Pocono at Wallenpaupack Oct. 28 Montrose at Lackawanna Trail Western Wayne at Honesdale Scranton at Wallenpaupack Oct. 29 Mid Valley at Susquehanna Delaware Valley at Scranton Prep Nov. 4 Susquehanna at Old Forge Mid Valley at Montrose Lakeland at Western Wayne Honesdale at Carbondale Wallenpaupack at Delaware Valley
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WALLENPAUPACK The Buckhorns slipped from seven wins in 2009 to seven losses and a lastplace finish in Division 1 in 2010.
“Last year, we lost six players early to seasonending injuries,” coach Mark Watson said. Tight end/defensive end Victor Steffen, one of those to end his season early, is back. Watson Leading receiver Will McLaughlin is back along with the top two rushers, Pat Ingulli and Brendan Downey, and the team’s top lineman, Steve Camasta. McLaughlin is part of a senior-dominated liMcLaughlin neup. “He’s getting a lot of I-AA looks,” Watson said. “I would venture to say he’s best wide receiver ever at our school.”
SCHEDULE
SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
NON-COUNTY TEAMS
SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
NON-COUNTY TEAMS
NON-COUNTY Continued from Page 39
game. SUSQUEHANNA The defending Division 3 champion Sabers were hit hard by graduation losses, then lost one of their top returning players during the summer. Cole Mallery, who would have been the division’s only returning two-way, firstteam, all-star, decided to transfer to Seton Central Catholic in Binghamton, N.Y. The Sabers already needed to replace Dan Kempa, the division’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2010 and a 1,000-yard rusher in each of the past three seasons as quarterback. Sean Stanley, a second-team, all-star at Bagnall wide receiver, will move to quarterback. “He’s a senior, but he hasn’t played a lot,” Susquehanna coach Dick Bagnall said. “He has sprinter speed and he’s a smart kid. He executes the offense very Piechocki well.
“I have all the confidence in the world in him.” George Wilkes, Brandon Saddlemire, and Gage Piechocki return from a strong line. MONTROSE Russell Canevari takes over as the new coach at Montrose, which has lost 18 straight. Fullback/linebacker John Lawson is likely to be one of the keys if the Meteors are to show improvement. “He’s very improved this year,” Canevari said. “He grew quite a bit. He’s about 6-1, 220. “He’s someone colleges should be startCanevari ing to take a look at.” Kurt Kimsey moves from tight end to center, and Nick Moore goes from center to tackle in a rebuilt offensive line. The first step for the Meteors will be trying Kimsey to become competitive. Of their last 16 games, 12 have gone to the Mercy Rule. They have been outscored 490-30 in the first half of those 16 games and have scored just one firstquarter touchdown during that stretch.
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Seneca Lake Wine Trip (Day Trip) October 8th $109 pp. Day trip that includes 5 wineries, a micro-brewery, lunch and your choice of dinner restaurant that overlooks Seneca Lake. Seneca Lake Wine Trip (Overnight Trip) October 15-16 Includes admission to all wineries on Saturday and Sunday (8 wineries and 1 micro-brewery) and 1 night at the Ramada Geneva overlooking Seneca Lake. Package 1 includes your choice of dinner overlooking the lake for $229 pp. Package 2 includes a brunch cruise for $239 pp. Salem, Boston October 22-23 (1 Night) $149 pp. October 21-23 (2 Night) $209 pp. Includes time in historic Salem and e a d a full, u , traditional breakfast on Sunday. day. NASCAR at Dover Downs October 2nd $159 pp. Includes bus, ticket, tailgating g and a coupon at Damon’s in Clarks Summit. College Football Fordham vs. Army @ West Point on October 29th $89 Includes Lower Level Seats and Tailgating Penn State Football September 10th vs. Alabama Call for Tailgating Tickets $69 pp. (Game tickets are currently sold out. Call to be placed on waiting list) Bus and First-Class Tailgating. September 24th vs. Eastern Michigan Lower Level - $109 pp. Bus and Tailgating Only - $59 pp. October 8th vs. Iowa Lower Level - $179 pp. Upper Level - $149 pp. Bus and Tailgating Only - $59 pp.
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FACTS AND FIGURES DELAWARE VALLEY Nickname: Warriors Home field: Delaware Valley High School Stadium. Division: LFC Division 1 Enrollment: 724 Classification: AAAA 2010 Recap: 3-4, tied for fourth in Division 1; 6-5 overall; 6-4 in regular season; lost in Eastern Conference Class AAAA semifinals to Easton, 39-7. Returning all-star: Bryan Schor, secondteam QB. HONESDALE Nickname: Hornets Home field: Honesdale High School Stadium. Division: LFC Division 2 Enrollment: 410 Classification: AAA 2010 Recap: 0-5 sixth in Division 2; 1-9 overall. Returning all-star: Nick Hessling, secondteam LB. MONTROSE Nickname: Meteors Home field: Ambrose Mullen Memorial Stadium, Montrose High School. Division: LFC Division 3 Enrollment: 221 Classification: AA 2010 Recap: 0-5 sixth in Division 3; 0-10 overall. Returning all-star: Brett Johnson, secondteam DB.
October 15th vs. Purdue Lower Level - $159 pp. Upper Level - $139 pp. Bus and Tailgating Only - $59 pp. Oct 29th vs. Illinois Lower Level - $159 pp. Upper Level - $139 pp. Bus and Tailgating Only - $59 pp. November 12th vs. Nebraska Lower Level - $209 pp. Bus and Tailgating Only - $59 pp. Notre Dame Overnight trip vs. Pitt Panthers in Pittsburgh at Heinz Field September 24-25 Lower Level - $299 pp. Upper Level - $239 pp. Includes bus, hotel (Radison Greentree), Tailgating and a $15 voucher for a full breakfast on Sunday. 2 Night Trip vs. USC in South Bend October 20-22 $699 pp. Staying at the Quality Inn 2 miles from campus. (Visit the campus, bookstore and pep-rally) Notre Dame vs. Maryland Terrapins More Info Coming Soon! Notre Dame vs. Navy in Dublin, Ireland 8 Day Emerald Isle Classic Tour August 26th - September 2, 2012 $2,495 pp. Call for more information. Only 4 Seats Left! NFL (All trips include the bus, game and great tailgating) Philadelphia Eagles September 25th vs. Giants - $199 pp. October 2nd vs. 49ers - $189 pp. October 30th vs. Cowboys - $219 pp. November 7th vs. Bears (MNF) - $199 pp. November 27th vs. Patriots - $209 pp. December 18th vs. Jets - @199 pp.
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SUSQUEHANNA Nickname: Sabers Home field: William Emminger Memorial Field, Susquehanna. Division: LFC Division 3 Enrollment: 264 (119 from Susquehanna plus 145 from Blue Ridge in a cooperative sponsorship agreement) Classification: AA 2010 Recap: 5-0 for first in Division 3; 9-2 overall; 9-1 in regular season; lost to Lakeland, 20-3, in District 2 Class AA playoffs. Returning all-stars: Brandon Saddlemire, first-team OL; Sean Stanley, second-team WR; Jesse Pruitt, second-team LB. WALLENPAUPACK Nickname: Buckhorns Home field: Wallenpaupack Area High School Division: LFC Division 1 Enrollment: 519 Classification: AAAA 2010 Recap: 1-6 for eighth in Division 1; 3-7 overall. Returning all-star: Steve Camasta, second-team OL. WESTERN WAYNE Nickname: Wildcats Home field: Sharkey Rosetti Sports Complex, Varden Division: LFC Division 2 Enrollment: 296 Classification: AA 2010 Recap: 2-3 fourth in Division 2; 3-7 overall. Returning all-stars: Rob Siclari, first-team WR and second-team DB; Joseph Ingaglio, second-team LB.
NY Giants September 19th vs. Rams (MNF) - $189 pp. October 30th vs. Miami - $199 pp. November 20th vs. Eagles - $199 pp. December 4th vs. Packers - $219 pp. January 1st vs. Cowboys - $219 pp. Buffalo Bills Overnight Trip that includes bus, hotel, a visit to Niagara Falls, casino and a double tailgate! September 17-18 vs. Raiders Lower Level $259 pp. Upper Level Midfield $219 pp. October 8-9 vs. Eagles - Lower Level $279 pp. Upper Level Midfield $229 pp. Pittsburgh Steelers 1 Night Trips that include staying at the Radison Greentree, hospitality room with beer, soda and water and a double tailgate. “Relax while everyone else sits in traffic” Lower Level - $425 pp. Upper Level - $360 pp. 15-20 Yard Line (Or Better) - $525 pp. September 17-18 vs. Seahawks (Starting at $299 pp.) October 8-9 vs. Titans October 15-16 vs. Jaguars October 5-6 vs. Patriots 2 Night Trip that includes a 2 hour tailgate at McFadden’s Bar (All Inclusive), staying at the Radison Greentree, hospitality room with beer, soda and water, $15 full breakfast voucher, and a double tailgate. “Relax while everyone else sits in traffic” Lower Level - $525 pp. Upper Level - $460 pp. 15-20 Yard Line (Or Better) - $625 pp. NY Jets September 11th vs. Cowboys - $219 pp. October 17th vs. Dolphins (MNF) - $169 pp.. November 13th vs. Patriots - $169 pp.
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ROSTER
DON MCGLYNN PHOTO
Mid Valley’s returning defensive starters are, from left, front, Matt Tanner, Dave Urso, Chris Rebar, and Antonio Russo. Back, Ronny Tomasetti, Marcus Munley, and Chris Merenich.
Spartans adjust early
M
By TOM ROBINSON Go Lackawanna Reporter
id Valley suffered its first loss and faced its first serious test earlier than expected. As official practices were starting, the Spartans learned that they had lost Matt Tanner for the season because of an injury. Tanner was returning at free safety and was scheduled to make the move from wingback to starting quarterback. “Losing our quarterback creates some adversity that we have to be good enough to overcome,” coach Frank Pazzaglia said. enced players around him as he learns to run the offense. Antonio Russo is back at tailback and Chris Merenich saw some time at fullback. Ron Tomasetti is back at one wide receiver. Chris Rebar takes
Nickname: Spartans Home field: Spartan Stadium, Mid Valley Sports Complex, Throop. Division: LFC Division 3 Enrollment: 222 Classification: AA 2010 Recap: 2-3 tied for third in Division 3; 3-7 overall. Returning all-stars: Ron Tomasetti, first-team TE; Marcus Munley, second-team DL; Chris Merenich, second-team LB; Matt Tanner, second-team DB.
over the other spot. Center Marcus Munley and guard Mike Reid return to the line while Matt Bukowski has some experience at tackle. Bukowski is one of the players who moved into the lineup when
the Spartans faced injuries late last season. “Last year, we had eight injuries so some kids did get a lot of playing time,” Pazzaglia said. See MID VALLEY, Page 42
SCHEDULE Sept. 2 – GAR Sept. 9 – at Lakeland Sept. 16 – HANOVER AREA Sept. 23 – WESTERN WAYNE Sept. 30 – at Dunmore Oct. 7 – at Lackawanna Trail Oct. 14 – HOLY CROSS Oct. 21 – OLD FORGE Oct. 29 – at Susquehanna Nov. 4 – at Montrose
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Martin Walsh, who got some playing time last season at tight end as a freshman, makes the move to quarterback. “He just needs some seasoning,” Pazzaglia said. Walsh will have some experi-
FACTS AND FIGURES
No. Player, Ht., Wt., Yr., Pos. 2 Dave Urso, 5-6, 150, Sr., SE/DB 7 Chris Rebar, 5-10, 145, Jr., RB/ DB 10 Matt Tanner, 5-9, 150, Jr., QB/DB 11 Antonio Russo, 5-9, 155, Sr., RB/DB 16 Martin Walsh, 6-2, 185, So., QB/DB 22 Chris Merenich, 5-11, 196, Sr., FB/LB 24 Ryan Kenny, 5-8, 120, So., QB/DB 26 Tyler Collins, 5-10, 165, So., RB/DB 30 Tom Davis, 5-8, 180, So., RB/ LB 33 Josh Gorton, 5-9, 188, So., RB/LB 35 Mark Seber, 6-0, 185, Jr., TE/LB 44 Austin Reese, 5-7, 145, So., SE/DB 45 Ben Bartoli, 5-10, 140, So., RB/DB 48 Jonmichael Rocco, 6-0, 170, So., TE/DB 52 Marcus Munley, 6-0, 260, Sr., OL/DL 55 Mike Reid, 5-7, 195, Jr., OL/DL 56 Joshua Tanner, 6-0, 240, So., OL/DL 58 Justin Craven, 6-0, 175, So., OL/LB 60 Matt Horvath, 5-8, 175, So., OL/DL 64 Chris Kramer, 5-11, 195, Jr., OL/DL 65 Ed Kalinowski, 5-9, 160, So., OL/LB 66 Justin Kline, 5-9, 174, Fr., OL/LB 70 Matt Bukowski, 6-2, 185, Jr., OL/DL 73 Justin Chaput, 5-8, 280, Jr., OL/DL 74 Chad Marushock, 6-3, 240, So., OL/DL 75 Joe Palickar, 6-3, 185, So., OL/DL 79 Brian Hambley, 5-10, 205, Fr., OL/DL 80 Sean Wheeler, 5-11, 150, So., E/DB 85 Ron Tomasetti, 6-4, 195, Jr., SE/LB 89 Tyler Fiume, 5-9, 190, So., E/LB
SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
MID VALLEY
SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
MID VALLEY
Junior Jay Yzkanin on guitar.
CHRISTOPHER J. HUGHES PHOTOS
Mid Valley’s wind section includes, from left, Hannah Quach, Selena Olmedo, Madelaine Pegula, and Nathaniel Taber.
MID VALLEY
PAGE 42
Continued from Page 41
“From the fifth game on, we had five to eight guys out with injuries.” There will be new faces at the other line spots. “We have a number of sophomores and juniors competing for Pazzaglia interior jobs,” Pazzaglia said. Mark Seber, Tyler Fiume and John Michael Rocco are working at tight end. The defensive line will be entirely new. Reid is likely to land a spot among the group also competing for open positions on offense. Sophomores Joshua Tanner, Chris Marushock and Jason Pal-
ickar and freshmen Justin Kline and Chris Hambley are in a group that also includes Chris Kramer, Andy Felix, Gendy Felix and Justin Chaput. “We’re going to be as good as our 16 sophomores can come around to make us competitive in practice,” Pazzaglia said. “Because of the injuries, we had no internal competition last season and that hurt us as the year went on.” Merenich is back at inside linebacker where he could be joined by Seber. Tom Davis, Josh Gorton and Kline are also working at the position. Munley and Tomasetti are back at outside linebacker where depth is provided by Fiume, Bukowski, Justin Craven and Matt Horvath. The secondary is experienced with only Tanner missing. Russo and Dave Urso are back at cornerbacks and Rebar is the strong safety. Bartoli, Tyler Collins, Ryan Kenny, Sean Wheeler or Austin Reese could also see playing time.
Jessica Kasper on bells and Marty Monahan on quad toms.
Members of Mid Valley’s cheerleading squad are, from left, first row, seniors Kaylyn Kovalchik, Rebecca Melliand, Taylor Mercado, Rebecca Ruby, Lauren Maccallum, Kari Uhranowsky, and Samantha Zilla. Second row, juniors Dominique Martino, Tara Phillips, Jamie Kuzmiak, Marissa Dzanis, Krista Berardelli, Deanielle Priblo, Melanie Abda, and Alexandra Evanina. Third row, freshman Angelica Urso, Carlie Berardelli, Jordan Grippi, McKenzie Runco, Kylie Berespy, and Vanessa Labert. Absent from photo, Kimberly Wall.
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PLAYBOOK 2011
ABINGTON Continued from Page 5
seven of 11 pass attempts, for 168 yards and two touchdowns in the district championship game. “He’s done a great job. He played very well last year when he came in as a sophomore,” Repshis said. “He played well above and beyond what you think of a sophomore put in that situation late in the year, in the district semifinal playoff game, district final championship game and state Repshis playoff game. He has some big-time game experience, so we’re looking for very big things from him as well this year.” Other players competing for a starting spot include: guard/defensive end Dylan Berardelli, tight end/linebackers Casey Quinn and Brandon Sochovka; running back/defensive back Corey Degilio, two-way linemen Marquis Ivey, T.J. Murray, Jon Rarrick, Dan Stevens and Ben Rarrick; running back/linebackers Joe Mills, Ryan Judge and Quinn Karam; guard/ linebacker Glen Hopkins; two-way end Justin Brown; wide receiver/defensive backs J.C. Show, Jamie Henzes, Sean Sanderson, Ryan Fiorillo, Conor Dickinson, Joe Murray and Joe Carroll; running back/defensive back Alosha Fox; fullback/linebacker Jerry Langan and fullback/defensive lineman Pat Kearney. Riggi is also expected to see some time at fullback, and Pacyna at wide receiver. There are also a number of new players competing for time, including Wyoming Seminary transfer Peter Hubbard, a junior who Repshis said may earn a spot on the offensive line and defensive line.
“There are a lot of positions to be filled, and what we have are some players who have had a great off-season, great summer, who are ready
PAGE 44
to compete and step in, and have their opportunity to get on the football field.” — Comets coach Joe Repshis
CHRISTOPHER J. HUGHES PHOTO
New Riverside Vikings coach Evan Prall, right, talks with his players during the first week of practice. Prall is one of three new head coaches in the LFC this fall.
New coaches reach goal
By TOM ROBINSON Go Lackawanna Reporter
R
ussell Canevari, Evan Prall and Jeff Stevens have each put in time as assistants while waiting for their chance to eventually become a head high school football coach. That time has come for the Lackawanna Football Conference’s three new head coaches, who are all getting their first shot at running a program.
The assignments come with varying degrees of difficulty and after apprenticeships of various lengths. Canevari takes over the team on the conference’s longest losing streak, Montrose, which has dropped 18 straight. Prall, the youngest of the new coaches, inherits the last team standing from 2010, state-finalist Riverside. Stevens falls right in between with a Holy Cross team that finished exactly at .500 in the regular season and overall after making an appearance in the Eastern Conference playoffs. “It’s something I always wanted to be,” said Canevari, the leading rusher when Valley View won the state Class AA championship in 1992. Canevari has returned to the classroom , moving from assistant principal to high school social studies teacher.
“It would be a little difficult to be the head coach and an assistant principal at the same time,” Canevari said. “I completely enjoyed my job. But maybe it would be a little too much trying to rebuild a program and trying to maintain all the discipline in the school at the same time.” Prall was already a teacher at Riverside when Harry Armstrong had a falling out with the school board after the Vikings’ championship season and resigned. He is about to enter his fifth year as a health and physical education teacher. “It’s something that I wanted,” Prall said of being a head football coach. “It’s one of the reasons I’m in the field of education.” Stevens, a mailman, has served as an assistant coach at five schools. “I’ve thought about being a head coach for a long time,” he said. “It has taken a lot longer than I ever thought it would. There’s a lot more to it than I thought there would be, but I’ve got a great staff of guys helping me out.” Canevari spent one year as an assistant at Wallenpaupack, working with the junior high program. He was an assistant under Tom Lucenti, Montrose’s all-time winningest coach, for five years, working with running backs, defensive backs and special teams. He has been out of coaching the last five years while working as an administrator. “One thing we’ve been stressing through the early practices is a lot of discipline,” said Canevari, who also has expe-
rience as an assistant baseball coach at both Wallenpaupack and Montrose. “Not necessarily discipline as far as behavior is concerned, but discipline in terms of playing your position properly in order to play team defense or offense.” Canevari said the Meteors will use a combination of Delaware wing-T and pro-I on offense. They will work out of a base five-man front with some 4-4 defense mixed in. Prall, an all-star wide receiver at West Scranton and East Stroudsburg University, spent time in training camp with the National Football League’s Arizona Cardinals and New York Jets. That makes it likely for the passing game to remain a big part of Riverside’s offensive approach. “We’re going to run a system we’re familiar with,” said Prall, who has been an assistant coach at Pocono Mountain East, West Scranton and Scranton Prep. Stevens has an experienced group of backs to work with but hopes to open up the Holy Cross attack enough to better test defenses. “We faced a lot of teams with 11 guys in the box last year,” said Stevens, who spent the 2009 and 2010 seasons running the defense for the Crusaders. “We have to get people out of there. “We’ll be more spread out.” Stevens, who played at Tunkhannock, has worked mostly with running backs and linebackers during his time as an assistant first at his alma mater, then at Abington Heights, Lackawanna Trail, Bishop O’Hara and Holy Cross.
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vision, but Carbondale and Honesdale remain likely to have difficulty keeping up with the rest of the division. Both teams went 1-9 overall last season with Carbondale gaining its only victory at the Hornets’ expense in the finale.
OVERVIEW Continued from Page 3
play at linebacker, but he is also one of many offensive threats returning from a Valley View team that won the Eastern Conference Class AAA title last year after failing to reach district play. Pat Jeffers, Liam Callejas and Brian Lalli, the top rusher, passer and receiver, all return. Jeffers ran for almost 1,700 yards and Callejas passed for more than 1,000. “It’s going to be very hard to key on one guy,” Valley View coach George Howanitz said. Delaware Valley coach Keith Olsommer is hoping to build the same thing with junior quarterback Bryan Schor returning for his third season, along with his top three receivers, tight end Connor Decker and wide receivers Bobby Morley and Kyle Zimnik. All the Warriors need in order to develop similar balance is for Jeremy Reynolds and Martin Strenk, two of last year’s top three rushers, to emerge as expected. Reynolds already has a scholarship offer from Temple. Abington Heights has a short list of returning starters, but many players from its deep program gained experience in a series of comfortable wins. Guard/defensive tackle Joe Dolan, linebacker Matt Riggi and defensive back Brandon Pacyna are the only full-time starters back. Dante Pasqualichio was pressed into action at quarterback late in the season and performed well. The Comets enter the season on a 14-game, regular-season winning streak. Scranton is the other school given consideration as a title contender by some coaches. The Knights are looking for improved line play to show off their
GO LACKAWANNA FILE PHOTO
Valley View quarterback Liam Callejas is one of the Cougars’ many returning weapons.
talented skill position combination, which includes Mike Marichak Jr., Karlon Quiller and Joe McCarthy. West Scranton also has the star power while looking to fill in holes created by major graduation losses from a team that was second in the division and the District 2 Class AAA playoffs. Fullback/linebacker DeVaughn Chollette has a scholarship offer from Temple and Malcolm Sweeting may be the top three-way threat in the league with his kick return skills adding to his prowess as a wide receiver and defensive back. Scranton Prep, North Pocono and Wallenpaupack complete the division. Scranton Prep is given a chance by some to climb in the standings after a tough debut in its move up from Division 2 to Division 1 last season. Like last season’s top two
teams, Abington Heights and West Scranton, the team that shared the 2009 title with the Comets, North Pocono, will be trying to make up for the loss of a strong senior class. Wallenpaupack, which avoided a winless season in the division by upsetting Delaware Valley in the finale, needs to try to make a move this season with its seniorladen roster. DIVISION 2 Lakeland has the best variety of experienced players among the three small school powerhouses in the division. Alex Filarsky, a two-time, second-team, Class AA all-state defensive back, joins the versatile Ryan Nichols. Lakeland won the division title with an upset at Class A state finalist Riverside last season. Dunmore needs to overhaul almost its entire offensive and de-
fensive fronts, but the Bucks are loaded with experience in the backfield. Daiquon Buckley ran for more than 1,000 yards as a freshman, but will be sharing the tailback spot with Austin Seamon, who is also a strong safety. Evan Prall takes over as the new coach at Riverside and has just three starters back on each side of the ball from the Vikings, who led the area with 14 wins last season. If any of the three traditional powers stumble, Western Wayne could be in position to make a move. Coach Allen “Butch” Keller welcomes back an experienced and talented junior class. Robbie Siclari, one of 13 full- or part-time starters returning for the Wildcats, makes the move from wide receiver to tailback. The gap from top-to-bottom may have been reduced in the di-
DIVISION 3 Lackawanna Trail went from 1-9 in the first season under Steve Jervis to 4-6 in the second season. Many of the same players who were part of last year’s improvement return this year to try to jump all the way to the top of the division. A big backfield, featuring fullback Eric Laytos and quarterback Caleb Darling should make the Lions tough to stop. When it comes time to play defense, they play at defensive end and linebacker. Old Forge was second last season after winning the previous two division titles. The Blue Devils again are a likely contender. Leading rusher Lou Febbo is back. Holy Cross has a veteran backfield to match Lackawanna Trail’s with the return of the Crusaders’ top three rushers. Coach Jeff Stevens takes over at Holy Cross, which played in the Eastern Conference Class A playoffs a year ago. Susquehanna lost the division’s Offensive Player of the Year, Dan Kempa, to graduation. Cole Mallery, who was scheduled to be the only returning two-way, first-team, all-star in the division, then transferred to Seton Catholic Central in Binghamton, N.Y. Mid Valley and Montrose complete the division. Mid Valley’s hopes took a hit in the preseason with the loss of quarterback Matt Tanner to an injury that may keep him out all season. Montrose also has a new coach in Russell Canevari. The Meteors open the season on a 18-game losing streak.
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T T BBUU R N E H O N D A M AATT
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PLAYBOOK 2011
INJURY Continued from Page 3
JASON RIEDMILLER PHOTO
Penn State team physician Wayne Sebastianelli, left, and Dr. Michael Collins were the main speakers at a seminar on concussions held July 29 at the Commonwealth Medical College.
nar, he gave examples of how much more restrictive doctors and trainers have learned to become when considering the return to play of potential concussion victims. “The media, and medicine in general, has done a lot in the last 10 to 15 years to really point out the severity of what concussions can be,” Metzger said. It is no longer enough to ask a player how many fingers he sees along with a few simple memory questions such as the date, his age and the name of the current president. An incorrect decision on the sideline – or even early in the recovery process – can have dangerous repercussions, ranging all the way to Second Impact Syndrome, a potentially deadly condition in which a lesser force can cause additional damage while the brain is not yet healed from the initial injury. Attempts to determine that a concussion is mild enough for an athlete to immediately return to play are becoming a thing of the past. “You cannot make the diagnosis of whether it was a severe or mild concussion until the person
has recovered,” said Sebastianelli, who also serves as the director of athletic medicine at Penn State. Collins said it is important for medical professionals to avoid the tendency of treating all concussions the same. He said mistakes can be made by simply telling athletes to sit out one week or two weeks, for example. “This is a highly variable injury,” he said. Collins is the head of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Sports Concussion Program and a co-founder of ImPACT Applications, a computerized test system used to assess concussions. He noted that there are some early hints about the extent of the injury. “Dizziness is one symptom that is most predictive of protracted recovery,” he said. “An athlete with on-field dizziness is almost seven times more likely to have a long recovery.” Sebastianelli said that amnesia is a good predictor of the severity of the injury while lack of consciousness has not been as good. Once athletes are removed from play, rest is often the key to recovery, again, whether a week,
two weeks or three or more are ultimately needed before a return is possible. Collins said anything that increases the energy demand in the brain can slow recovery. “Weightlifting, running, cognitive exertion after trauma may all be deleterious,” he said. “Just converging your eyes in a concussed state is a very difficult task.” Headache, similar to a migraine, a sluggish feeling, and difficulty concentrating are the most commonly reported symptoms following a concussion. Collins, who sees about 4,000 concussion patients a year, said various tests can be used to determine what type of movements and actions are causing distress. Some patients have symptoms when looking up and down, such as in a classroom setting, while others may notice symptoms while moving the head from side to side. Sebastianelli said those reactions make it important to rest the brain. Depending on what is triggering symptoms, that could mean no school work, no texting or no video games in addition to a lack of training for sports.
“If you let this thing recover, it usually will – sometimes in a couple days, sometimes in a couple weeks, sometimes in a couple months,” Collins said. “The biggest issue is preventing against cumulative effects of the injury.” According to Collins, Pennsylvania is one of the leading states in trying to address concussions in high school football with about 500 schools using baseline testing. Those testing programs, including ImPACT, provide a point of comparison once an athlete is injured. Future studies may help determine issues such as who is more susceptible to a concussion and why. For now, improvements in assessing and monitoring the recovery from a concussion can help put parents, coaches, trainers and doctors in position to better protect athletes suffering from head injuries. “We see different types of symptoms due to different system involvement,” Collins said. “If there are 30 to 40 different types of knee injuries, why do we think there is one type of injury to the brain, the most complex organ in the body?”
PAGE 47
insights and led discussions on the questions that remain when Scranton Orthopaedic Specialists presented “Sports Concussion: Recognition, Assessment, Treatment, Management and Return to Sports Criteria” at the new medical school. Concussions are an issue in other sports and they are likely to remain a part of football. Players getting their “bell rung” is part of the sport’s lore. Even with rule changes to reduce hits to and with the head, not all can be eliminated. And, even if the head never was part of impact with an opponent, the movement from a violent hit or the head’s contact with the ground after a hit are potential causes of concussions. Technology keeps improving helmets, but they can only do so much. Sebastianelli, Penn State’s team physician, told a crowd of about 80 medical professionals and a handful of other interested observers that studies will not be able to create a concussion-proof helmet. He said concussions will still be seen when players get hit hard enough or with enough force. A concussion is the result of the brain moving inside the skull. When those hits that Sebastianelli described occur, Collins said, “I don’t care what helmet we put on the head, the brain is going to move inside the skull.” The speed of the game, the rules under which it is played and the attempted reduction of blows to the head are not all that has changed. The treatment of one of the scariest, most mysterious and yet common injuries with which the sport deals has evolved as well. Collins, Sebastianelli and Dr. P. Christopher Metzger all spoke about how much more cautious medical professionals have become in dealing with head injuries. Metzger, the Scranton/WilkesBarre Yankees team doctor and a surgeon with Scranton Orthopaedic Specialists, spent years on the sidelines as the Abington Heights High School football team doctor. In opening the semi-
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