Football 2004 The Head Of Their New Class?
By JOHN ERZAR [email protected]
Thursday, September 02, 2004 Page: 12A
Down in classification, up in status.
That’s what awaits Dallas and coach Ted Jackson this season.
The Mountaineers dropped to Class 2A, but are considered the top WVC in
that bracket. In 3A, they were usually mentioned along with Berwick, Pittston
Area and Wyoming Area as contenders.
“We have a nice nucleus back,” Jackson said. “We don’t play Berwick or
Valley West, but we still play five teams that are bigger than us. ... Our
schedule isn’t a cakewalk. We’re playing three 3As and two quads. It’s very
challenging and a lot of our tough games are on the road.”
Now, Jackson goes back to the class where he has great memories of classic
matchups with GAR, Hanover Area and others. However, more seems expected of
the Mountaineers than another Eastern Conference playoff spot.
QUARTERBACK: Matt Kelly exceeded expectations last year, throwing for a
WVC-high 17 touchdowns, some of which came because of his tremendous
scrambling ability. He also was one of three WVC quarterbacks to throw for
more than 1,000 yards.
“He’s working to get the job,” Jackson said jokingly.
RUNNING BACKS: Doug Harris had been slowed by an illness during the
preseason, but there is hope he’ll have another 1,000-yard season. Joe Lambert
also will see some time at tailback.
The fullback position is strong with Buddy Kocher, who averaged 4.4 yards
per carry, back as the starter. Nick Onzik will be the backup.
OFFENSIVE LINE: Three starters have graduated, but the Mountaineers are in
solid shape. Tackle Matt Daube and guard Steve Wengen, the returning starters,
lead the unit.
John Yanik will be a guard after playing tight end last season. Curt Montz
is a the new center, but has starting experience on defense. Alan Pugh will be
the other tackle.
“We’re not green there,” Jackson said, “but we lost three good
players.”
RECEIVERS: Mike Race caught 30 passes last season as a sophomore,
second-most in the entire WVC. Wingback Nick Samanas and receiver Jim
Schwerdtman are also experienced.
Tight ends Jeff Bernosky and Kyle Zapoticky were hampered by injuries last
season, but did start on occasion.
DEFENSIVE LINE: Dallas’ three regular-season losses could be traced in part
to its run defense which allowed nearly half of its 1,574 yards to Berwick,
Pittston Area and Wyoming Area.
Daube and Yanik return as the ends, and a healthy Bernosky at tackle should
help solidify the unit. Either Pugh and Wengen will be the other tackle.
LINEBACKERS: Jackson has seven players with whom he feels comfortable,
making the position one of the deepest.
Harris, Kocher, Onzik and Sam Perry will man the inside, with Lambert,
Zapoticky and Matt Brokenshire reliable on the outside.
SECONDARY: The defensive backfield handcuffed nearly every opponent last
season, allowing just 37 percent of passes to be completed and two touchdowns
during the regular season.
A similar performance could be expected with Samanas back at one corner and
Kelly returning at safety. Race and Schwerdtman are the candidates for the
other corner spot.
OUTLOOK: Few can argue that Dallas is the elite team of Class 2A in the
WVC. Anything less than a District 2 playoff berth would seem like a huge
disappointment.
However, if the Mountaineers want a district title, they’ll need to tighten
up the run defense because Lackawanna Conference 2A foes Dunmore and Valley
View are run-first teams.
cutline:
From left, Matt Daube, Mike Race, Doug Harris and Matt Kelly are hoping to
lead Dallas to the District 2 Class 2A playoffs this season. Many consider the
Mountaineers the team to beat in WVC Class 2A play.
