C-2
Friday, August 23, 2019
The Bradford (Pa.) Era
Young team, fresh offense ushers in new era of Bradford football By ANTHONY SAMBROTTO
Excited for the new wrinkles and obviously being able to air out the ball is a little more fun, too.” It’s the most challenging part of the The cupboard of playmakers isn’t high school sports cycle. completely bare for Puglio either, as A veteran-laden team ripe with talent the team returns running back Derek and experience across the board gradu- Sunafrank to the mix in the backfield. ates, and a program is left to start anew. Sunafrank rushed for 374 yards in That cycle will hit the Bradford foot- five games while battling an injury a ball team hard for the 2019 season, as season ago. the Owls lose 24 seniors from a team “Derek was a big part of our backthat went 6-3 in District 9 games a year field last year, so his role will again be ago and advanced to the first similar to what he did,” Puglio round of the District 6/9 playsaid. “We are going to ask our offs. skill guys to do a little bit of Now, 10th-year head coach everything from multiple forJeff Puglio is left with an almost mations and positions.” entirely new group of players Austen Davis, Dalton Dixon that sees just six seniors and and Jake Pattison also figure three letterwinners returning. to get playing time out of the “The group that graduated backfield for a Bradford team played a lot of football for us,” that saw turnout for summer Puglio said. “So, it’s going to be practices only reach the midJeff fun to kind of start all over with 30s. Puglio a new group.” The low numbers will pose a That fresh start begins on the offenchallenge for Puglio and his staff while sive side of the ball, where Andy Reid competing against schools such as St. takes over as offensive coordinator for Marys (60-plus kids) and Clarion (55longtime coach Steve Ackerman, who plus), but the veteran head coach hasn’t retired. Reid’s first time calling plays been worrying all that much about the was for Puglio’s Pennsylvania coaching counting of heads at camp. staff at the Big 30 Charities Classic game “Numbers were a little lower than in August. what we were expecting, and I’m “We will have some new wrinkles on sure that’s the same going around the offense,” Puglio allowed. “We still want area,” Puglio conceded. “Twenty-four to run the ball, control the ground game (seniors), that’s hard to make up. But and clock. That’s our philosophy. But I like what we’ve been seeing so far… we are going to try and put the ball in Every single drill and every single rep the air a little more than we have in the we are getting maximum effort.” past.” Bradford’s defense faces plenty of Most excited about the emphasis on questions of its own, especially after the aerial attack, of course, is quartera strong showing last year. The team back Caleb Nuzzo. allowed two touchdowns or less in six The senior took over around the of the Owls’ nine regular season contests halfway point of the 2018 season, and in 2018. helped the Owls turn their season The only returning starters on around with a four-game win streak that unit are Nuzzo (cornerback) and after beginning the year 2-3. Sunafrank (linebacker). Now, with a year of experience under The defense will be tested early, as his belt and with no looming quarthe Owls host Brookville in Week 0 to terback battle, Nuzzo is eager to step begin the season. The Raiders edged under center. Bradford, 69-60, in an incredible season “I’m just going to go out and give opener last August. my best effort,” he said. “I know that’s With the same weekly schedule as a what my teammates expect from me and season ago, Puglio is still a big fan of the that’s what I expect from them, as well. new D9 league format, and feels it has asambrotto@bradford.com
Era photo by Anthony Sambrotto
It’ll be a new era of Bradford football as the Owls return just three lettermen from last year’s team that went 6-5. They are pictured, from left: Derek Sunafrank, Caleb Nuzzo and Dalton Dixon.
benefited the quality of football across the region. “The league is great, and I’m just happy to be a part of it,” he said. “I feel it’s going to get better and better. The old rivalries for us — the Punxsys, St. Marys, Brookvilles — we continue those. And the new ones with Ridgway, Kane that we started in the AML has been a lot of fun. I can see that getting better each year.” Similar to last year, the Owls will close its season with a Week 9 matchup against District 10’s Oil City. Should Bradford make the postseason, its playoff bracket includes District 6’s Bellefonte, Johnstown and Juniata as well as D9’s Clearfield and DuBois. For an Owls team with so much turnover and so many new faces, the few seniors Bradford boasts have taken it amongst themselves to help lead the younger crew into the season. “The guys last year did a great job of paving the way, especially as leaders,” Nuzzo said. “They showed us how to be good leaders, and that’s important for me to take that one year and learn from that. Quarterback is a big position so that kind of made me grow up a little bit and I feel like I’m ready for it.” The remainder of Puglio’s coaching staff includes Jerry Pattison (defensive coordinator), Davis Reddington, Tom Reid, John Siffrinn and Jeremy Luna.
■■ THE RETURNING starters, ■■ Caleb Nuzzo, senior, 5-9, 160, quarterback/ cornerback ■■ Derek Sunafrank, senior, 5-10, 155, running back/linebacker ■■ ALSO LETTERING were, ■■ Dalton Dixon, sophomore, 6-0, 155, running back/linebacker ■■ THE PLAYERS, by position ■■ Offense ■■ Quarterbacks: Nuzzo, Lucas Laktash (fr., 5-5, 130), Bret Skaggs (fr., 5-5, 125) ■■ Running backs: Austen Davis (jr., 5-9, 140), Sunafrank, Jake Pattison (jr., 5-8, 135), Troy Adkins (fr., 5-8, 135), Kaleb Schenfield (so., 5-9, 145), Bret Thompson (so., 5-5, 155), Nolan Gonzalez (so., 6-0, 220), Dalton Dixon (so., 6-0, 155) ■■ Ends/receivers: Jonah Rowry (sr., 5-10, 155), Gage Taylor (sr., 5-10, 180), Nate Girdlestone (fr., 5-7, 130), Doug Hannon (sr., 5-10, 135), Shaun Pitts (so., 5-7, 165), John Komidar (jr., 5-3, 105), Alex Wyant (jr., 5-9, 160), Michael Reid (fr., 5-4, 115), Maverick Miller (fr., 5-3, 125), Jimmy McClelland (fr., 5-2, 90), Cole Canfield ■■ Guards/tackles: Kyle McWilliams (jr., 5-8, 225), Dimetry Young (fr., 5-7, 185), Dakota Baker (so. ,5-6, 160), Alex Liners (jr., 6-3, 205), Landon McGarry (fr., 5-8, 165), Robert Schmidt (jr., 5-8, 210), James Yohe (sr., 5-7, 200), Devin Sweet (jr., 5-8, 160), Jesse Pire (fr., 5-10, 165), Gavin Piscitelli (jr., 6-2, 225), Harrison Morrisroe (jr., 6-0, 200), Chase Gray (fr., 5-7, 225) Centers: Ryan Hughes (jr., 6-1, 225), Alex Gangloff (fr., 5-8, 235), John Nellis (fr., 5-4, 155) THE SCHEDULE August
23 – Brookville 30 – at St. Marys
6 – Kane 13 – at Ridgway 20 – Moniteau 27 – at Brockway 4 – Punxsutawney 11 – at Clarion 18 – Karns City 25 – at Oil City
September
October
C-3
The Bradford (Pa.) Era Friday, August 23, 2019
Elk County Catholic looks to stay relevant despite low numbers By JOEL WHETZEL
returns for his junior season, as well, and is the clear cut man under center, according to Gerg. ST. MARYS — The 2019 football sea“Mason is the guy. He started for us son will certainly be an uphill battle for last year, and has done some 7-on-7s, the Elk County Catholic Crusaders. and I’m very impressed with where A year removed from a 7-3 overall he came from,” Gerg said. “One of the record, winning the District 9 Small most rewarding things as a coach is to Schools South Division and making see kids mature, and he’s certainly done the District playoffs, the Crusaders’ that. He knows he has to lead, and he’s roster features just 19 players — a steep expecting to do so.” decline from last year’s 30. Wide receiver Jon Wittman Jr. will The biggest factor in that join Gregory as the returning dropoff is graduating 10 playtargets for McAllister. ers from last year’s roster while Gerg anticipates getting the bringing in just two freshmen. ball to different playmakers in Given the lack of numbers, order to facilitate his team’s seventh-year ECC head coach offense. Tony Gerg says staying inju“We’re going to try and ry-free is of the utmost imporspread the ball around. We have tance. some skill players with some “Obviously, right off the bat, speed,” he said. “When you Tony we’ll have to stay healthy and spread it, it opens things for Gerg keep these kids focused,” Gerg everybody.” said. “And what we lack in size On the defensive side, the and numbers, we’ll have to make up Crusaders feature five returning startfor in tenacity. It’s a good group of kids, ers in their 3-5-3 defense — two in the and they’re working hard and doing the backfield, two along the line and one in best they can with these numbers.” the linebacking corps. Gerg also says conditioning will be Defensive backs Wittman and Nick at a premium, and in-game adjustments Crisp return from last season, and linewill potentially have to be made. backer Bryan Schatz will be the lone “(Conditioning) is crucial. We’re returner in the middle. trying to get these kids whipped into Up front, Gregory is back at defenshape,” he said. “As far as how to adjust sive end, while Emmert returns at to (the numbers) in game, who knows? defensive tackle. Raivis Bobby and In the past when our numbers were like Anthony Gerg are also returning along this, we slowed the game down.” the defensive front after lettering a seaSlowing the game down will necesson go. sitate a solid ground game. The good “I feel like our defensive group will news for Gerg and ECC is that running be fantastic. We have a lot of defensive back Stephen Bobby is back for his starters coming back and others that can senior season after eclipsing the 1,000fill their roles very well,” Anthony Gerg yard mark last year. said. Bobby figures to play an important THE SCHEDULE: role in this year’s offense, but he was August quick to credit his teammates for his 23 — Curwensville, 7 p.m. impressive 2018 campaign at District 9 Media Day. 30 — at Coudersport, 7 p.m. “I wouldn’t have done what I did last September year without my teammates. I just had 6 — Redbank Valley, 7 p.m. support from everybody, and the other 13 — at Port Allegany, 7 p.m. players that were blocking supported 20 — Union/Allegheny-Clarion me the whole way,” Bobby said. “I Valley, 7 p.m. couldn’t be more thankful for them.” 27 — at Cameron County, 7 p.m. Two of those players return along the October line — tackle Jared Emmert and tight 12 — at Sheffield, 1:30 p.m. end Leo Gregory. 18 — Keystone, 7 p.m. Quarterback Mason McAllister 25 — at Smethport, 7 p.m. jwhetzel@bradfordera.com
Era photo by Joel Whetzel
Elk County Catholic’s senior class will look to replicate 2018’s successes, which included a 7-3 record and District 9 playoff appearance. This year’s seniors are (left to right) Stephen Bobby, Leo Gregory, John Wittman, Jared Emmert and Anthony Gerg.
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C-4
Friday, August 23, 2019
The Bradford (Pa.) Era
Defense remains key for Ridgway in 2019 By JOEL WHETZEL
jwhetzel@bradfordera.com
RIDGWAY — For the past two seasons, the formula for success has been rather simple for the Ridgway football team — defense wins District 9 championships. Since the 2017 season, in games when Ridgway has given up more than 16 points, the Elkers are 0-5. When they hold opponents to 16 points or less, they sit at 20-1, the lone exception being a narrow 14-11 defeat against Curwensville in 2017. With that in mind, defense will once again be the focal point for Ridgway this season, as the Elkers Mark look for a third consecHeindl utive District 9 title. “We have some new faces in some new places, but expectations remain the same,” said Ridgway head coach Mark Heindl, who has been at the helm of the Elker program since 2008. “Our seniors set the stage for us last year, and now it’s time for this year’s group to take the reins. Each guy needs to do his job, and the others around him will do theirs. We’ve been very fortunate and blessed to have good guys each year.” This year’s Elker defense returns six seniors to its group, including three linebackers — Robert Briggs, Austin Green and Tyler Watts. Briggs, who led the team in tackles a year ago with 118, credits his coaching staff for the Elkers’ staunch defense, which gave up an average of just 13.53 points per game. “We have one of the best defensive minds in the District with Coach Heindl,” he said. “He prepares us really well, and we prepare for the offense we play each week. We also pick each other up, and people do their jobs.”
Era photo by Joel Whetzel
Ridgway will look to win another District 9 Class 2A championship behind important senior leadership. This year’s senior group includes (front row, left to right) Isaac Sidelingor, Tyler Watts, Cole Kilhoffer, Greg Simon, Matthias Dush, Haydn Yeager, Jake Wickett, Jack Cowan, (back) Damon Kelley, Austin Erich, Austin Green, Hayden Haupright, Connor Grazioli, Robert Briggs and Paul Gresco. Not pictured: Alec Richardson and Josh Sorg.
In front of that experienced linebacking unit, the line brings back two seniors from last year’s starting lineup, Hayden Haupright and Damon Kelley. Kelley recorded nine sacks last season, the most on the team. In the defensive backfield, safety Jake Wickett is the lone returning senior from last year’s starting group. Wickett says the key for his unit, and for the defense as a whole, is to communicate and build each other up. “We communicate a lot on the field, and we always have each other’s backs,” Wickett said. “If one of us misses a play, we pick each other up, and we bond on the field. I think it improves our play.” On the offensive side of the ball, the Elkers are set at skill positions, but
return just one starter from last year’s offensive line, guard Greg Simon. The line still does feature some experience, though, as center Connor Graziolli lettered a year ago and is back for the 2019 campaign. Briggs will also be featured as a guard. Those two will anchor a line unit tasked with protecting senior quarterback Paul Gresco and paving the way for Elker running backs. Gresco is back after starting last season, and will look to build on the Elkers’ 11-2 campaign during which he threw for 1,379 yards, 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He completed 128 of his 203 attempts. “Our defense always plays really well, so we need to do our part and score some points to help them out,” Gresco said. “Seven points a game won’t
win, so we’re working our tails off to do our end of the job.” Rejoining Gresco in the backfield from last year’s group are running backs Gabe Watts, Jake Wickett and Matt Dush. THE SCHEDULE: August 23 — St. Marys, 7 p.m. 30 — at Kane, 7 p.m. September 6 — at Moniteau, 7 p.m. 13 — Bradford, 7 p.m. 20 — Brockway, 7 p.m. 27 — at Punxsutawney, 7 p.m. October 4 — Clarion, 7 p.m. 11 — at Karns City, 7 p.m. 18 — Brookville, 7 p.m. 25 — at Union/Allegheny-Clarion
C-5
The Bradford (Pa.) Era Friday, August 23, 2019
Refocused Kane Wolves eager to return to winning ways By ANTHONY SAMBROTTO
up,” Hillman said. “He’s looking to see what the defense is giving us. Where he would normally try to throw the ball Jim Hillman called last season a and get it into a window and try to force wake-up call. something, he’s turning that ball upfield Perhaps not just for the head coach or getting rid of it and getting it out of now entering his second year leading bounds and being safe. We can’t afford the Wolves, but for the entire to have unnecessary turnovers.” Kane football program. Also returning on offense is The Wolves entered the 2018 running back Teddy Race and season with a 63-12 record a trio of wide receivers in Jake over the previous six years Alcorn, Bobby Rumcik and that included four Allegheny Caleb Holt. Mountain League championOn the offensive line, Kane ships. But things went off the returns three starters from last rails quickly for Kane, which year in Cooper Nystrom, Jake had to replace one of the most Costanzo and Reese Novosel. successful coaches in District 9 “We got a lot of young kids history in Todd Silfies as well Jim that got a lot of playing time a Hillman as nearly playmaker on offense. year ago,” he said. “We had two The Wolves struggled to an 0-3 freshman (Nystrom, Costanzo) start before finishing with a 2-7 that started Friday nights for us record. last year on the offensive line. “It was a tough season,” Hillman said “We are a young football team with a bluntly. “It was a humbling season, but fair amount of experience. That’s what we are going to come out stronger for we are bringing back this year and with it.” a defined role and with a purpose.” What went so wrong? With so many faces back, and a new “I go back to that senior leadership,” offensive game plan, Hillman is confiHillman said. “When things got tough, dent the struggles to reach the end zone it just didn’t seem to be there. Those last year won’t carry over into 2019. past four seasons that we were unde“With our new offensive coordinator feated, there was a ton of senior leader- last year, we struggled a bit at times to ship. There was just a ton of leadership find our identify,” he said. “Were we a on the field throughout the entire team downhill running team or were we a so you can only do so much as a coach. spread team that wanted to run some You have to look to each other to pick run-pass option? We wanted to mix each other up.” some of it in and this year everybody But Hillman is ready to put last has a defined role and we are ready to season in the rearview and reset for go.” 2019. That clean slate begins with new Of course, the Wolves are banking on offensive coordinator Sean Jordan, who the success on offense helping out the will look to help an offense that scored defense, as well. Kane allowed oppoa total of 82 points over the first seven nents to score over 30 points in five of games of 2018 before surging for 65 over its nine games last season, including the final two weeks. a stretch where it let up 135 points in The offense will run through junior three games. quarterback Zuke Smith, who is looking Returning for that unit are Kevin to make a leap in his second full season Sharba, a 6-foot-4 defensive lineman, as the starter. and Nystrom, who will anchor the Smith has participated in a variety middle of that line with a 6-foot-5, 320of camps this summer, according to pound frame. Hillman, and his progress has been The Wolves are the only large school obvious through the early practices. in D-9 that will play a nine-game slate “Just how he sees the field and how in 2019, and instead of adding a Week 9 he breaks down a defense when he lines non-league game, Kane will end its regasambrotto@bradfordera.com
Era photo by Anthony Sambrotto
Second-year Kane coach Jim Hillman returns seven seniors from last year’s 2-7 team. Pictured are, front row (from left): Jake Alcorn, Caleb Holt and Aaron Hottel. Back row: James Porterfield, Kevin Sharba, Teddy Race and Chris Stewart.
ular season on Oct. 18. “Every night is a playoff game for everybody because the teams that we have every Friday night are teams that we would see in the playoffs once we got into the District and into the state playoffs,” Hillman said of the league. “I think it’s wide open, everybody is good. There isn’t anybody that is a poor team. To get back to the postseason, Kane has to return to its winning culture — something that the seven seniors on the roster say begins with them. “We are just trying to set a better attitude this year,” running back and linebacker Teddy Race said. “Last year our attitude wasn’t there. We were great and as soon as we started losing, it went out the window. Just setting a good example and trying to get the other seniors and
the other guys to provide some leadership.” Assisting Hillman in 2019 are Rick Fisher, Colton Johnson, Nick Dangelo, Sean Jordan, Mike Swartwood, Joe Gentile and Rick Zampogna. THE SCHEDULE August 23 – at Moniteau, 7 p.m. 30 – Ridgway, 7 p.m. September 6 – at Bradford, 7 p.m. 13 – Brockway, 7 p.m. 20 – at Punxsutawney, 7 p.m. 27 – Clarion, 7 p.m. October 4 – Karns City, 7 p.m. 11 – at Brookville, 7 p.m. 18 – St. Marys, 7 p.m.
Go Wo lve s! 23 S Fraley St, Kane, PA 16735
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C-6
Friday, August 23, 2019
The Bradford (Pa.) Era
New coach, new culture for St. Marys football By JOEL WHETZEL
Dworek will certainly have plenty of choices at each position. This year’s quarterbacking unit ST. MARYS — After a second straight includes five players, three of which — winless season in 2018, the St. Marys James Davis, Christian Coudriet and football program hit the reset button in Shane Burke — return from last season. the offseason. Freshmen Charlie Coudriet and Collin The Flying Dutchmen are now under Reitz round out that unit. new head coach Chris Dworek, and he In the backfield, 11 running backs and the Dutch will look to change the are on board this season for the Dutch. culture and fortunes of a program which Of those, three return from the last last won on Oct. 21, 2016 in a season’s backfield depth chart 35-0 romp over Brookville. — juniors Justin Meyer, Jeremy Dworek, who was hired Garthwaite and Sean Lathrop. in January, comes in with The team also added senior an extensive resume, which Cain Pfoutz, a lineback last seaincludes 29 years of prior son, to the mix. coaching experience at the The receiving unit is espehigh school and collegiate cially deep, as it has 23 players, levels. Dworek spent the past 13 of which are upperclassmen. two seasons as an assistant at Of those, seniors Gage Burford, Brookville, and the few years Brad Weichman, Alex DeMonte Chris prior to that as an assistant at and Scott Potter feature the Dworek Clarion University. He was most experience. also the head coach at Brookville for 19 Dworek says that with so many seasons prior to his stint at the collegiate choices, the Dutch plan to share the level. wealth. Given that experience, excitement “I hope we’re diverse. Our plan is to within the program is high. The Flying be able to adjust to whatever a defense Dutchmen brought out 64 players to this does,” he said. “So far, so good. We’re year’s roster, and according to Dworek, really diverse and we’re using kids the program had a good summer and a where they’re skills are at a little better.” solid start to camp. The guards and tackles also feature That said, the head coach wants to 23 players, with nine upperclassmen see things improve even more. in that mix. At center, senior Forrest “There have been spurts of realCressley will hope to anchor that line. ly good, intense practices, and that’s Thus far, St. Marys and offensive good,” Dworek said. “But I’m greedy, coordinator Frank Varischetti have and we have to have more than just opted to simplify its offensive schemes spurts, and the kids know that. I’ve so that players can efficiently learn the challenged them and they’ve responded. new system. They know they can do it, they just have “The kids have learned that it’s sort to focus and be tough on themselves all of like learning a foreigh language, but the time.” they are getting it down now,” Dworek This year’s roster features plenty of said. “It’s very easy (to learn). We’ve returners from last year’s, and, accordcoached with it in all-star games with ing to Dworek, is one that has had strangers. It’s simple to learn, it’s just success at the junior varsity and other different for them.” lower levels. Defensively, the plan is the same for But don’t expect the new coach to coordinator Beau Iorfido — keep things pay much attention to who last year’s simple, and improve each day at the starters or letterwinners were, or who fundamentals. was even on the team. Pfoutz, a linebacker, said, “To be “I don’t care about last year, and I successful (defensively), we’re going to don’t care who started and all of that have to learn the defense, but it’s not stuff,” he said. “To prove a point, the going to be extremely difficult one,” he kids that work hardest are going to play. said. “We’re going to be able to learn (The players) have bought into that, and it, and then to be successful, we’ll have I think they believe that.” to thrive at it. We just have to keep jwhetzel@bradfordera.com
Era photo by Joel Whetzel
St. Marys, under new head coach Chris Dworek, will look to reverse its fortunes in 2019 with the help of its seniors. This year’s senior class includes (front row, left to right) Robert Anderson, Alex DeMonte, (row two) Forest Cressley, Caden Burke, Cain Pfoutz, (row three) Jake Walter, Jeff Lowe, Gage Burford, Dan McFall, (back row) Scott Potter, Sam Dush, Blaze Roush, (not pictured) Brandon Weichman and Zach Hart.
improving.” Pfoutz is one of 10 linebackers on this year’s roster. Of those 10, eight return from last season’s team. In front of the linebackers, 12 ends and 19 guards/tackles will try to win the battle of the trenches. Among them, Cressley made the move from linebacker to defensive lineman for the upcoming season. The defensive backfield is just as deep, with 23 corners and safeties lurking in the secondary. Thirteen of those come in from last year’s roster.
THE SCHEDULE: August 23 — at Ridgway, 7 p.m. 30 — Bradford, 7 p.m. September 6 — at Brockway, 7:30 p.m. 13 — Punxsutawney, 7 p.m. 20 — at Clarion, 7 p.m. 27 — Karns City, 7 p.m. October 4 — at Brookville, 7 p.m. 11 — Moniteau, 7 p.m. 18 — at Kane, 7 p.m. 25 — Warren, 7 p.m.
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The Bradford (Pa.) Era Friday, August 23, 2019
C-7
Neyman hopes to restore winning tradition at Cameron County By SHAWN CAMPBELL Special to The Era
EMPORIUM — More than anything, Ryan Neyman wants things the way they once were. Neyman’s high school playing career coincided with a golden era for Cameron County football. His senior year, 2008, the Red Raiders went 12-2, winning the District 9 Class A title. “It was some great times,” said Neyman, back then a two-way lineman for coach Tony Defilippi. “You Ryan had the town support. Neyman We’ve just got to get that back.” Neyman is tasked with turning around his alma mater, which has won only three games over the last three seasons, going 1-8 in each campaign. Moreover, he’s Cameron County’s third coach in as many years. “The fans will come; they just don’t want to see kids being demoralized,” said Neyman, who was named to the position in February after three years as an assistant. “They just want to see some heart. That’s what Cameron County is. We’re blue-collar workers, nothing fancy ...” And, with a male enrollment of 67, the smallest school in District 9 without a football co-op. “We’ve just got to have the pride to keep going, chugging along,” Neyman said. A year ago, the program’s future was in question. Talk of a merger with Elk County Catholic eventually subsided.
Photo by Shawn Campbell
The Cameron County High School football team returns 11 starters from last season’s 1-8 squad. Pictured are, front row (from left): Nick Peters, Luiz Patricio, Gannon Horning, Ebon Jackson and Dylan Baney. Back row: Nate Palumbo, Derek Duman, Taylor Geitner, Wes Walters, Bryce Ellis and Wendell O’Brien.
This season, the Red Raiders are in better shape participation-wise and return 11 starters. “We’ve got 27 kids out,” said Neyman, who runs a wastewater treatment plant in Emporium. “There was a numbers concern because of lower enrollment. The school board just wants to make sure we have enough numbers to play the game safely. But going forward, I think Cameron County football’s here to stay for the next few years.” A lack of team chemistry has contributed to the Red Raiders’ struggles on the field, Neyman believes. Players have bickered in huddles and failed to bond. “We had a lot of traditions back when I played,” he said. “When I was an assistant, we kind of strayed away from the traditions and everything like that and forgot we are in Cameron County. I just want to bring that back and that’s why I applied, and thank God I got the job. “I just want these guys to actually understand the game and what it actually means — not just the X’s and O’s but the camaraderie and the teamwork and everything that you can grow up and utilize in your adult life.” He added: “If we can come together and not fight, that can translate into that classroom and you may have more kids come out for a sport. Everybody flocks to a good team, usually, and what you
did in the past. We’ve just got to get established.” Last fall, in their only season under Jody Bailey, the Red Raiders scored 18 points ... total. Their only victory was 6-0 over Sheffield, which went winless. Neyman was the defensive coordinator of a unit that gave up 50 points per game. “Last year we were all over the place,” Neyman said of the team’s offensive style. “We started with the wing-T last year, then didn’t really have the horses up front in the trenches to be able to pull like you need to. Then we went back into the pistol and spread offense early on, which we’re building off. The terminology is still the same, but the
concepts are a little different.” Neyman said seniors Nick Peters, Luiz Patricio and Ebon Jackson will be the “workhorses” of the offense. Jackson will replace Peters under center. THE SCHEDULE: August 30 — at Curwensville, 7 p.m. September 6 — Otto-Eldred, 7 p.m. 13 — at Keystone, 7 p.m. 21 — at Sheffield, 1:30 p.m. 27 — Elk County Catholic, 7 p.m. October 4 — at Smethport, 7 p.m. 11 — at Union/A-C Valley, 7 p.m. 18 — Port Allegany, 7 p.m. 25 — Coudersport, 7 p.m.
C-8
Friday, August 23, 2019
The Bradford (Pa.) Era
Expectations remain high for retooling Coudersport By JOEL WHETZEL
Kightlinger. VanWhy led the returners in rushing a year ago with 284 yards and four COUDERSPORT — The 2018 camtouchdowns on 65 carries. Wilson added paign was one to remember for the 180 yards and three scores on 20 carries. Coudersport football team. With so many options to tote the ball, The Falcons, in their second year Storey says to expect a by-committee under head coach Tom Storey, raced out approach. to a 4-1 record to open the year before “We have guys that can step in and dropping three of their next four games. do what we need to do,” the coach Sitting at a crossroads with a remarked. “It will be a process 5-4 record entering their final instead of one guy alone. We’ll regular season game, Coudy get everybody running, and it answered the call and ended its will be awesome to do it that regular season with a resoundway.” ing 52-7 victory at Redbank Also returning is junior Valley to recapture some quarterback Hayden Keck, who momentum before the District 9 was Coudersport’s starter a playoffs. year ago and also saw playing That momentum proved time as a freshman. In 2018, vital as Coudersport knocked Keck passed for 709 yards and Tom off Clarion-Limestone in the eight touchdowns, while throwStorey first round, 22-12, to avenge a ing just three interceptions. He week three, 34-22 loss to the Lions earli- added 565 rushing yards and 13 toucher in the year. downs on 115 carries last year -- each of Then, in the District 9 small school which was the second-most on the team championship, the Falcons knocked off behind Kelly. previously undefeated Smethport 44-7 In front of Keck, junior linemen Cale to earn a spot in the PIAA state playoffs. Ayers and Brandon Goss will be tasked Coudy figures to be in the running with leading a younger blocking unit. for another District 9 championship this Three of Keck’s targets at wideout, fall, but Storey and his charges know Dillon Keglovits, John Minor and Dan it’s going to be a process, and that a few Frame, are back for their senior seasons, questions need answered. as well. “The biggest thing is it’s a new seaMinor led the team in receiving last son, so we’ll have to go game by game,” year with 11 receptions, 367 yards and Storey said. three touchdowns. Perhaps the biggest question mark Defensively, the Falcons return plenty for the Falcons is how to replace stand- of experience at just about every posiout running back Stephen Kelly. As a tion. senior, Kelly rushed for 1,782 of Coudy’s “The defense will be pretty solid this 3,303 yards on the ground in 2018. year,” Storey said. “The guys we lost, In addition to Kelly’s graduation, those positions are pretty well filled.” Coudy is tasked with replacing three The experience particularly shows in starters from last year’s offensive line the defensive backfield. — Elijah Ayers, Wyatte Osborne and Frame, Minor and Pitcher all return Preston Cobb. at the corner position, and Keglovits is “It’s up to the team to fill those spots back at free safety this year. Minor led and live up to the path set forth by last the ball-hawking secondary with four year’s team,” Storey said. “Our boys are interceptions a year ago, while Pitcher up for that challenge.” and Keglovits each had two and Frame The backfield certainly does still one. feature plenty of experienced players. The defensive front also returns key Seniors Travis Gleason, Kolby VanWhy, players from a year ago. Defensive end Tom Wilson and Jacob Pitcher all return Travis Gleason is back after recording to the position, as does junior Brandt the third-most tackles on the team jwhetzel@bradfordera.com
Era photo by Joel Whetzel
Coudersport will look to repeat as the District 9 Small School Division champions. Back from last year’s starting lineup are (front row, left to right) Daniel Frame, Hayden Keck, Brandt Kightlinger, Thomas Wilson, Jacob Pitcher, Logan Rogers, (back) Travis Gleason, John Minor, Kolby VanWhy, Dillon Keglovits, Brandon Goss and Cale Ayers.
last year with 55, and the most tackles for loss with 12. Gleason also led the Falcons with 11 sacks last season. Also back at defensive tackles are Ayers (17 tackles, five sacks) and Goss (10 tackles, one sack). At the other defensive end, Brandt Kightlinger returns after a sophomore campaign that saw him rack up 54 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. The linebacking unit returns Keck and VanWhy to its charges. Keck logged 61 total tackles last season, 26 of which were solo and 3.5 sacks. VanWhy, meanwhile, recorded 21 solo tackles as part of 43 total and two sacks. Put all that returning defensive production together, and you have a unit
that Storey feels can keep the Falcons competitive across District 9, even if the offense might have struggles. THE SCHEDULE August 23 — Union/Allegheny-Clarion Valley, 7 p.m. 30 — Elk County Catholic, 7 p.m. September 7 — at Sheffield, 1:30 p.m. 20 — Port Allegany, 7 p.m. 27 — at Curwensville, 7 p.m. October 4 — at Otto-Eldred, 7 p.m. 12 — Redbank Valley, 7 p.m. 18 — at Smethport, 7 p.m. 25 — at Cameron County, 7 p.m.
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The Bradford (Pa.) Era Friday, August 23, 2019
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Bienkowski excited to be back leading Port Allegany By SHAWN CAMPBELL Special to The Era
PORT ALLEGANY — Justin Bienkowski is beginning his second stint as head coach of the Port Allegany High School football team. But the 38-yearold social studies teacher never left the game, nor lost his love for it. Photo by Shawn Campbell “I tried to get away from it, and I The Port Allegany High School football team returns 14 letterwinners from last season’s 2-7 squad. Pictured are, front row couldn’t,” said Bienkowski, who led the (from left): Izak Bidwell, Josh Rees, Eli Petruzzi, Trey Ayers, Taro Tanaka, Logan Pesock and Hunter Whitney. Back row: Gators for three seasons from 2014 to Dalton Distrola, Hunter Kisko, Montgomery Tanner, Justin Young, DJ Michelitisch, Derek Kallenborn and Ethan DeBockler. 2016 (9-20 record). team, the cheerleaders. And we have a “We graduated four kids last year, Bienkowski stepped away after an Bienkowski said, “and I called Pat the 0-9 season — the program’s first winand what we’d call our best player, least egotistical human being I’ve met — really good group of upperclassmen to less campaign in 43 years. He and his Jared Mahon ... he got hurt in Week 3 new coach asking old coach to come on mentor.” wife were expecting their third board. It was fantastic. I had a The Gators’ 11 seniors played for over in Smethport,” Bienkowski said. daughter. ton of fun working with him.” Bienkowski as freshmen. “It stung for 2018 because you lost your “It was just, ‘I’ve got to get Warnick, however, decid“Practice schedules were set up the best player, but we had to learn how to away from this,’” Bienkowski ed to leave coaching this past same, just the way we run things stays play without him, which then we rode said. “I don’t do it half; I just winter due to family and job very similar, and the guys are familiar into the summer.” feel like I’m all in all the time.” obligations. with it, the continuity’s there,” he said. During his hiatus, Port A With his wife’s encourTHE SCHEDULE: Port Allegany’s only wins last fall posted back-to-back 2-7 seaagement and the other Gator August were against Sheffield and Cameron sons under Pat Warnick, the assistants saying they’d return, County — teams that combined for only 23 — Otto-Eldred, 7 p.m. Smethport police chief. Bienkowski reassumed the head two victories. And the young Gators’ 30 — at Keystone, 7 p.m. Justin Bienkowski, meanwhile, role. September losses weren’t pretty, coming by an found ways to stay involved in Bienkowski “As long as our administra6 — Smethport, 7 p.m. average of 43 points — none closer than football. tion continues to support us 13 — Elk County Catholic, 7 p.m. In 2017, he officiated high school like they have, I have no plans on going 18. They were dominated by a total 20 — at Coudersport, 7 p.m. score of 227-0 in four games against games every week, mostly in the anywhere,” Bienkowski said. “We’ve 28 — Union/A-C Valley, 1:30 p.m. Allegheny Mountain League. got a good group of nine-through-12th- Smethport (40-0), Elk County Catholic October “So every coaching staff that I’d walk graders, a great group of youth kids and (60-0), Coudersport (61-0) and Clarion5 — at Sheffield, 1:30 p.m. over and say ‘good luck’ to, they all coaches. Our community’s a really good Limestone (66-0). 18 — at Cameron County, 7 p.m. knew me,” Bienkowski said. place to be right now with football, and “It was really cool, simply just it’s supportive.” because I was around the game. Still He added: “My kids will come to smelling the popcorn, hearing the practice now from the elementary bands, hearing the pads pop. I never got school, so that makes it easier. We try, as away from playbooks, I never got away coaches and players, to have like a famifrom studying clinics.” ly-friendly environment.” But as for coaching, “I was missing it That’s the aspect of coaching football like crazy ... just itching to get back into that he missed most, even more than the it,” he said. X’s and O’s. Bienkowski got his chance when “To be honest, we don’t talk a lot Warnick and assistant coach Chad about football,” Bienkowski said. “It’s Saltsman arrived at his house in the treat each other right, academics first, be spring of 2018 with an offer to join the good people in the community, respect Port staff as an assistant. your teachers, respect your peers, “We had a beer on my couch,” respect the soccer team, the volleyball
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Friday, August 23, 2019
The Bradford (Pa.) Era
Otto-Eldred hopes to build on promising first year under Cook By J.P. BUTLER
letterwinners, six of those were regular starters, including quarterback Cole Sebastian, who returns after winning the DUKE CENTER — They accomjob as a sophomore, one of the team’s plished phase one of their plan last fall. top overall athletes in receiver Cameron After a pair of standout seasons in Magee and defensive back Colton which it won two Allegheny Mountain Gietler. And, three years after returnLeague North Division titles and ing to respectability, the Terrors feel reached the District 9 playoffs in both as though a winning culture has been instances, the Otto-Eldred football team established. maintained much of that momentum “We did lose a lot of seniors; guys in Year 1 under Troy Cook, going 5-5 in that kind of helped build the program to the regular year while making a third where it is,” Cook acknowledged. “We straight trip to the postseason. have some spots to fill, but I really feel The 2018 campaign wasn’t without like those guys that left did a good job its flaws. of getting the next group ready. “We kind of hit a few road“Last year, they did a good blocks along the way,” said job of saying, ‘make sure you Cook, whose team dropped guys pay attention to this, this four straight — three in blowis what I’m seeing when I do out fashion — after a 3-1 start. this.’ Now that these guys are “We had some injuries that ready to step up in that role, reset the lineup a little bit; it they kind of have a head start took us a few games to get our because of what (last year’s feet back under us after that. seniors) contributed.” But we had a strong finish to A year ago, behind the Troy the season and made the playyounger Sebastian, who threw Cook offs.” for nearly 2,000 yards and 21 In that way, the Terrors were touchdowns, and three allable to sustain the success achieved league receivers, the Terrors boasted one under previous coach Nick LaBella. of the most potent passing attacks in the Entering 2019, Cook and O-E don’t want Big 30. to merely meet that same standard; they That component helped them average want to exceed it. nearly 42 points in their five wins. “Otto-Eldred, as far as we know anyAdmittedly, though, O-E might have way, has never won a playoff game,” been too dependent on the passing Cook said. “As far as we’re concerned, game — Sebastian attempted 275 passes, as a coaching staff, as a team, that’s or over 27 per game. going to be the overall goal of the proThis year, in an effort to be a more gram until it happens. We think we have complete team, they’re looking to strike a solid group; hopefully we can accom- more of a balance with their running plish that this year.” attack. To help with that, Cook brought Making a fourth straight playoff in a new offensive coordinator in appearance and trekking as far as the Nate Zitnik, who recently helped run D-9 semifinals won’t be easy. the offense at both Port Allegany and The Terrors lost one of the key class- Portville. es to that three-year run, including “Our philosophies match up really big-play receivers Chase Sebastian and well, which has been good,” Cook said Chris Connelly, the latter of whom of Zitnik, who also serves as the Port A doubled as the District 9 Small School baseball coach. “He’s a guy that we can North Defensive Player of the Year, and say, you take the offense and run with it, linemen Trey Lee (the D-9 co-Defenso it’s really been great. sive Lineman of the Year) and Brady “We have the personnel to throw it, Valerius. but there were times last year where the The cupboard is far from bare, howrunning game was kind of non-existent. ever. And when teams can kind of load up Though O-E welcomes back just nine on one aspect or the other, it hurts you,
Special to The Era
Photo by Derek Gumtow
Second-year Otto-Eldred coach Troy Cook welcomes back nine letterwinners from last year’s 5-6 team. Pictured are, front row (from left): Ethan Smith, Cameron Magee, Colton Gietler and Cole Sebastian. Back row: T.J. Van Scoter, Zazeric Bell, David Wheaton and Brett Kreamer. Missing was Josh Rhinehart.
for sure. We want to still throw the ball around a little bit, maybe move quicker than last year, but definitely get more of a run game going.” Cook, whose team was projected to finish third in the six-team Small School North in the preseason coaches poll (where it finished last year), believes he has the makings of an offensive line to do just that. “(Brett) Kreamer stepped up for us last year,” the second-year coach said. “He had a lot to learn as he was coming in, but he did very well, was very strong and probably one of the best guards in the league as the year ended. “Zaz Bell’s another one. (He) was all over the line for us last year, but he’s probably looking at center right now.
He’s a consistent kid, a smart kid … somebody that can kind of take control of the offensive line and lead that group.” THE SCHEDULE: August 23 — at Port Allegany, 7 p.m. 30 — Redbank Valley, 7 p.m. September 6 — at Cameron County, 7 p.m. 13 — at Union/A-C Valley, 7 p.m. 20 — Smethport, 7 p.m. 27 — at Bucktail, 7 p.m. October 4 — Coudersport, 7 p.m. 11 — at Curwensville, 7 p.m. 18 — Sheffield, 7 p.m. 25 — Cowanesque Valley, 7 p.m.
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The Bradford (Pa.) Era Friday, August 23, 2019
Smethport Hubbers eager to show off reload, not rebuild By ANTHONY SAMBROTTO
role being the quarterback, of course,” Jack said. “I expect him to elevate his game and basically get an opportunity SMETHPORT — The Smethport to showcase his talents this year.” Hubbers are out to prove people wrong Lent will get to work with two in 2019. speedy targets at the receiver position in The defending District 9 Small School Bryent Johnson (5-5, 125) and Braedon North champions, which posted a 9-0 Johnson (5-5, 135), who will catch passes regular season mark and reached the D9 out of the backfield. title game a season ago, have heard all The Johnsons, who are related to the outside noise on the step back they Lent, have been working out together are supposed to take this year. for much of the offseason to further Now, they are just ready to get back develop their chemistry. onto the field and begin their quest for “If you see us in 7-on-7s, Noah’s a repeat. main targets are going to be me and “I just want to prove people wrong Bryent because we have the timing that it’s not going to be as bad of a sea- down from all of the years playing son as people think it is,” wide receiver together,” Braedon Johnson said. “Just and defensive back Bryent always together and bond Johnson said. “I mean we are well.” not going to be as big and as And while the new-look sizable, but we are definitely Hubber offense will have to going to be faster and more find itself early in the season, athletic. I think we can honestly the defense has the potential to prove to people that we can go continue its dominance. just as far.” Smethport returns six startOf course, one of the quesers from a squad that allowed tions surrounding the Hubbers just 84 total points over nine is how they will replace the regular season games in 2018 Adam production of Nate Hollowell and then posted back-to-back Jack and Blake Kinner, two of the shutouts over its first two playtop running backs in D9 a season ago. off matchups. The two seniors split the workload The anomaly — a 44-7 loss to out of the backfield to the tune of well Coudersport in the D9 Class A title over 2,000 rushing yards and 25 touchgame — is what ended the Hubbers’ downs. season. Instead of utilizing the same offen“(I expect) the same thing as last sive playbook they had with the two year,” Jack said of his defense. “I expect bruising rushers, third-year Smethport us to fly to the ball and bring a lot of head coach Adam Jack is going to gear pressure to opposing offenses. And we’ll the game plan to the skillsets of a group move around and do what we have to of backs all 155 pounds or lighter. do and adjust week-to-week. We talk “Those two guys were really great about playing in a 4-3 slash 4-2-5, but talents, but it’s just going to be a comreally we are not married to any defenpletely different look for us this year,” sive scheme. Whatever we have to do, the former Hubber quarterback said. we will do.” “You probably won’t see us running between the tackles 25 times a game, but THE SCHEDULE we’ve got kids that are very athletic and August they are going to do well in space.” 23 – Sheffield, 7 p.m. The Hubbers return starting offenSeptember sive linemen Michael Tanner and Travis 6 – at Port Allegany, 7 p.m. Cooney, who helped create those holes 13 – Curwensville, 7 p.m. up front en route to Smethport’s best 20 – at Otto-Eldred, 7 p.m. season in two decades. 27 – at Redbank Valley, 7 p.m. They’ll also help protect sophomore October quarterback Noah Lent, who got some 4 – Cameron County, 7 p.m. time under center last season and has 11 – at Keystone, 7 p.m. impressed Jack with his potential. 18 – Coudersport, 7 p.m. “I expect him to take on a leadership 25 – Elk County Catholic, 7 p.m. asambrotto@bradfordera.com
Era photo by Anthony Sambrotto
Third-year Smethport head coach Adam Jack will lean on six letterwinners to build off of last year’s undefeated regular season. Those letterwinners are, front row from left: Adenn Stevens, Braedon Johnson and Bryent Johnson. Back row: Logan Christie, Travis Cooney and Michael Tanner.
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Friday, August 23, 2019
The Bradford (Pa.) Era
Expert Orthopaedic Care Close to Home
Era photo by Anthony Sambrotto
Eight letterwinners return to a Sheffield team looking for its first win in three years. They are pictured in the first row (from left): Jacob Disshon, Kevin Marfink, Ethan Finch and Brennin Lester. Back row: Caden Smead and Jake Davidson. Missing from the photo were Jakob Vinopal and Walker Kyler.
Wolverines hoping strong turnout ends long losing streak By ANTHONY SAMBROTTO asambrotto@bradfordera.com
SHEFFIELD — Chris Korbar understands just how unique his situation is. The second-year Sheffield head coach isn’t sure who will be on the practice field from day-to-day, and in fact, Korbar wasn’t even permitted to give out a full roster until some of the kids received the proper media clearance a few days into practice. The Wolverines — operating under a co-operative agreement with Abraxas Youth & Family Services — had over 30 kids attend the first week of summer workouts. It’s the largest number in several years, and Korbar is cautiously optimistic his roster will stay mostly intact for the season opener against Smethport in Week 0. “That’s the love and hate relationship with the co-op,” he said. “Because of how our program is and what we do each year, it can change at any given moment and at any given time with the co-op and what we may have behavior-wise at our counterpart. But this year, having gotten the kids together so far, I like what I’m seeing.”
Korbar and his charges have the tall task of turning around a program that has not won a game since the 2016 season. Last year’s team managed a total of just 38 points over nine losses, including three lopsided shutouts by at least 47 points. It didn’t help that Sheffield lost its starting quarterback on the first drive of the first game last year with a serious knee injury. “Offensive side of the ball we need to score points and move the ball. It’s that simple,” Korbar said. “We have to have the mental toughness and execute. That was the biggest thing last year was the failed execution. You look at film, we left 20-30 points on the board last year easily with simple execution.” As for some lessons Korbar learned during that trying season, he said that they are aplenty, but none more so than being realistic with his team. “Don’t set high expectations right out of the gate,” he said. “Learn to know what you have, and kind of go with it.” The Wolverines return eight letterwinners from last year’s team, including offensive specialist Walker Kyler.
A full Sheffield team preview is available at www.bradfordera.com
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