Academy Park

By DILLON FRIDAY

Special to the Times

SHARON HILL — There is one question that dominates conversations about Academy Park’s 2014 preparations: How will the Knights replace Jerry Lanier?

A year ago, Lanier rushed for 2,306 yards and scored 22 touchdowns as he led the program to a 10-3 record and the District One Class AAA championship, Academy Park’s first — in any sport. For his efforts, Lanier took home the Daily Times Player of the Year honor.

So, who will carry the ball in his place?

“We have two junior running backs who are both very good,” said coach Jason Vosheski, who is entering his tenth season at the helm of the Knights. “I’m not going to say they’re Jerry Lanier. I’m not going to say they’re worse. Only time will tell.”

Jeremy Dembry and Jermaine Wesley are the two juniors the coach spoke of. Vosheski called Dembry “a bulldozer,” while Wesley is a more traditional, quick-burst back. Neither is on Lanier’s level, but then again few are.

“Jerry set the standards high for everybody,” said Dembry, who will play linebacker on the defensive side. “I’m definitely trying to do as good as he did to help my team win and get it to another district championship.”

The question at running back is emblematic of the Knights as a whole. Last season, they relied on a talented senior class to win 10 games. An influx of new starters ensures that there will be a learning curve in 2014.

“The biggest challenge is experience for us, because we lack a lot of it in important places,” Vosheski said. “So it’s more of like getting your feet wet. Dipping your toe in the water, seeing how cold it is, and what we need to do. That’s the biggest challenge for us.”

Still, the returning players rode the high of a successful 2013 into the offseason.

“The seniors and the majority of the juniors have been extra committed.,” Vosheski said. “Just the overall atmosphere and presence of the upperclassmen has been incredible.”

The Knights know what’s at stake. They’re seeking to continue a stretch that has seen Academy Park win 28 games in the last three seasons. Previous Knights set the bar high. Now it’s time for this incarnation to meet it.

“We’re real confident. That’s why we’re back here in training camp working hard,” Dembry explained, “to make sure we’re back to that goal. To set standards around here.”

Senior quarterback Allon Ruffin is one player who is making sure his teammates reach their goals. Ruffin rotated in at wide receiver last season but handled very few snaps under center. He’s eager to finally take over the reins of the offense.

“I’ve been ready since my sophomore year, waiting,” Ruffin said. “Now it’s my turn to show what I can do.”

So far, the 5-9 passer has impressed his coach.

“He looks a lot more confident than he did a year ago. Maybe that’s because he knows he’s the starter as opposed to the backup,” Vosheski said. “He’s gotten some varsity experience as a receiver so he knows what its like to be out there. He can make all the throws. He can run. He’s kind of become more of a leader than he used to be.”

Ruffin spent the offseason working on his craft. He exchanged text messages with his coach throughout the summer, picking Vosheski’s brain about the particulars of the position.

“Every Saturday and Sunday, I came to the field to do cone drills, footwork drills — working on my drop back,” Ruffin said. “Talking to (Vosheski), texting him, asking him things I can do to prepare myself for this year.”

Even in the few short weeks of the preseason, Ruffin has made believers out of his teammates as well.

“We’re very confident in Allon,” Dembry said. “Allon tells you what you have to do, if you’re messing up, how to fix it. Which is great. He knows all his plays, the linemen’s responsibility and he makes adjustments if he has to. I’m very confident that he’ll do well this year.”

Still, Vosheski expects some bumps in the early going from his offense. Academy Park must navigate a tricky non-conference schedule to start the season that includes Marple Newtown, Bonner-Prendergast and Cardinal O’Hara as well as Sun Valley and Lansdale Catholic. Three of the games are on the road.

“Our defense, at least early on, is going to have to be our strength,” Vosheski said. “... They’re probably close to if not just as fast as last year’s defense. They can all run and move around. It’s a good surprising. It’s very impressive to watch.”

Academy Park also faces the added challenge of defending a district title. The Knights defeated all five of their Del Val opponents a year ago, including avenging a regular season loss to league champion Glen Mills in the district championship game.

“There’s always a target after you win a championship,” said Dembry. “Our goal is to do the best that we can to get back there.”