Spring-Ford

By Darryl Grumling

dgrumling@pottsmerc.com

During the four-year head coaching tenure of Chad Brubaker, the Spring-Ford offense has had plenty of home-run hitters — big-play skill guys like running back Jarred Jones and receivers Andrew Scanlan, Gary Hopkins and Zameer McDowell.

This fall, though, the Rams will rely on a bevy of contact-hitting, move-the-chain guys in the hopes of keeping their successful run going.

Brubaker has installed a no-huddle offense, with senior quarterback Brandon Leacraft at the controls.

“Because of the tailbacks we had in previous years, we were able to control the ball a little bit,” said Brubaker, who has guided the Rams to a 41-11 mark since taking over. “Now, we’re going to have to switch gears a little more and change the pace.

“Our offensive staff has worked really hard to try and put together a system, and our kids have responded to it really well. They recognize that there’s a lot of opportunities to get touches.”

Those expected to get the majority of those touches include running back Trey Jarmon, a transfer from West Chester East; the sure-handed receiving combo of Danny Matthews and Brandon Barone; tight end Bryce Rhodenbaugh (the son of former Rams head coach and current assistant Gary Rhodenbaugh); and versatile sophomore Stone Scarcelle, who will be utilized as a passer, rusher and receiver.

“We’ll have a lot of pass-run options in the plays we’re running,” Brubaker said.

While the Rams will no doubt feature an entertaining offense, their defense will be a work in progress — after graduating 11 starters from a team that went 7-1 in the PAC-10 and 10-3 overall last year in reaching the District 1-AAAA quarterfinals.

“We’re just trying to get guys in the right spots right now,” Brubaker said. “We have 11 guys to replace. It’s not that some of the guys don’t have experience, but we’re going to have to get guys comfortable. We’re still trying to figure out who is going to be our strong-side end, our Sam linebacker, our Mike (linebacker). We’re switching kids around to get the best compliment of skills and ability, and quite honestly, body type.”

“We want have a fast-paced offense and hard-hitting defense,” said Matthews.

Which should once again have the Rams in the thick of the PAC-10 title chase.

Follow Darryl Grumling on Twitter at@MercSmokinD.