Central York

By Steve Navaroli

GameTimePA.com

Even a veteran coach can be caught off guard by his team, and it’s safe to say the 2013 Central York squad surprised longtime coach Brad Livingston.

Fresh off winning a share of the 2012 YAIAA Division I championship, the Panthers went into last season with uncertainty at quarterback and a major injury to Jay Stone, one of their expected key offensive weapons.

Yet Dylan Hose took over behind center and threw for 17 touchdowns, with another 14 rushing scores. At halfback, Breaun Randle ran for 1,290 yards and 12 touchdowns, and Central won the division title once again.

“Last year what I knew, a lot of that didn’t transpire,” Livingston said. “We lost Jay (Stone), but I didn’t have any idea Breaun was going to turn into the beast running back that he was.”

The questions are simple: Who steps up this season? Can the Panthers three-peat?

Offense

Quarterback >> Junior Nik Strine (6-foot, 164 pounds) appears ready to fill the shoes of Hose, although Livingston added that sophomore Shannon Valenti (5-10, 162) has been solid in preseason workouts and can compete for the job.

Running back >> While the replacement for Randle is still to be determined, the blocker remains the same in senior fullback Pearson Hinkle (5-7, 180), who is an integral part of the Panthers offense despite having only 19 carries in 2013.

Receivers >> Sure-handed tight end Robert Romey III (6-2, 194) is the leading returner, although he had only nine receptions last season. Athletic senior Jeremiah Dadeboe (6-1, 168) will likely see the ball thrown his way quite a few times.

Offensive line >> Guards Nate Stephens (5-11, 198) and Zane Santos (5-10, 161) are returning starters. Livingston said he’s hopeful that returning letterwinners Nate Raffensberger (6-0, 176) and Josh Ferguson (6-0, 170) will help form a blocking wall for the speedy offense.

Defense

Defensive line >> Hinkle is the only returning starter on the D-line, and the development of seniors Erik Wynn (6-0, 270) and Dominic Merryman (6-0, 161) will be crucial against Division I’s physical offensive lines.

Linebackers >> The strongest part of Central’s defense will be anchored by outside linebackers Elzir Stroman (5-10, 166), who had 42 tackles and three interceptions, and Dadeboe, who made 19 tackles. T.J. Craft (6-2, 210) had 15 stops off the Panthers’ bench last season.

Secondary >> This unit will feature all new starters in 2014. But as usual, Central is blessed with a lot of speed, which will help.

Special teams

Always a solid area for the Panthers, whose speed sets up dangerous kick return potential. Even though the names change, the kicking game is usually an area of strength.

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Save the date >> The schedule opens with the annual battle against cross-division rival West York and closes with league rival William Penn. However, a Week 9 matchup at Dallastown might have the most postseason implications.

Bottom line >> Central will once again be athletic, and because of that, you can expect the new skill position players to develop quickly in Livingston’s system. However, the coach said he senses a lack of chemistry. If the Panthers develop that similar to the past two seasons, a three-peat is possible.