Delone Catholic

By Brandon Stoneburg

GameTimePA.com

Delone Catholic, which traditionally finishes near the top of Division III, suffered a down year in 2013, ending with a 4-6 record. The injury bug bit, and the Squires missed the District 3 playoffs for the first time since 2006.

Whether the Squires can bounce back depends a lot on starting quarterback Jake Wiles’ knee.

The senior sustained a torn ACL while playing basketball in the offseason but, after counseling with doctors and coaches, decided to play through it. Wiles will wear a brace and most likely be limited to certain offensive packages, head coach Steve Wiles said.

By having to play through so many injuries last season, the coach was able to insert younger players in games, allowing them to gain valuable experience. Because of that, this season’s roster will have evenly distributed experience and at least one or two players at each position who are familiar with the system, Wiles said.

Offense

Quarterback >> Compounding the offseason injury, Jake Wiles left the first day of practice early. He went down awkwardly and was nursing his injured right knee in obvious pain. He would have to miss at least a few days of practice, his coach said.

“He has looked strong and has been going through his rehab,” Wiles said of his son and starting quarterback. “The potential to do more damage is there, so he’ll just have to make a decision.”

If he elects surgery or is unable for the opener, the starting job would go to sophomore Brian Shermyer, who played two games behind center for an injured Wiles last season.

Running back >> The Squires boast depth and speed in the backfield despite the graduation of leading rusher Matt Giuffreda. Senior Tyler Loucks, who Wiles said “loves hitting people,” will join senior Jake Kadis and junior Tavian Dorsey in the backfield.

“I think he’ll have an attacking style and really go after people,” Wiles said of Loucks.

Receivers >> This could be the biggest area of concern for the coaching staff.

“We’re still trying to figure out who those guys are going to be,” Wiles said.

Offensive line >> Wiles counts the line as a strong point on the roster. Bryce Perkins, who was forced into action last season as a freshman, is expected to play a larger role on the line this season alongside senior Mike Rider and junior Chase Kint.

Defense

Defensive line >> The coaching staff is looking for another defensive tackle, but Perkins and Rider should anchor the line.

Linebackers >> Kadis will move to outside linebacker. He is a solid tackler and good in coverage, which will help against spread offenses, Wiles said.

Secondary >> Shermyer and Loucks will play safety. Dorsey will be the top corner, and sophomore Alec Maitland is expected to return from last season’s injury to round out the secondary.

Special teams

Senior Jay Strickland returns at the kicker position, where he converted 22 out of 25 PATs last season.

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Save the date >> The Squires will face their two biggest rivals, Littlestown and Bermudian Springs, on the road this season. A Sept. 26 matchup at Littlestown follows three consecutive home games.

Bottom line >> If Shermyer can fill in, and if the running game is as quick and strong as the coaching staff believes it is, the Squires could compete at the top of the division.