Dover

By Matt Goul

GameTimePA.com

Eric Lam puts Dover’s 2013 YAIAA Division II title and district playoff appearance into perspective.

“I always joke with the guys,” he said. “What you did for your wife or girlfriend last year means nothing.”

This year the Eagles still have plenty of experience to build on from last year’s 9-3 season, dominated by a power running game and defense. Expect more of the same.

Offense

Quarterback >> Running back-turned-QB Logan Ambrose has graduated. Gone with him are his rollouts that could turn into first-down runs. However, Ambrose’s style led backup Tyler Blazosky (6-foot-1, 172 pounds) to plenty of repetitions at the position.

“You have to have people ready to go,” Lam said. “We made a concerted effort to get him in the game, but obviously the way Logan played we needed to give him a break. It was advantageous to give him a break.”

Lam said he could see a similar situation play out with Blazosky, now a junior, and senior Kenyon Hoopes (5-9, 150).

Running back >> The three-headed monster is back. Dover rushed for 3,847 yards last fall, paced by fullback Isaiah Green (1,190 yards), Durran Ledbetter (809) and Jake McLean (700). Green (5-11, 200 pounds) and McLean (5-8, 160) are seniors, while Ledbetter (5-8, 165) is a junior. Junior John Sterner (5-7, 150) also should see more time after he stepped in for Ledbetter during last year’s district opener vs. Milton Hershey.

Receivers >> Senior Malik Allen (6-2, 210) caught just five passes as a junior last year, but two went for touchdowns, and he averaged 24 yards per catch. A superb blocker, he is joined by junior Derek Breneman (6-1, 180), who started at receiver and can also play tight end.

Offensive line >> Three starters return to this unit, led by All-YAIAA senior tackle Levi Murphy (6-1, 275). Senior Tyler Jacobson (6-1, 215) and junior Matt Farr (6-2, 220) are also back. Senior Neil Querry (6-0, 220) also split time and should see an increased role.

Defense

Defensive line >> The interior lost talent to graduation in Brian Lehman and Trey Flythe. On the edge, senior Shawn Orchard (6-1, 180) returns after earning more time on the field as last year progressed.

“There are some kids who got some time,” Lam said. “It’s just now is their opportunity. We’ll see if they can do it.”

Linebackers >> While Cameron Beckman has graduated, the Eagles possess two forces in Allen on the edge and Green, who led the team in tackles (93), on the inside. Ledbetter and Breneman also could earn considerable roles here.

Regarding Allen, Lam said: “We’ve got to put him in a position to make plays, whether it’s outside linebacker or defensive end.”

Lam added that Green is just as important to the Eagles’ linebacking corps as he is to the running game.

Secondary >> Lam echoed that sentiment regarding McLean’s role in the secondary, where he’s joined by Sterner.

Special teams

The Eagles graduated kicker Brendan Warren but return Jacobson at punter. Junior Josh Bradley, a soccer player, likely will take over for Warren. Potential kick returners could be picked from the offensive backfield.

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Save the date >> Dover officially welcomes Gettysburg to the YAIAA in Week 4 for their Division II opener.

Bottom line >> The Eagles had more rushing touchdowns (44) than completed passes (36) last year. Until teams can stop the run, expect that trend to continue.