Eastern York

By RYAN DIXON

For GameTimePA.com

It’s a time of change at Eastern York.

Not only are the Golden Knights moving up to Division II, but they will be under the guidance of first-year head coach Dave Kemmick.

“I don’t think it will have any effect,” Kemmick said about the division move. “Division III is a tough division, so (Division II) will be a couple of different teams to play. I wasn’t here for Division III, so for me it’s just a schedule.”

The Golden Knights, who were 5-5 overall last year, will start the season with familiar opponents in Columbia, York County Tech and Hanover.

“I’m just trying to get things to happen a little faster,” Kemmick said. “Just the basics. Guys making tackles and coming forward and filling holes a little quicker.”

Offense

Quarterback >> The Golden Knights are switching from a multiple I set look to a variation of the Wing-T, and there is competition at the signal caller position, with junior Ryan Kalke among the contenders.

Running back >> David Livelsberger, Lucas Barshinger and Jake Kessler will spearhead the Eastern rushing attack. Livelsberger rushed 125 times last season for 934 yards and eight touchdowns.

Receivers >> Last year’s leading receiver Christian Buser graduated, so there will be room for someone to step up.

Offensive line >> Garret Ishman, Lee Dice, Wyatt Smith and Scott Elliot return to anchor an offense that scored 237 points last season.

“We’re getting stronger. Our line is pretty big and strong this year,” Ishman said.

Defense

Defensive line >> Collectively, the defense will be inexperienced this season. Ishman returns to anchor the line. The senior spoke about how crucial practice is in preparing for the season: “We have to condition a lot more. So, when we’re in the game, we’re not getting tired, and we can go 100 percent all the time.”

Linebackers >> Barshinger is back, and “discipline is going to be our biggest thing,” the senior said. The Golden Knights allowed 237 points last season.

Secondary >> Kessler returns as the Golden Knights will have to make up for the graduated Justin Keller and Jake Wildasin.

Special teams

Keller and Thomas Taylor split the place kicking duties last year, and both have graduated, so the Knights will be searching for a new kicker this season.

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Save the date >> The first game of the season is against Susquehanna River rival Columbia. Adding to the already fierce rivalry is the fact that Kemmick is a math teacher at Columbia. But will that game hold more weight than others on the schedule?

“I don’t think so. It’s just a short drive across the river,” Kemmick said.

Bottom line >> Kemmick is focusing on the basics as the team moves into Division II. After the first three games, the Golden Knights enter division play against West York, Dover and Gettysburg. Those three contests will be crucial in Eastern’s learning process, especially with a new quarterback, new offensive style and an inexperienced defense.