Gettysburg

By Mike Rubin

GameTimePA.com

Coming off its best season since 2010, Gettysburg was a few plays away from winning the Mid-Penn Colonial Division. A 19-13 loss to Shippensburg left the Warriors just short of their goal, but earned them a trip to the District 3 Class AAA playoffs. After a first-round loss to Cocalico, the Warriors’ season ended with a 6-5 record.

While much of the 2013 roster returns, 2014 still brings a different look to Gettysburg. The Warriors have left the Mid-Penn Conference and will play their first year as members of the YAIAA. They will break in a renovated stadium and new synthetic turf field in Week 2 against New Oxford.

Still, after a successful 2013 campaign, and most of the roster back, the expectations and excitement level are high.

“We have basically everyone back skill-wise,” Heiser said. “We lose our quarterback and linebacker, but everyone is back from last season. Trying to replace those guys is hard, but at the same time it rejuvenates some guys and gives them an opportunity to step on the field.”

Offense

Quarterback >> The Warriors have to replace do-it-all quarterback Jesse Stouch, who finished last season with 1,063 passing yards and 13 touchdowns. He also rushed for a team-high 754 yards and 12 touchdowns. But the well is not dry at the position for Heiser, as seniors Jake Myers and Dalton Lyons are battling for the starting spot.

Running back >> Gettysburg returns the entire stable from last year at the running back and fullback positions. Lane Sherman (627 yards, 4 TDs) and Tyler Lampe (425, 4) both return at running back, and Mitchell Hoffman and Wade Laudeman return at fullback.

Receivers >> Kobe Wansel returns to the Warriors after leading his team in 2013 with 22 receptions for 498 yards. Gettysburg’s second-leading pass catcher was the running back Lampe, who led the team in receiving touchdowns with six.

Offensive line >> Gone is first-team All-Mid Penn lineman Brent Crushong, but Gettysburg does have Giovanni Alvarado back to spearhead a unit that Heiser lauds for its depth.

Defense

Defensive line >> Alvarado anchors this unit, as well. The Warriors also return senior Mitch Hoffman, and they hope senior Jordan Turner will step up for the unit.

Linebackers >> Seniors Nate Sharrah and Laudeman anchor the linebacking corps.

“The linebackers, especially the outside guys, read pretty good,” Heiser said. “Actually, right now, I think we are at a comfort level where we have four guys who could start at the outside backer for us.”

Secondary >> Seniors Sherman and Lampe lead an experienced unit that also includes Dalton Lyons at safety.

Special teams

Michael Heeschen leads the special teams unit and handles all the kicking duties. Sherman is back as the team’s returner.

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Save the date >> Gettysburg opens its new stadium Sept. 5 against New Oxford.

Bottom Line >> The Warriors have the pieces to have a successful 2014 season. The wild card will be how they match up against YAIAA Division II competition.