Hanover

By Mike Rubin

GameTimePA.com

Hanover head coach Bill Reichart knows what success at his alma mater tastes like, and he is determined to bring the Nighthawks back to form.

A member of Hanover’s 1985 District 3 championship football team, Reichart served as interim coach for the Nighthawks’ last five games in 2013. His interim tag was removed in early 2014.

The Hawks went 1-9 last year, but they return several key players who gained valuable experience.

“You cannot change everything immediately,” Reichart said. “My intention and sincere hopes this year are the further we get into the process, we will naturally get better.”

Offense

Quarterback >> The most likely candidate to replace four-year starter Brady Goodfellow is junior Kyle Krout, who brings back the most experience. Krout started several games last season for the Nighthawks and will receive stiff competition from fellow junior Bill Morris, who brings a high level of athleticism to the position.

Running back >> The replacement for Trace Russ is still to be determined, but Reichart said that’s not because of a lack of depth. The Nighthawks plan to use a running back by committee. Junior Jordan Laughman appears to be slightly ahead of fellow juniors Colten Ehrhart and Devon Bell.

Receivers >> Senior Dylan Krieger returns as the team’s leading receiver. At 6-foot-4, Krieger stands tall above opposing cornerbacks and hopes to see the ball thrown his way quite often.

Offensive line >> Junior Tavin Zinn and senior Devin Faisal will anchor the two tackle spots. Senior Garrett Reichart and Josh McClintock appear primed to fill the guard positions. Junior center Bailey Kenworthy will round out the offensive line.

Defense

Defensive line >> Zinn will start on both the offensive and defensive lines and is the only returning starter on the defensive unit. Reichart said he has high expectations for Zinn. Junior Dustin Rutter and Kenworthy will play key roles on the line.

Linebackers >> Middle linebacker Garrett Reichart will anchor the unit and is the only starter returning. McClintock and Ehrhart will play outside linebacker, and Bill Morris will compete for time.

Secondary >> Krieger poses a huge advantage for the Nighthawks at defensive back. He will be joined by Laughman, Nick Seymour and Chase Etzler.

Special teams

Krieger appears primed to handle the punting duties. No one has emerged in the kicking game, so Reichart might look to add a potential soccer player to the mix.

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Save the date >> Oct. 31 at Delone Catholic. The Nighthawks’ regular-season finale is against rival Delone Catholic. Last year, the Squires defeated Hanover, 46-14, and Hanover would like nothing more than to return the favor.

Bottom line >> Reichart takes over a program that is desperate for consistency. With his roots planted firmly in Hanover, Reichart is here for the long haul. He said he believes 2014 can be the beginning of a new era of Hanover football. Several key players will have to step up, and there will need to be some surprise performers. How quickly the team can buy into the program will go a long way toward determining the fate of its season.