Littlestown

By Brandon Stoneburg

GameTimePA.com

Rain on the first day of practice couldn’t dampen the spirit in Littlestown.

Players sprinted from drill to drill, screaming in the rain as music blared from the loudspeakers.

The Thunderbolts have every reason to be excited following a 12-1 season in which the team made a run to the District 3 Class AA championship game.

But after 17 seniors graduated from that playoff team, head coach Mike Lippy will have his hands full evaluating talent and filling positions.

“You don’t go that far and come back with the same group of kids unless you’re extremely fortunate,” Lippy said. “These new guys are going to have to carve out their own little piece of history. They’ve been working hard, but they have a long way to go.”

Several skill positions were up for grabs when practice started in Littlestown, Lippy said.

“We don’t want to change expectations just because we’ve lost kids,” Lippy said. “We want our kids to consider it a challenge, and that’s what it is.”

Still, Lippy admitted his team is inexperienced at a few offensive skill positions, which could force the Bolts to be a more run-oriented team than he’s had recently.

Offense

Quarterback >> The Bolts will need to replace Trevor Hildebrand, who threw for 1,665 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. An open competition in camp could decide who starts Week 1 against Boiling Springs. Senior Jarrett Brittain and junior Cody Boyd were the favorites early in camp, Lippy said.

“It’s all going to be based on how well these guys can develop over the next few days and weeks,” Lippy said.

Running back >> Zach Brown and Lucas Reynolds likely will be tasked with replacing 1,300-yard running back Dustin DeGroft. Reynolds ran for 755 yards on 110 carries last season.

“We really have six to eight kids who could run it for us,” Lippy said. “But Brown and Reynolds are the two veterans.”

Receivers >> Senior Dalton Brittain could be catching passes from his brother, Jarrett. One surprise is Lane Nye, a big, tall receiver who Lippy said hasn’t played football the last few years but has performed very well in camp.

Offensive line >> The line should be the offense’s strong point: Senior Devyn Houck and junior Ryan Dickensheets are expected to anchor the line.

Defense

Defensive line >> The coaching staff is comfortable with the players in the trenches. Lippy said he likes the experience and poise they’ve shown so far.

Linebackers >> Filling four spots at linebacker was one of Lippy’s keys for the preseason. Reynolds will line up at one outside position, but Lippy said three others needed to separated themselves from the rest of the group.

Secondary >> The Bolts finished with a plus-11 turnover ratio last season, largely thanks to the play of the secondary.

Special teams

The Bolts will be looking for a replacement at the kicker position to fill in for Jeff Garman, who graduated.

• • •

Save the date >> A rematch of last year’s thriller against Bermudian Springs looms large Oct. 24.

Bottom line >> Can Lippy work his magic and replace 17 seniors without rebuilding? The Bolts will need a big year from Reynolds, but a return to the playoffs doesn’t seem too far-fetched.