Susquehannock

By Ryan Dixon

For GameTimePA.com

Last year, Sammy Miller and Bryan Kerr were the main cogs for Susquehannock. Their graduation leaves holes in the skill set of the Warriors’ offense.

“We have some depth this year, which is nice. I don’t know that I see one or two guys taking the limelight like perhaps last year,” first-year Susquehannock head coach J.C. Lewis said. “We have a lot of kids who I think can play for us on Fridays.”

The players have noticed Lewis’ energy, as numbers were up in the weight room.

“You have to put in the time during the offseason to be successful during the season,” Lewis said.

Not only does Lewis want his squad to be well-bonded and successful, he’s pushing for symmetry between the varsity and youth levels.

“We continue to work with the junior high and the SYC programs,” he said.

Offense

Quarterback >> Senior Colin Kelly, junior Josh Stoneberg and sophomore Chase Summers are competing to take over for Kerr. Kelly threw for 104 yards last season, and Stoneberg threw for 82.

“It’s an interesting scenario for all of them, because it’s a new system. It’s a blank slate for all three,” Lewis said.

Running back >> “We have a stable of guys,” said Lewis, who added that eight or nine players could see time. Dorian Faster, Mason Wood, Myles Moultrie and Kevin Clapp are among those who should see significant carries as the team tries to make up for the loss of the combined 1,400 rushing yards from Kerr and Miller last year.

Receivers >> Nick Tannura, Jakob Kramer, Tyler Buckley and Luke Bond will be relied on to haul in passes. Tannura had 10 catches for 136 yards last season.

Offensive line >> Nick DeLuca will anchor the line as the team transitions from a veer option offense to a spread attack.

“Ever since Coach Lewis got hired, he’s been having classroom sessions where we can sit down and learn the offense on paper,” DeLuca said. “By the time camp starts, everyone should know the basics of the playbook.”

Defense

Defensive line >> DeLuca will man an end for the Warriors as they look to be more aggressive and create more than the 7.5 sacks they had as a team a year ago.

Linebackers >> Ray Wenger will probably be the guy calling the defense for the Warriors. The senior had 62 tackles, a forced fumble and a recovered fumble last year.

Secondary >> The biggest defensive goal for the Warriors is to not give up any points, Lewis said. Last season, the Warriors allowed an average of 31.3 points per game. Tannura had four interceptions and 11 tackles last season.

Special teams

Adam Hedgeland returns this year. As a freshman last year, he was 15-of-21 on extra points and has been applauded by Lewis for his work in the weight room in the offseason.

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Save the date >> The players are looking forward to their homecoming game against Eastern York on Oct. 10 and the rivalry game against Kennard-Dale on Oct. 24.

“We always look forward to the Kennard-Dale game,” DeLuca said.

Bottom line >> The Warriors allowed 313 points last season and scored just 169. Reversing that trend and finding playmakers — especially on the offensive side of the ball — will go a long way to helping the Warriors improve on last year’s 3-7 mark.