William Penn

By Matt Goul

GameTimePA.com

If there is one thing linebacker Lasmir Mitchell remembers about the offense last season, it’s how quickly some possessions went by.

Either a big play led to a touchdown or the team lost possession. The offense rarely seemed to sustain long drives, he said. As a linebacker, he could appreciate a little more of a ball-control offense. And Bearcats coach Shawn Heinold said he hopes his team can accomplish that this fall with some changes to its offensive philosophy.

Enter new offensive coordinator George Chaump. A former Division I college coach, Chaump’s previous high school stops included Central Dauphin, Harrisburg and, most recently, CD East. He coached the Cougars to a District 3 Class AAAA title in 2007 and plans to implement an offense similar to what Auburn used on its way to last year’s national title game in college.

“We’re multiple now,” senior quarterback James Way III said. “We’re not just one-dimensional. We’ve got a lot of people we can give the ball to now.”

Offense

Quarterback >> Way was anything but one-dimensional last year. He passed for 1,671 yards and 17 touchdowns, rushed for another 1,127 and eight TDs and became the YAIAA Division I Player of the Year. The 6-foot-3 Way had a hand in 80 percent of the Bearcats’ total yards on offense.

Running back >> Senior Bryshon Sweeney (5-7, 165) finished second to Way in rushing (446 yards) but had just 86 carries. That total could increase, and Heinold said a fullback also will enter the fray. Mitchell is the leading candidate for that spot.

Receivers >> Leading receiver Da’keem Dennison graduated, but Way still has options in the passing game. First is senior Sae’Quan Whitaker (6-1, 170), who pulled in 19 catches for 239 yards as a junior. Seniors Danny Acevedo and Nate Delmotte also are expected to contribute with tight end Darren Stephens.

Offensive line >> Senior Jacob Whitfield (6-1, 270) is the lone returning starter from this group, which also lost big junior tackle Anees Jamison, who moved to Michigan.

Defense

Defensive line >> Here again, Whitfield is the lone returning starter as an interior tackle. But Heinold is high on the prospects of 5-9 junior Billy Stokes, whom he expects could play at end or tackle.

Linebackers >> Mitchell returns as a third-year starter at middle linebacker with Stephens joining him in this group. One loss that Mitchell laments is his former defensive coordinator, Doug Olson.

“I can still hear his voice, yelling at me when I make mistakes,” Mitchell said. “He helped me a lot.”

Longtime volunteer coach Ali Johnson, a former William Penn player, takes over the job.

Secondary >> Sweeney returns after an All-YAIAA season. He’s joined by Whitaker and Angel DeJesus, a junior with promise, according to Heinold. One change is expected to be a limited role for Way, who doubled last year as a starting safety.

“We’ve got to be cognizant of the fact he’s special at that quarterback position,” Heinold said, “and we’ve got to take care of him.”

Special teams

Sweeney will return kicks, and Heinold expects Ethan Fogleman to handle field goals and extra points. Fogleman, like his older brother Thurman last season, doubles as a member of the marching band.

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Save the date >> The Bearcats’ Division I opener in Week 4 at home vs. Red Lion could set the tone.

Bottom line >> Depth and line play will be a concern for William Penn, which possesses a talented senior core.