York Catholic

By Matt Goul

GameTimePA.com

Last November’s appearance in the District 3 Class A championship game left a lasting impression on Eric Depew’s York Catholic squad. His goal is to return to Hershey, where the Fighting Irish lost the title game to Steel-High, and win.

York Catholic returns a number of offensive weapons to get that job done, but the late summer will be a time to teach the new linemen up front what it takes to match the feat of last year’s team.

Offense

Quarterback >> Hakeem Kinard (5-foot-10, 170 pounds) threw for a YAIAA-best 1,730 yards last year as a junior, with 20 touchdowns and just eight interceptions. Add to his passing prowess his 1,203 rushing yards, and Kinard was doubly dangerous.

“He’s very intelligent and understands the game,” Depew said.

Running back >> Kinard wasn’t the only running threat. Jack Burnside (5-10, 165) had multiple 100-yard games as a junior. This year as a senior, he could be joined by sophomore Jakkar Kinard, Hakeem’s younger brother, who starred last year on the Irish freshman team. Senior Greg Bennett (5-11, 160) and junior Joe Bauhof (5-8, 155) could earn carries, too.

Receivers >> For each of the last two seasons, Qua’Shawn Grooms has been among the YAIAA’s best. He returns as a senior after collecting 40 grabs for 651 yards and seven TDs in 2013. Senior Scott Bartkowiak (5-11, 175) and sophomore Dan Yokemick (5-11, 155) also drew Kinard’s attention.

“I have so many weapons to throw to,” Kinard said. “Even if they’re covered, I know they can make a play. That’s a good feeling when you can do that.”

Offensive line >> Senior tackle Michael Sterling (5-9, 170) anchors this group as the lone returning starter. Junior Joe Heldrich (5-11, 175) also contributed as a blocking tight end and should see an increased role. Sophomore Adam Bittner (5-10, 195) and junior Ryan Ratchford (6-2, 250) also are in the mix.

“I think we have some quality kids there,” Depew said. “We’re just not as big as we were last year. I think we’re more athletic up front.”

Defense

Defensive line >> Similar to the offensive side, a mostly fresh group resides here. Junior Luke Brennan at an end will be joined by Bittner and Ratchford as tackles in the rotation. Heldrich is expected to contribute as a hybrid end and outside linebacker who plays up on the line of scrimmage.

Linebackers >> Two starters return, including Bartkowiak on the strong side and Yokemick on the weak side. Depew said he is excited about the defense because “all of our athletes are back there. We’re going to be able to do some things differently.” Junior Sean Lamont (5-7, 175) is the leading candidate to take over the middle spot vacated by Doug Mills and the 151 tackles he made in 2013.

Secondary >> Three starters return here, including Hakeem Kinard and Bennett at the corners. Grooms will be a safety. “We’re very athletic back there,” Depew said.

Special teams

Yokemick handled the majority of kicks last season. Brennan, a soccer player, also could earn an opportunity while the Irish have a host of options in the return game, including Grooms.

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Save the date >> The Aug. 29 debut at Northeastern could be just as entertaining as the last two openers vs. the Bobcats have been. Each time, the home team won by five points.

Bottom line >> The Irish seem poised for another run to the Class A playoffs. The regular season offers plenty of hurdles in the always-competitive Division III race.