York Suburban

By Steve Navaroli

GameTimePA.com

When Jeremy Jones took over the York Suburban program in 2013, there was much to learn for all involved. Because of it, the Trojans took some lumps on the field, especially early in the season.

However once the team attained some familiarity with each other, things started to click, and Suburban finished with a 5-5 record.

“I was new to them. They were new to me. I threw everything at them (and said), you’ve got to learn it by Week 1, and it didn’t work,” Jones said. “This year we are slowly implementing things. ... We can’t go to the next step until we get the first step.”

The good news is that several starters return, and the team that finished last year with only 27 players has 54 heading into the new season. Now that the team is past that first-year learning curve, Suburban hopes to be prepared heading back into Division II after four seasons in Division III.

Offense

Quarterback >> This position is a definite strength for the Trojans, as junior Thomas Merkle (5-foot-10, 140 pounds) returns after throwing seven touchdowns. He improved steadily as last season went on and is ready to take on more of a leadership role in 2014.

“I know what I am supposed to do, and I need to get it done that way,” he said.

At times, he’ll get some relief from physical senior Sawyer Robinson (6-0, 174), especially in tough yardage situations.

Running back >> Liam McWilliams (5-8, 155) returns after running for 335 yards, an average of 3.53 per carry, as a junior. Speedy junior Dajour Henderson (5-6, 145) averaged 6.71 yards per carry in limited action last year and could be a big factor.

Receivers >> Jimmy Daglaris (5-9, 149) figures to be a favorite target for Merkle this season. Daglaris had 12 catches with an impressive 25.08 yards per catch average.

Offensive line >> Improved depth will provide a boost up front, where Jones anticipates six or seven players vying for spots.

Defense

Defensive line >> The core of Dan Strong (6-1, 231), who had 36 tackles with one sack, and Will Peters (6-1, 190), who had 35 and 2 1/2, return to a line that will have a lot more depth this season.

Linebackers >> Showing a nose for the football, Robinson was a first-team Division III all-star last season after making 58 tackles with 2 1/2 sacks. The team has to replace the combined 165 tackles from graduated Steven Salcedo and Aaron Ivey.

Secondary >> Collin Mailman (5-10, 162) and Daglaris will roam the defensive backfield with the hopes of lowering last year’s average of nearly 160 passing yards allowed per game.

Special teams

This is an area of question for Suburban with the graduation of multi-year kicker/punter Kyle Bulgarelli.

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Save the date >> Jones served on Ron Miller’s staff at West York before taking the Trojans’ job. He will face his mentor Oct. 10 in a game that will provide a solid barometer for where his team stands.

Bottom line >> The Trojans must cut down on the number of turnovers, and the big plays allowed on defense.