COUDERSPORT LOOKING TO CONTINUE RUN OF SUCCESS
COUDERSPORT – Coudersport has had one of the most consistent football programs in District 9 over the last two decades making it to the District 9 playoffs eight times since their inception in 1987, including in five of the last seven seasons, while winning two District 9 titles.

The Falcons have gone 25-7 over the past three seasons winning the 2001 District 9 Class A championship as well as the 2001 AML Title and being AML runners-up in 2002 and 2003.

So what will 2004 bring the Falcons, who finished 8-2 last season losing 10-9 in the opening round of the D9 playoffs to Port Allegany?

"This could be an interesting and challenging season," 26th-year head coach Paul Simcoe, who is 161-71-8 at the school, said. "This is a different type of team from last year. It’s the least number of returning starters and lettermen we have had in a while."

Gone from last season’s team are seven offensive starters including part-time starting quarterback Scott Easton and seven defensive starters.

Despite the losses, Simcoe still has high hopes and goals for this year’s team.

"We want to win the AML championship and get into the state playoffs," Simcoe said.

Coudersport has a plethora of skill players coming back that should make reaching those goals a possibility.

Senior John Gerhart becomes the full-time quarterback after splitting time with Easton last season.

Gerhart had a solid year going 17-for-40 passing for 300 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions.

Gerhart will have the team’s leading receiver from a year ago back in senior split end Mike Kehr.

Kehr was the 12th leading receiver in District 9 last year with 24 catches for 472 yards and eight touchdowns. He added 102 yards rushing and two touchdowns.

Wingback Rob Cavallari (69 yards rushing, 47 receiving, 1 TD) gives Coudersport another seasoned target.

Junior tailback David Babcock and senior fullback Jeremiah Wagner will lead the way in the backfield for the Falcons.

Babcock was the second leading rusher for Coudersport last year with 87 carries for 335 yards and three touchdowns while adding six catches for 98 yards and a score. Wagner added 42 totes for 142 yards.

The offensive line will be led by tackle Brandon Smith and will include newcomers Josh Jackson, Daryl White, Zach Higgins, Isaac Cary and Kody Frederick.

Tailback Steve Bernard is another newcomer to watch according to Simcoe.

"Speed and good skill people make up our strength on offense," Simcoe said.

On defense, Cavallari will be at safety with Gerhart and Wagner and linebacker and Smith at defensive end.

Newcomers on the defense to keep an eye on include Jackson at defensive end.

"Our defense has good team speed and athletic ability," Simcoe said.

The Falcons also return one of the top punters/kickers in the league in Caleb Morris.

"We really need to gain experience early and develop good leadership and teamwork," Simcoe said.