KANE LOOKS READY TO COMPETE FOR AML; D9 TITLES

KANE – With 13 returning starters from a team that went 6-4 overall and 6-3 AML South last season, including wins in five of its final seven games, Kane appears in position to contend for both an AML and District 9 Class A title this season.

"We have had a lot of success the past two seasons with 15 wins and an AML title," Kane’s third-year head coach Rick Bouch said. "This year we have three solid senior leaders and a very deep junior class. I believe we have the tools to put together another successful campaign."

On offense Kane has an experienced offensive line with three starters returning.

The line will be anchored by three-year starter Chad Alexis at strong tackle with Matt Holt moving from a part-time starter to a full-time one at guard with James Downey moving over to center this season.

Joining the three returning starters will be two of the following Wally Mague, Tim Mix or Josh Keith.

The line will be blocking for a talented backfield that includes returning starter Mike Giordano at quarterback, Kyle Oakes at tailback and Alex Fadenholz at fullback.

Giordano had an okay season last year completing 31 percent of his passes (35 for 113) for 713 yards, six touchdowns and nine interceptions. His passing yardage was good for 14^th best in District 9. Giordano actually did more damage with his legs in 2003 rushing 98 times for 265 yards and seven scores.

Oakes, a member of Kane’s state-qualifying 4x400-meter relay team in the spring, saw some action last season rushing 53 times for 249 yards and two scores, while Fadenholz was a wide receiver a year ago who caught four passes for 82 yards and a touchdown.

"Alex is a fast player who runs a 4.6 40," Bouch said.

Both starters return at wide receiver this season with Paul Eastman and Colton Johnson giving Giordano two experienced targets. Eastman has seven catches for 75 yards and a touchdown last year.

For the second time in two years, the Wolves will be breaking in a new tight end with either junior Mike Eckstorm, a converted wide receiver, or sophomore Josh Spare taking the spot.

Seven starters return on defense for Kane including defensive tackles Alexis and Holt, defensive end Downey, safeties Eastman and Fadenholz and cornerbacks Johnson and Oakes.

Either Keith or Mague will join Downey at defensive end with Tim Mix and Giordano looking to fill in at the linebacking spots.

"Josh Good and Axle Tankersley good add depth in the secondary for us allowing us the possibility to move Fadenholz to an outside linebacker spot," Bouch said.

Fadenholz also could be the Wolves punter and kicker with Downey returning as long snapper. Oakes, Good and Eastman should handle the kick returns according to Ackerman.