RIDGWAY LOOKING FOR A SOLID CAMPAIGN

RIDGWAY -- Coming off a 5-4 year that saw them finish fifth in the AML South, the Ridgway football team is looking to take the next step in challenging for a District 9 Class A playoff spot.

The Elkers return nine starters on offense and seven starters on defense along with five other letterwinners from last season's squad.

"A solid nucleus returns for us this season," head coach Mark Morelli said. "We will go as far as far as our senior leadership takes us. Our division is loaded again, and we need to be prepared for our first four games. Curwensville and Brockway are playoff caliber teams, and Coudersport is a favorite in the North Division."

The key returning players on offense are quarterback Brandon Steger, halfbacks Cody Mathis and Dusty Dickant, end Jesse Depanfilis and tackle Dan Bjorkquist.

Steger was the fourth leading passer in District 9 last year during the regular season completing 48 of 102 passes for 888 yards and nine touchdowns. He also threw seven interceptions.

Steger will have to find a new favorite target, however, as the Elkers lost last year's leading receiver Kaleb Fitch to graduation. Fitch caught 22 passes for 387 yards and three touchdowns in 2000.

On defense the key players for Ridgway will be Josh Mercer at inside linebacker, Paul Bullers at defensive tackle and Justin Buehler at defensive end.

The Elkers also have a special teams weapon in kicker Jon Fleming.