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CLARION-LIMESTONE: NEW COACH, NOT SO NEW FACES, SAME OLD RESULTS? |
| By Jonathan Shaffer CLARION TWP. - The more things change, the more they stay the same for the Clarion-Limestone Lions. All-purpose back Dan Alderton, who contributed over 1,000 yards of offense and a team-high 24 touchdowns last year, and quarterback J. J. Ferguson (886 yards passing and 16 touchdowns) are among eight players who graduated. In addition, head coach Clyde Conti, who spent 22 seasons at C-L, is now at Slippery Rock High. Despite the changes, the Lions (8-2 last season) are expected to contend for the Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference title again, thanks in large part to 19 returning players and the return of most of last year's coaches. Those are things that head coach John Kundick, a one-time Conti assistant years ago, is grateful for having. "With this team, it is a team thing," Kundick said. "There is not just one person who is going to outshine everybody. These kids are working really well together. I have a lot of confidence in these kids. They are a team and they understand that. "There isn't a better coaching staff than what's here. I rely on these guys a lot. I'm just very thankful that they're here. I didn't want to change things and these guys know the system and the kids know that they know the system. These guys are just awesome." Offensively, 206 of C-L's 344 points last season were scored by players who have graduated, including 140 points by Alderton alone. Some holes have been left in the C-L offense with the departure of Alderton, who led the Lions in rushing and receiving last season, and quarterback Ferguson. Also, C-L's second leading receiver, Chad Conti (16 catches, 425 yards and 6 touchdowns) graduated as well. Even with those losses, the Lions will be starting players with experience, most notably in sophomore quarterback Hayden Johnston. Johnston saw significant time behind center, going 14-of-42 passing for 299 yards and four touchdowns. He also carried the ball 40 times for 215 yards and three touchdowns. Senior fullback Ben Brooks (63 carries, 419 yards, 5 TD) will anchor the backfield along with tailback Brendan Huwar. At wide receiver, junior Brad Beggs is the only player with experience - last year's starters, Justin McKissick and Ryan Smith, graduated - while senior Harley Doane returns at tight end. "We are going to have a wide open offense," Kundick said. "There are going to be different things we can do with the personnel we have. We can move different guys around in to different positions at any time. "I don't think anyone will know what we are doing (offensively). In fact, there will probably be times when we won't know until given the situation what we are doing. It's going to be exciting." While the Lions may lack experience in the skill positions, it will be their offensive and defensive lines that should set this team apart from the rest of the KSAC. Leading the lines will be senior Jordan Johnston, a Pennsylvania Football News all-state selection, and returning starters in junior Dave Ferguson, junior Dave Eggleton and junior Ron Frances, who will be a linebacker on defense. Kundick believes sophomore Dan Jeannerat could be a solid center. Another linemen in the mix is Matt Steele. "Not too often do lineman get a lot of credit," Kundick said. "But our lineman are going to be where it's at this season. I'll make sure everyone knows that if wasn't for them, our backs couldn't do what they do. If our line stays consistent, I think we had good people in the skill positions who will come through." Kundick is also confident in his linebacker corps, with Brooks, Hayden Johnston and Frances. In sporting a solid front seven, the Lions are inexperienced in the secondary, with Beggs once again being the only player with experience. On special teams, C-L will benefit from having an AP all-state kicker in senior Rocky Davis (39 PAT, 1 FG, 42 points). Hayden Johnston will handle the punting duties, while Kundick is trying several players on the return teams, including Beggs and junior Cam Speer. Players to watch are freshman David "Tuffy" Brooks and sophomore Erik White. |