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PUNXSUTAWNEY HOPES TO CONTINUE MOMENTUM GAINED AT END OF 2001 |
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By John Biddix – WPXZ Radio Sports PUNXSUTAWNEY – The Punxsutawney Chucks head into the 2002 football season on the heels of winning four of their final five games to end last season, but if the Chucks are going to continue that momentum they will have to replace four of the five linemen who helped produce a solid rushing attack in 2001. While the line takes time to gel, head coach Gary Garzoni hopes that the returning lettermen will step up to the challenge. And that is where the good news comes in, as Punxsutawney has all of its skill players returning. The group is led by two four-year starters in quarterback/cornerback Joe Martin and fullback/middle linebacker Corey Blose, who were both named to the Pennsylvania Football News All-Academic team last season. Last season Martin completed 50 percent of his passes going 49 of 98 for 708 yards and five touchdowns while throwing three interceptions. Blose meanwhile helped lead the way for running back Dustin Guidash helping Guidash rush for nearly 1,000 yards in 2002. Guidash, who is also back, rushed was the ninth leading rusher in District 9 last season rushing for 997 yards according to D9Sports.Com figures and 15 touchdowns. Also returning for the Chucks are wide receivers Del Bouch and Kyle Barilar (19 catches, 361 yards, 1 touchdown) and tackle Brandon Weaver (6-5, 280). This years Chucks have a great deal of team speed and experience, but the only question mark is if they can get out of the blocks fast after starting each of the past three seasons 0-5. The opportunity for the fast start begins Aug. 30 when Punxsutawney hosts Slippery Rock, which is coached by a familiar District 9 face, former Clarion-Limestone head coach Clyde Conti. |