RIDGWAY – With 16 letterwinners and 14 starters (6 offense, 8 defense), Ridgway’s football team might be ready to make a run at the AML South title in 2002 as well as a spot in the District 9 Class A Playoffs.

"We definitely feel we will once again be in the thick of things," Ridgway head coach Mark Morelli told the DuBois Courier Express. "But as usual our schedule is tough and our division will make things very competitive."

Morelli said his team is doing the little things it takes to be successful.

"We have a very determined group of seniors," Morelli told the Courier Express. "They have lived in the weight room this off season."

As with most teams, Morelli believes his team will go as far as it lines carry it.

"Our strength will be the play of the offensive and defensive lines as well as our returning linebacking corps," Morelli told the Courier Express.

On offense, the Elkers return starting quarterback Andy Kelly as well as halfback Dave Bundy, fullback Ryan Mitchell, wide out Justin Buehler, guard Paul Bullers and tackle Dave Bjorkquist.

Last season Kelly was 40-for-75 for 570 yards three touchdowns and four interceptions. Bundy rushed 18 times for 95 yards and two touchdowns, while Mitchell rushed 104 times for 348 yards and six scores. Mitchell also caught 10 passes for 90 yards and scored a team leading 38 points, and Buehler had four catches for 55 yards.

The Elkers do have to replace their top runner, Dustin Dickant (108 carries, 520 yards), and receiver, Jesse DePanfilis (25 catches, 390 yards, 3 touchdowns), from last season.

Stepping in for Dickant will be Josh Mercer, while Josh Shirey will replace DePanfilis.

Joining the two returning starters on the line will be either Bryan Slattery, Brian Reed or Matt DiIulio at center, Toby Nashadka at guard and either Reed or Ray Kelly at tackle.

"The key to our entire offense will be the line tackle to tackle," Morelli told the Courier Express.

On defense the returning starters are Nashadka and Buehler at end, red and Bjorkquist at tackle, Ed Weyant and Tim Wright at outside linebacker and Josh Mercer and Mitchell at inside linebacker. Those eight starters average over 240 pounds, which should make them tough to move.

"Josh Mercer is one of the best linebackers in District 9," Morelli told the Courier-Express. "He will be the fuel that makes the defense run."