2003 DISTRICT 9 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON STARTS FRIDAY

SHIPPENVILLE – The 2003 high school football season is just around the corner, and the 29 teams playing in District 9 leagues this season, including four non-District 9 teams, are ready to go.

Last year, Clearfield (Class AAA), Brockway (Class AA) and Clarion-Limestone (Class A) took home District 9 titles. Who will be the top teams this season? Only time will tell.

A quick look at each team follows below. The list is complete expect for Punxsutawney, which has Week One off.

Information gathered from the Olean Times Herald

HEAD COACH: Paul Simcoe

LAST SEASON: 7-3 (AML North Champs; Lost to Kane 35-19 in AML Title game; Lost to Kane 7-6 in D9 Class A semifinals)

RETURNING STARTERS (Listed by No. of positions not No. of players): 5

KEY STAT LEADERS RETURNING: FB Ross Simcoe (69 carries, 254 yards, 2 TDs).

NOTABLE: Although 17 letterwinners return for the Falcons, only five starters are back. Coudersport must find a way to replace leading rusher Zach Hershey (173 carries, 866 yards, 19 TDs; 223 yards receiving, 2 TDs – 8^th leading rusher in D9), starting QB Ben Carey (77-for-179, 1,251 yards, 11 TDs, 7 Ints – 5^th leading passer in D9) and the top five receivers in Zach Pucci (16 catches, 277 yards), Jarrett Levavasseur (12 catches, 257 yards, 3 TDs), Hershey, Jeremiah Frederick (9 catches, 198 yards, 2 TDs) and Paul Strayer (8 catches, 98 yards, 4 TDs). The only returning starters are FB/LB Simcoe, defensive end Scott Easton, guard Tim Gaberseck and guard Robert Swank.

SEASON OPENER: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 29 – at Cameron County

HEAD COACH: Drew Seaman (2^nd season, 7-4)

LAST SEASON: 7-4 (Defeated Saegertown 8-0 in District 10 Class A First Round; Lost to West Middlesex 21-17 in D10 title game.)

RETURNING STARTERS (Listed by No. of positions not No. of players): 4

KEY STAT LEADERS RETURNING: RB Bart Moon (48 carries, 319 yards, 3 TDs; 17 catches, 367 yards, 3 TDs), Jordon Beck (0-for-2 passing), RB Mark Collins (46 carries, 309 yards, 2 TDs).

NOTABLE: The Knights have a lot of holes to fill after graduating 15 seniors including 10 starters from last season’s team that came within an eyelash of winning the District 10 title.

On defense the toughest starter to replace will probably be inside linebacker Jake Rulander who led the team with 173 tackles last season. Also gone is defensive end/punter Josh Abbey (10 sacks; 13 punts, 40 yards per punt, long of 67 yards).

On offense, the Knights have to replace QB Jacoby Curtis (72-for-160, 1,277 yards, 11 TDs, 14 Ints; 102 carries, 200 yards, 1 TD – 3^rd leading passer among QB’s playing in D9 leagues), RB Eric Siriani (80 carries, 343 yards, 3 TDs) and RB Tyler Cathcart (50 carries, 94 yards, 3 TDs; 12 catches, 208 yards, 1 TD).

This could be the last season in the AML North for the Knights. The Warren Times Observer reported in August that Eisenhower and Youngsville would join a District 10 conference next season, while Sheffield would become a full-time District 9 member.

SEASON OPENER: 7 p.m. Aug. 29 – at Curwensville

Information gathered from the Olean Times Herald

HEAD COACH: Kerry Snow

LAST SEASON: 1-8

RETURNING STARTERS (Listed by No. of positions not No. of players): 22

KEY STAT LEADERS RETURNING: N/A

NOTABLE: With a 21-15 win in the final game of the season last year, the Terrors snapped a 27-game losing streak dating back to 1999. With almost everyone back from last season, the Terrors could be turning the corner. Enthusiasm is a high as well with 17 players having attended football camps during the summer. Luke Breese is back as the starting QB, while Virgil Graham and Ryan Little is return at RB. Keith Barrett is back at tight end with Kelly Snow at split end. On the offensive line, Chris App, Shane Easton, Mike Eaton, Scott Filer, Devon Frame and Matt Price are all back with starting experience, while Tyler Ferguson has experience at an end spot.

SEASON OPENER: 7 p.m. Aug. 29 – at Ridgway

Information gathered from the Olean Times Herald

HEAD COACH: Bob Haskins (21^st year – 88-88-1)

LAST SEASON: 6-3

RETURNING STARTERS (Listed by No. of positions not No. of players): 16

KEY STAT LEADERS RETURNING: QB Craig Flint (54-for-120, 731 yards, 7 TDs, 9 Ints), RB Claude Haskins (107 carries, 419 yards, 2 TDs; 23 catches, 217 yards), SE Jeremy Neice (10 catches, 217 yards, 3 TDs), RB Jeremy Tanner (63 yards rushing, 10 catches, 181 yards, 3 TDs).

NOTABLE: After starting the season 1-3 last year, Port Allegany rolled off five straight wins to close the year 6-3. With 16 starters back from that team including their starting QB (Craig Flint), second leading rusher and top receiver (Claude Haskins), second leading receiver (Jeremy Neice) and four offensive linemen the Gators seemed poised to make a run at the AML North Title. The only significant loss in the skill positions on offense is leading rusher Adam Rohrer who gained 842 yards and scored 10 touchdowns on a team-high 152 carries. Haskins, who lugged the ball 107 times, will be expected to fill in some of the difference as will Jeremy Tanner. Port Allegany probably has one of the best, if not youngest, quarterback duos in District 9 as well. In addition to Flint, a junior who was 14^th in District 9 in passing, sophomore Willie Bova showed a lot of promise in limited action going 6-of-13 for 129 yards and two touchdowns. The Gators can make a statement early on when they open against last season’s AML Champion and District 9 runner-up Kane.

SEASON OPENER: 7 p.m. Aug. 29 – at Kane

Information gathered from the Olean Times Herald

HEAD COACH: Scott Park (2^nd season, 3-6)

LAST SEASON: 3-6

RETURNING STARTERS (Listed by No. of positions not No. of players): 15

KEY STAT LEADERS RETURNING: N/A

NOTABLE: Sheffield plays in a co-op with Abraxas. This season there are 30 players from Sheffield and 20 from Abraxas with five of the Abraxas players on the varsity roster. Park believes that if the ball bounces right and the team gels with 15 starters back Sheffield has a chance to win the AML Title and play in the District 10 playoffs.

This could be the last season Sheffield plays as a District 10 team. According to a story in the Warren Times Observer, the Wolverines might move into District 9 as a full-time member next season while Eisenhower and Youngsville leave the AML North completely.

SEASON OPENER: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 29 – at Brockway

Information gathered from the Olean Times Herald

HEAD COACH: Brandon Falk

LAST SEASON: 3-6

RETURNING STARTERS (Listed by No. of positions not No. of players): 15

KEY STAT LEADERS RETURNING: TB Mike Mitchell (136 carries, 714 yards, 10 touchdowns; 22-for-62 passing, 269 yards, 1 TD, 5 Ints – Ranked 18^th in District 9 in rushing last season), FB Zach Parks (18 carries, 149 yards), RB Andrew Rounsville (34 carries, 184 yards, 1 TD), FB Bryant Tronetti (36 carries, 106 yard), RB Ben Rothermel (24 carries, 151 yards, 3 TDs)

NOTABLE: The Hubbers have a new coach – again – In 2000 John Petruzzi took over for the legendary Carl Defilippi, but despite going 6-3, was gone before 2001 started with Defilippi back in charge. After leading the Hubbers to a 9-1 mark in 2001, Smethport suffered its first losing season since 1980 last year with a 3-6 mark. Now welcome in former Otto-Eldred and Alfred College star Brandon Falk. And with Falk will come a new look from Smethport. Gone will be the prevalent up-the-middle offense so renown in the Northern Tier. It will come a more wide-open attack, which at times will utilize one running back and four wide receivers. The strength of the Hubbers is team speed, and Falk will utilize it to its fullest if he can with the biggest change will come from Mike Mitchell, last year’s starting QB, who will move to running back this season. Smethport will also have a fairly decent sized offensive line that averages roughly 220 pounds. Overall, with 15 starters back, Smethport has a chance to be a surprise team in the AML North this season.

SEASON OPENER: 7 p.m. Aug. 29 – at Elk County Catholic

Information gathered from the Olean Times Herald

HEAD COACH: Joe Errett (1^st season)

LAST SEASON: 2-7

RETURNING STARTERS (Listed by No. of positions not No. of players): 15

KEY STAT LEADERS RETURNING:

NOTABLE: The Eagles have a new head coach in 26-year old Joe Errett, and Errett takes over a team almost as young as he is. Last year eight of Youngsville’s 30 players were freshmen and many of those freshmen saw varsity action.

With a new coach will also come a new look for the Eagles who will play a pro-set offense that runs the ball off-tackle and a 4-3 defense instead of the 4-4 used last season.

According to the Warren Times Observer, this will be the last season for Youngsville in the AML North. The Eagles, who are a District 10 team, are looking to move into a District 10 league next season along with Eisenhower while Sheffield could become a full-time District 9 member.

SEASON OPENER: 7 p.m. Aug. 29 – at Johnsonburg

Information gathered from the DuBois Courier Express/Tri-County Sunday

HEAD COACH: Ray Reckner (19^th season)

LAST SEASON: 8-5 (District 9 Class AA Champs; Beat Brookville 41-12 in D9 Class AA semifinals, Beat Karns City 14-7 in D9 title game, beat Slippery Rock 12-7 in PIAA 1^st round; lost to Forest Hills 49-14 in PIAA 2^nd round).

RETURNING STARTERS (Listed by No. of positions not No. of players): Offense – 4/Defense – NA

KEY STAT LEADERS RETURNING: QB John Himes (70-for-145, 988 yards, 9 TDs, 8 Ints – Ranked 9^th in passing in D9); RB Jeremy Sickeri (215 carries, 1,085 yards, 10 TDs; 15 catches, 151 yards, 1 TD) – Ranked 4^th in rushing in D9 and is the District’s top returning rusher); RB Andy Martino (84 carries, 404 yards, 7 TDs); RB Seth Rhed (67 carries, 389 yards, 7 TDs. 10 carries, 109 yards).

NOTABLE: The Rovers lost all but one player, Kyle Smith, from their offensive line last year leaving that and the defensive line the biggest question marks heading into the season. John Himes does return for his third year starting at quarterback, and Jeremy Sickeri, Seth Rhed and Andy Martino are back in the backfield. Brockway will have to replace its second leading rusher Jon Cantafio (543 yards, 3 TDs) and top receiver Tom Bussard (28 catches, 545 yards, 5 TDs), who was sixth in District 9 in receiving yards last season.

Last season Brockway started the year away from their traditional Wing-T tight formations and struggled at times as they passed the ball more than in the past. But late in the season, the Rovers went back to the Wing-T with much success, and the added addition of the passing game showed signs of success out of the Wing. It will be interesting to see that plays out this season. With an experienced line, but an experience QB, Brockway could have its first 1,000-yard passer in recent memory.

The Rovers have enjoyed winning season in each of their four campaigns in the AML South but have yet to win an AML South title. Overall, Brockway has put together five straight winning season and six straight non-losing seasons. The last time the Rovers were under .500 was in 1996 when they went 2-7 in the KSAC.

SEASON OPENER: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 29 – Hosts Sheffield

Information gathered from the Olean Times Herald

HEAD COACH: Brian Lovett (2^nd season, 3-6)

LAST SEASON: 3-6

RETURNING STARTERS (Listed by No. of positions not No. of players): 14

KEY STAT LEADERS RETURNING: QB Kyle Vogt (50-for-104, 675 yards, 4 touchdowns, 12 interceptions – 15^th in D9 in passing yards); Adam Kesterholt (91 rushes, 454 yards, 1 touchdown – team’s leading rusher), Keith Horning (45 carries, 141 yards).

NOTABLE: Red Raiders were 3-3 in games decided by 10 points or less in 2002; Cameron Co. was strong on defense allowing an average of 14.9 ppg but struggled on offense averaging 7.9 ppg while being shutout three times and held under 10 points 6 times.

Cameron County needs to replace two key players on the offensive line in Jon Doud and Randy Bodenicher along with its top two receivers in Scott Aikens (16 catches, 409 yards, 3 TDs – 10^th in D9 in receiving) and Jon Songer (10 catches, 107 yards, 1 TD).

The Red Raiders do return starting QB Kyle Vogt (675 yards, 4 TDs), who must cut down on his 12 interceptions last season, and top rusher Adam Kesterholt (454 yards, 1 TD).

SEASON OPENER: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 29 – Hosts Coudersport

Information gathered from the DuBois Courier Express/Tri-County Sunday

HEAD COACH: Andy Evanko (4^th season – 26-7 overall)

LAST SEASON: 7-3

RETURNING STARTERS (Listed by No. of positions not No. of players): 8

KEY STAT LEADERS RETURNING: RB Doug Swatsworth (98 carries, 471 yards, 3 TDs – D9Sports.Com District 9 Rookie of the Year), RB Gary Kephart (41 carries, 160 yards, 2 TDs), RB Nate Sipes (33 carries, 122 yards, 1 TD), WR Greg Gilbert (21 catches, 482 yards, 6 TDs – Ranked 7^th in receiving in D9)

NOTABLE: The Golden Tide have to replace their starting QB Travis McDonald (46-for-100, 628 yards, 9 TDs, 12 Ints) and their top rusher Brooks Collins (199 carries, 832 yards, 4 TDs – Ranked 12^th in D9 in rushing) as well as a number of key lineman including four-year standout Corey Bailor.

Dean Swatsworth, who was 1-for-2 for 15 yards last season, or Shawn Sopic should step in at QB for the Golden Tide, while Andy Kalgren and Brad Sopic headline the lines.

Curwensville has had much success under Evanko winning the District 9 title in 2000 and finishing as the runner-up in 2001. Last season, Curwensville missed the playoffs by one game.

SEASON OPENER: 7 p.m. Aug. 29 – Hosts Eisenhower

Information gathered from the DuBois Courier Express/Tri-County Sunday

HEAD COACH: Joe Renwick (2^nd season, 4-6)

LAST SEASON: 4-6

RETURNING STARTERS (Listed by No. of positions not No. of players): N/A

KEY STAT LEADERS RETURNING: QB Andrew Blazek (3-for-4, 29 yards, 0 TD, 0 Int), Randy Pearsall (6 catches, 106 yards, 1 TD).

NOTABLE: The Crusaders lost a bunch of players from last season including QB Bob Pearsall (48-for-111, 562 yards, 3 TDs, 11 Ints), Shane Funair (169 carries, 853 yards, 7 TDs – Ranked 9^th in D9 in rushing), Ted Cherry (87 carries, 513 yards, 3 TDs), who left the team before the conclusion of last season to transfer to Johnsonburg where he is a senior this year, Matt Eckert (45 carries, 194 yards, 2 TDs), Andy Bobenreith (27 carries, 125 yards, 1 TD), Pearsall (57 carries, 105 yards, 1 TD) and Chris Zampogna (6 carries, 55 yards, 1 TD). They also lost their top two receivers in Eckert (24 catches, 227 yards, 1 TD) and Adam Blashock (11 catches, 173 yards, 1 TD).

Andrew Blazek will be expected to step in at QB, although he missed the first week of practice after suffering a non-football-related injury just before camp. About the only other spots that are set for the Crusaders are the guards with Mike Donahue and Carl Lindberg, split end with Randy Pearsall and defensive tackle with Jude Wendel.

Overall, ECC views this season as a "learning year" or a rebuilding season.

SEASON OPENER: 7 p.m. Aug. 29 – Hosts Smethport

Information gathered from the DuBois Courier Express/Tri-County Sunday

HEAD COACH: Kevin Carter (14^th season overall at Johnsonburg; 2^nd straight at Johnsonburg)

LAST SEASON: 2-7

RETURNING STARTERS (Listed by No. of positions not No. of players): N/A

KEY STAT LEADERS RETURNING: QB Greg Wonderly (68-for-165, 975 yards, 7 TDs, 16 Ints – Ranked 10^th in D9 in passing), RB Lincoln Shreffler (87 carries, 287 yards, 3 TDs), RB Don Lee Wenner (44 carries, 227 yards, 1 TD), WR Eric Iorfido (25 catches, 474 yards, 4 TDs;18 carries, 96 yards, 1 TD – Ranked 8^th in D9 in receiving), RB Ted Cherry (87 carries, 513 yards, 3 TDs – Played for Elk County Catholic last season).

NOTABLE: If one was to go by skill players returning alone, the Rams would be the heavy favorites to win the AML South with Wonderly entering his second year as a starter at QB and is a tall, rangy kid with a nice arm. Cherry adds a proven runner to a group that also includes the talented Shreffler and Wenner. Iorfido was in the top 10 in the District in receiving yards. But alas, the game of football is not played by just the skill players. A line is also needed, and that is Johnsonburg’s biggest question mark heading into the season with only Dan Carnovale returning with significant experience. Wonderly will also have to cut down on his interceptions from a year ago, as he tossed 16 on 165 throws nearly one for every 10 tosses.

SEASON OPENER: 7 p.m. Aug. 29 – Hosts Youngsville

HEAD COACH: Rick Bouch

LAST SEASON: 9-2 (AML Champs; AML South Champs; Beat Coudersport 35=19 in AML Title game; Beat Coudersport 7-6 in D9 Class A semifinals; lost to Clarion-Limestone 27-14 in D9 title game).

RETURNING STARTERS (Listed by No. of positions not No. of players): 12

KEY STAT LEADERS RETURNING: FB Steve Chittester (30 carries, 116 yards, 1 TD).

NOTABLE: The Wolves return 12 starters but only five on the offensive side of the ball. The good news is four of the five offensive starters are on the offensive line including four-year starter Jared Cecchetti, Jim Costanzo, Ted Slater and Chad Alexis. The bad news is the Wolves need to replace three-year starting QB Tyler Smith, who was fourth in the D9 in passing last year going 114-for-193, 1,275 yards, 11 TDs, 7 Ints). They also have to replace their top three runners in Matt Burton (109 carries, 504 yards, 6 TDs), Mike Jamerson (90 carries, 402 yards, 8 TDs) and Smith (106 carries, 345 yards, 9 TDs) and their top seven receivers in Tim Smith (27 catches, 363 yards, 2 TDs), Hugh Rich (33 catches, 355 yards, 3 TDs), Jamerson (17 catches, 171 yards, 1 TD), Andy Cecchetti (13 catches, 129 yards, 3 TDs), Justin Jefferds (5 catches, 87 yards, 1 TD), Mike Sivak (7 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD) and Burton (6 catches, 46 yards). Sophomore Kyle Oakes, who is reported to run 4.6 and was the Jr. High’s leading rusher last season with over 900 yards in 6 games will try to fill one of the holes, while Mike Giordano (0-for-1, 1 INT) will move into the starting QB spot.

SEASON OPENER: 7 p.m. Aug. 29 – Hosts Port Allegany

Information gathered from the DuBois Courier Express/Tri-County Sunday

HEAD COACH: Mark Morelli (7^th season, 39-20)

LAST SEASON: 7-3 (Lost to Clarion-Limestone 21-19 in D9 Class A semifinals)

RETURNING STARTERS (Listed by No. of positions not No. of players): 7

KEY STAT LEADERS RETURNING: Tom Buck (43 carries, 172 yards, 0 TDs), SE Josh Shirey (17 carries, 225 yards, 1 TD).

NOTABLE: The Elkers were senior laden team last season and return just four offensive and three defensive starters this year meaning their were a lot of question marks heading into camp. That has led to a lot of competition, which Morelli believes makes everyone better.

With so many veterans gone, leadership will be expected from the returning starters including RB/DB Tom Buck, center Bryan Slattery, defensive tackle Ray Kelly, split end Josh Shirey and OLB Tim Wright.

Garrett Viglione will take over at QB for the departed Andy Kelly (65-for-116, 798 yards, 6 TDs, 7 Ints), while Buck will be asked to fill the major hole at running back created by the departure of the top rusher Ryan Mitchell (170 carries, 796 yards, 12 TDs – 14^th in D9 in rushing), Dave Bundy (76 carries, 452 yards, 3 TDs), Josh Mercer (77 carries, 332 yards, 6 TDs) and Kelly (69 carries, 264 yards, 6 TDs).

SEASON OPENER: 7 p.m. Aug. 29 – Otto-Eldred

Information gathered from the Olean Times Herald

HEAD COACH: Steve Ackerman

LAST SEASON: 5-5 (Lost in D9 Class AAA semifinals to Punxsutawney 21-14)

RETURNING STARTERS (Listed by No. of positions not No. of players): 12

KEY STAT LEADERS RETURNING: RB Sean Hvizdzak (101 carries, 838 yards, 12 TD’s – top rusher on team, 11^th best rusher in D9); RB Jon Colts (27 carries, 204 yards); FB Dave Snyder (30 carries, 187 yards, 1 TD).

NOTABLE: In addition to a host of seniors, the Owls also lost QB Jake Long, who as a freshman was 25-for-61 for 420 yards, three touchdowns and eight interceptions. Long’s family moved from the Bradford school district. Bradford does have the 11^th best rusher in District 9 from a season ago in Sean Hvizdzak back as well as two other quality running backs in Jon Colts and Dave Snyder.

SEASON OPENER: 7 p.m. Aug. 29 – Hosts Clearfield

Information gathered from the DuBois Courier Express/Tri-County Sunday

HEAD COACH: Chris Dworek (8^th year – 35-37)

LAST SEASON: 6-4 (D9 League champions; Lost to Brockway 41-2 in first round of D9 Class AA playoffs).

RETURNING STARTERS (Listed by No. of positions not No. of players): N/A

KEY STAT LEADERS RETURNING: RB Matt Gilbert (151 carries, 596 yards, 5 TDs), WR Brent Puller (21 catches, 215 yards, 0 TDs), WR Cliff Park (13 catches, 175 yards, 0 TDs)

NOTABLE: The Raiders have to find a way to replace its QB Cole Cook (100-for-194, 1,347 yards, 11 TDs, 11 Ints; 81 carries, 214 yards, 4 TDs – Ranked 2nd in D9 in passing), 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th leading rushers in Bill Morrison (104 carries, 427 yards, 7 TDs), Cook and Corey Santoriello (16 carries, 199 yards, 3 TDs) and its top receiver Santoriello (40 catches, 556 yards, 8 TDs – Ranked 4^th in D9 in receiving) not to mention offensive linemen Chris Swab, Jason Allshouse and Alex McKinney.

Brookville does return its top rusher in Matt Gilbert (596 yards, 5 TDs) and its No. 2 and No. 3 receivers Brent Puller (21 catches, 215 yards) and Cliff Park (13 catches, 175 yards). Nick Heschke, last year’s backup, and Josh Songer are battling it out for the QB spot. Brookville’s offensive line should be bolstered by the return of Geoff Peterson, who could have started last season if he had not suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in the team’s second 2002 scrimmage.

SEASON OPENER: 7 p.m. Aug. 29 – Hosts Moniteau 7 p.m.

Information gathered from the DuBois Courier Express/Tri-County Sunday

HEAD COACH: Tim Janocko (19^th season)

LAST SEASON: 9-3 (D9 Class AAA Champions; Beat Punxsutawney 40-7 in D9 title game; Beat Indian Valley 41-12 in PIAA 1^st round; Lost to Perry 61-0 in PIAA 2^nd round).

RETURNING STARTERS (Listed by No. of positions not No. of players): N/A

KEY STAT LEADERS RETURNING: RB Josh Harbold (86 carries, 726 yards, 6 TDs – Ranked 16^th in D9 in rushing), WR Nathan Shadek (6 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD).

NOTABLE: The Bison were depleted by graduation. Gone is the D9Sports.Com District 9 Player of the Year, the Pa Football News Class AAA Player of the Year and second team Big School AP All-State selection RB Dave Richards (246 carries, 2,506 yards, 41 TDs, 13 catches, 244 yards, 1 TD, 45 total touchdowns – Leading rusher in District 9; Set D9 career touchdown mark with 80). Richards, though, isn’t the only key player gone. Also lost to graduation were standout offensive lineman Jon Altemus, the D9Sports.Com District 9 Lineman of the Year, as well as QB Mike Sayers (59-for-124, 837 yards, 5 TDs, 4 Ints – 12^th ranked passer in D9), WR Todd Shaw (21 catches, 287 yards, 2 TDs) and WR Craig Gardner (18 catches, 159 yards). Also gone off the offensive line are John Rosselli and Anthony Buck. If that isn’t enough, the Bisons also lost a top kicking and punting threat in Rob Kulling,

The line will have to be rebuilt around Kurt Meckey, a DuBois Courier Express/Tri-0County Sunday third-team lineman, while Tanner Kelly (2-for-6, 14 yards, 1 Int) and Kyle Shirey via for the QB nod. Harbold could be the featured back, while returning starter Nathan Shadek (6 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD) will be expected to pick it up at WR.

SEASON OPENER: 7 p.m. Aug. 29 – at Bradford

Information gathered from the DuBois Courier Express/Tri-County Sunday

HEAD COACH: Lon Hazlet (4^th year – 9-22; 9^th year overall – 44-37)

LAST SEASON: 0-10

RETURNING STARTERS (Listed by No. of positions not No. of players): 11

KEY STAT LEADERS RETURNING: QB Joe Wanson (44-for-119, 626 yards, 5 TDs, 11 ints; 13 yards rushing, 1 TD), RB Vance Newell (89 carries, 391 yards, 2 TDs), TE Mark Bowley (7 catches, 115 yards, 1 TD).

NOTABLE: The Beavers have lost 14 straight games dating back to the 2001 season which ties with A-C Valley for the longest current losing streak in District 9. DuBois has not had a winning season it was 8-3 in 1999, and the Beavers have gone a combined 9-22 over the last three years yet still managed to win a share of the D9 League title in both 2000 and 2001. The Beavers were very young last year starting sophomores at a lot of the key skill positions including quarterback (Joe Wanson), running back (Vance Newell) and tight end (Mark Bowley). With a year of varsity experience under their belts, those now juniors should be ready to make DuBois a factor in the D9 League once again. A load of talented sophomores, who had success at the junior high level the last couple of years, should also help the Beavers depth and give them some exciting playmakers on the field. One of those sophomores, Ryan Liddle, is such a good athlete that it is being reported he will play a "Slash role" on offense that might include some snaps at quarterback. Another sophomore, Rob Hanzely, should get a lot of snaps at tailback.

SEASON OPENER: 7 p.m. Aug. 29 – at Central Mountain

No information provided as of Aug. 28

Information gathered from the DuBois Courier Express/Tri-County Sunday

HEAD COACH: Tony Defillipi (5^th season, 11-29)

LAST SEASON: 4-6

RETURNING STARTERS (Listed by No. of positions not No. of players): N/A

KEY STAT LEADERS RETURNING: RB Jeremy Catalone (19 carries, 65 yards), RB Brian Cogley (16 carries, 44 yards), WR Lopaka Hoohuli (14 catches, 239 yards, 4 TDs).

NOTABLE: The Dutchmen have not had a winning season since 1986, and even though they were close last year going 4-6 with two losses by a touchdown, they probably have a long hill to climb this year. Gone from last season are the starting QB Brandon Bennett (36-for-97, 447 yards, 5 TDs, 7 Ints) and top three rushers Doug Surra (179 carries, 1,233 yards, 10 TDs – Ranked 3^rd in D9 in rushing), Rick Luchini (53 carries, 208 yards, 2 TDs) and Bennett (90 carries, 113 yards, 1 TD).

Andy Yost (1-for-1, 16 yards) and Travis Wendell have been fighting for the QB nod, with Catalone, Cogley, Josh Schatz and Scott Schatz in the mix for running back spots in the Dutchmen’s Wing-T attack.

The Dutchmen do have probably the best returning kicker in District 9 in kicker Tristan Mulcahy, who was 15-for-17 in extra points last year while converting nine field including three over 40 yards and scoring 42 points. He has four field goals including two 42 yarders, a 35 yarder and a 43 yarder in a 12-0 win over A-C Valley last season.

SEASON OPENER: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 29 – at Titusville

Information gathered from the Clarion News

HEAD COACH: Don King (2^nd season, 0-9)

LAST SEASON: 0-9

RETURNING STARTERS (Listed by No. of positions not No. of players): N/A

KEY STAT LEADERS RETURNING: RB Corey Clawson (88 carries, 132 yards, 2 TDs – AS QB; 29-for-65 passing, 370 yards, 2 TDs, 6 Ints); QB Luiz Goncalzes (1-for-3, 3 yards), RB Brad Hurrellbrink (78 carries, 312 yards, 1 TD), RB Colt Burk (41 carries, 136 yards).

NOTABLE: It has been a rough go for a once proud program, as the Falcons currently are tied with DuBois for the longest active losing streak in District 9 at 14 games. The Falcons last win was a 57-28 victory over Union Sept. 21, 2001. Since the 2001 season the Falcons are 1-17. This down turn came on the heels of a stretch from 1995-200 that saw A-C Valley go 34-26 overall with winning seasons from 1996-99.

But with head coach Don King in his second season, and the players more comfortable with the Wing T offense that was installed last season the Falcons have a chance to start climbing off the bottom of the pile. A-C Valley has a lot of nice skill position players including quarterback Luiz Goncalzes and running backs Corey Clawson, who was the quarterback last season, Brad Hurrellbrink and Colt Burk. The big question mark for the Falcons will be their offensive line, which looked sluggish in the opening scrimmage and not a whole lot better in the second scrimmage.

A-C Valley plays in a co-op with Cranberry.

SEASON OPENER: 7 p.m. Aug. 29 – Hosts Clarion-Limestone

HEAD COACH: Larry Wiser (15^th season, 86-49-1)

LAST SEASON: 4-5

RETURNING STARTERS (Listed by No. of positions not No. of players): N/A

KEY STAT LEADERS RETURNING: RB Dave Larson (92 carries, 386 yards, 1 TD – team’s leading rusher); QB Zac Toven (12-for-30, 162 yards, 1 TD, 5 INT with Union last season).

NOTABLE: Clarion had its first losing season since 1998 and graduated 17 seniors. Clarion has a lot of team speed this season and team chemistry should be better than last year. The Bobcats have one of the top lineman in the KSAC in Nate McClaine but the rest of the line is inexperienced and/or young. The skill positions are where most of the Bobcats proven talent is.

SEASON OPENER: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 29 – Keystone

HEAD COACH: Todd Smith (1^st year, 0-0)

LAST SEASON: 12-1 (District 9 Class A Champs, KSAC Champs; Beat Ridgway 21-19 in 1^st round of Class A playoffs; beat Kane 27-14 in D9 title game; Beat West Middlesex 40-7 in PIAA first round; lost to Bishop Carroll 19-14 in PIAA second round)

RETURNING STARTERS (Listed by No. of positions not No. of players): 16

KEY STAT LEADERS RETURNING: QB/LB Hayden Johnston (62-for—130, 1,017 yards, 18 TD’s, 8 Ints; 159 carries, 799 yards, 11 TDs – D9Sports.Com Defensive Player of the Year; KSAC Back of the Year; ranked 7^th in D9 in passing & 13^th in rushing); RB Brendan Huwar (190 carries, 1,039 yards, 23 TDs; 6 catches, 58 yards, 2 TDs – ranked 6^th in D9 in rushing & 2^nd in TDs); WR Brad Beggs (33 catches, 547 yards, 11 TDs – ranked 5^th in D9 in receiving yards).

NOTABLE: C-L lost just five players from what was arguably the best season in school history. But they were five good ones in linebacker/offensive lineman Jordan Johnston, fullback Ben Brooks (940 yards, 5 TDs – 7^th in D9 in rushing), tackle Matt Steele, tight end Harley Doane (13 catches, 177 yards, 3 TDs) and kicker Rocky Davis. 3 of the 5 starters return on the offensive line (Dave Eggleton, David Ferguson, Dan Jeannerat) with a fourth (Ron Frances) having started on the line in 2000 & 2001 … History is not on C-L’s side to repeat. Since District 9 first started a Class A playoff format in 1987 only one school has repeated as Class A champions that being Smethport, who has done it twice. The Hubbers repeated in 1992 after winning in 1991 and repeated again in 1996 after winning in 1995.

SEASON OPENER: 7 p.m. Aug. 29 – at A-C Valley

Information gathered from the Indiana Gazette

HEAD COACH: Ed Conto (4^th season, 29-6)

LAST SEASON: 9-2 (Beat Moniteau 69-23 in D9 Class AA semifinals, lost to Brockway 14-7 in D9 title game)

RETURNING STARTERS (Listed by No. of positions not No. of players): 14

KEY STAT LEADERS RETURNING: QB Mike Croyle (6-for-11, 62 yards, 0 TDs, 0 Ints), RB Josh Fiscus (31 carries, 215 yards, 2 TDs), RB Mike Stitt (35 carries, 175 yards, 5 TDs) FB Jake Sweeney (17 carries, 80 yards, 1 TD), TE Kevin Trimbur (10 catches, 97 yards), WR David Black (7 catches, 83 yards, 1 TD)

NOTABLE: Karns City has been one of the top programs in District 9 over the last seven season going 75-16 overall and 51-8 in the KSAC while winning three KSAC titles and four District 9 Class AA titles (1997, 1999-2001) and finishing second in D9 last season.

While some people keeping waiting for the hammer to drop on the Gremlins success, this probably won’t be the year for that to happen. Karns City returns 14 starters from last season’s team, and a 15^th is moving from the offensive line to running back. The biggest question marks come at running back and quarterback. Last season QB Erik Fuhrer, a three-year starter, was the 8^th leading passer in District 9 throwing for 991 yards, while Matt Carnahan was the second leading rusher in District 9 running for 1,368 yards. Mike Croyle will step in at QB and Josh Fiscus at RB.

But Karns City might not have to score much, as the defense comes back with nine starters from a unit that allowed 176 points in 11 games but only 62 points in the final eight including 23 mop-up points by Moniteau in the District 9 semifinals.

SEASON OPENER: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 29 – Hosts West Shamokin

Information gathered from the Clarion News

HEAD COACH: Dan Reed

LAST SEASON: 6-3

RETURNING STARTERS (Listed by No. of positions not No. of players): N/A

KEY STAT LEADERS RETURNING: QB Buck Neely (55-for-120, 939 yards, 13 TDs, 7 Ints, 68 carries, 331 yards, 1 TD – 11^th leading passer in D9); SB Billy Colwell (164 passing yards, 4 passing TDs, 59 carries, 309 yards, 5 TDs, 4 catches, 20 yards); RB Sam Swartzfager (89 carries, 560 yards, 7 TDs, 5 catches, 75 yards, 2 TDs); RB Eric Baughman (33 carries, 181 yards, 2 TDs).

NOTABLE: The "K-Gun" offense may be no more at Keystone, as the Panthers seem poised to look a lot more to the ground game than they have in the past under head coach Dan Reed. And for good reason. With two veteran running backs and a mobile quarterback coming back, the Panthers have the skill personal to use the running game. Sam Swartzfager, a junior, had a breakout game in the season finale against Clarion last season carrying the ball 24 times for a career-high 304 yards and four touchdowns. He more than doubled his season total for rushing yards in one game, and Keystone is hoping that was a breakout game for the half-brother of former Keystone standouts Tom and Andy Pore. Joining Swartzfager in the backfield will be fellow running back Eric Baughman and quarterback Buck Neely, who appears ready to run the show full time after splitting duties with Billy Colwell last season. Colwell, meanwhile, is moving full-time to the slot receiver spot that he played at times last year. Keystone is well set at QB with Neely and Colwell having played there last year and sophomore Justin Bifano nearly ready to go. In fact there was some speculation early that Bifano would be the starter with Neely moving to wide out, but Reed elected to go with the more experienced senior instead of the sophomore. Although Keystone will concentrate on the running game more, the Panthers will still use a lot of one-back backfields and utilize putting players in motion to get them the football on the ground.

The Panthers do have to find a way to replace its receiving corps having lost its top three receivers from last season in Bobby Telesz (20 catches, 453 yards, 6 TDs), the ninth leading receiver in District 9, Jared Griebel (14 catches, 231 yards, 6 TDs) and Ben Cobler (7 catches, 153 yards, 1 TD).

Last season marked Keystone’s first back-to-back winning season since the Panthers had winning marks in 1996-97.

SEASON OPENER: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 29 – Hosts Clarion

HEAD COACH: Steve Wilson (1^st season, 4-6)

LAST SEASON: 4-6 (Lost to Karns City 69-23 in D9 Class AA playoffs)

RETURNING STARTERS (Listed by No. of positions not No. of players): 14

KEY STAT LEADERS RETURNING: RB Steve Saul (117 carries, 401 yards, 4 TDs), QB Clay Kohlmeyer (47-for-132, 634 yards, 4 TDs, 13 Ints)

NOTABLE: The Warriors made some nice strides under first-year head coach Steve Wilson last year, and would like to continue to move forward this season and hopefully secure at the very least their first winning season 1986 when they went 6-3.

Moniteau’s chances of doing just that this year will be helped by an experienced team coming back that includes 14 returning starters including QB Clay Kohlmeyer, who must cut down on his 13 interceptions last season, RB Steve Saul, TE Brandon Keene, who is moving to tight end from the offensive line, and OT Dylan Snyder. Snyder leads an offensive line that will have a lot of experience for the Warriors.

SEASON OPENER: 7 p.m. Aug. 29 – at Brookville

Information gathered from the DuBois Courier Express/Tri-County Sunday

HEAD COACH: Ed Wasilowski (7^th season, 31-27)

LAST SEASON: 7-2

RETURNING STARTERS (Listed by No. of positions not No. of players): 12

KEY STAT LEADERS RETURNING: QB Shane Reed (55-for-115, 1,080 yards, 10 TDs, 4 ints – Ranked 6^th in D9 in passing), WB Brandon Johnston (28 carries, 159 yards, 15 catches, 359 yards, 5 TDs – 15^th leading receiver in D9), WR Tyson Truitt (31 catches, 599 yards, 8 TDs – Leading receiver in D9).

NOTABLE: The Bulldogs have a team that could contend for the KSAC title and one of four District 9 Class A playoff berths this season. Reed and Truitt hooked up to form one of the deadliest QB-WR combos in District 9 last season. But this year more pressure will be on both, as the district’s fifth leading rusher Ron Geist (203 carries, 1,070 yards, 14 TDs) has graduated. Geist carried the bulk of the running load for the Bulldogs lugging the ball 203 of the team’s 340 running plays. Redbank Valley also has two offensive lineman back in Andrew Wasilowski and Brock Shaffer, but must fill three spots on the line.

The players looking to take over for Geist include Skyler Smith and Nick Magagnotti.

On defense, Redbank Valley needs to shore up a porous unit that allowed 21.8 ppg and 206 yards rushing per game last season. That will be done with an overhauled front with four new lineman and two new linebackers.

Redbank Valley is also an extremely young team with just five seniors on the roster.

SEASON OPENER: 7 p.m. Aug. 29 – Hosts Union

Information gathered from the Clarion News

HEAD COACH: Scott Kindel (2^nd season, 0-9)

LAST SEASON: 2-7

RETURNING STARTERS (Listed by No. of positions not No. of players): N/A

KEY STAT LEADERS RETURNING: QB Adam Milanovich (41-for-120, 499 yards, 3 TDs, 11 Ints), WR Ryan Freilino (11 catches, 97 yards), RB Korey Hawk (17 carries, 22 yards).

NOTABLE: The Golden Knights showed signs of improvement under first-year head coach Scott Kindel, a former Clarion player and coach and now both the athletic director and head coach at Union.

And if improvement is to continue this season it will start with talented junior quarterback Adam Milanovich, who while being inconsistent at times, showed signs of being a good one. Last year Milanovich completed 41 passes for 499 yards and three touchdowns. But he also threw 11 interceptions, something he will have to cut down on this season. Joining Milanovich in the backfield will be Korey Hawk (17 carries, 22 yards), Damien Pezzuti (5 carries, 5 yards) and Toby Best (2 carries, 0 yards). On the outside, Union will use Ryan Freilino (11 catches, 97 yards), Jeremy Craig, Fred Lawrence and Derek Carmichael. Only Nick Forstyhe returns on the offensive line, and the Golden Knights lost potential starter Nate Carmichael to a torn ligament in the off-season.

The Golden Knights will have to replace some talented players including tight end Jon McKinney (13 catches, 183 yards), tailback Devon Kriebel (59 carries, 273 yards, 2 TDs), wide receiver Darren Laughlin (9 catches, 189 yards, 4 TDs), running back Dennis Shay (139 carries, 486 yards, 1 TD) and lineman Garrett Conaway and Mike Flick.

SEASON OPENER: 7 p.m. Aug. 29 – at Redbank Valley

Information gathered from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

HEAD COACH: Randy Tira (4^th season, 5-24)

LAST SEASON: 3-7

RETURNING STARTERS (Listed by No. of positions not No. of players): N/A

KEY STAT LEADERS RETURNING: QB Trevor Henderson (43-for-113, 568 yards, 4 TDs, 4 Ints; 62 carries, 347 yards, 3 TDs).

NOTABLE: Although a 3-7 record a year ago might not seem like much, the Wolves are hoping it was a sign of turning the corner. The three wins were the most for the West Shamokin/Shannock Valley program since 1995 (3-6) and marked the total number of wins for the program from 1999-2001 (3-26) and was just two fewer win than the program had combined from 1996-2001 (5-52). The last time the program had a winning season was in 1994 when Shannock Valley went 6-2-1 ending a run of three winning seasons in four years from 1991-94.

If West Shamokin is to build upon last year’ success, it will have to do it with a lot of new players. The Wolves lost 15 players from last season including their top rusher Steve Cupec (206 carries, 718 yards, 8 TDs) and No. 3 rusher and linebacker Craig Chaplain (54 carries, 224 yards, 2 TDs) not to mention their top receiver Bryan Crytzer (15 catches, 194 yards, 2 TDs).

The Wolves do return a two-year starter a quarterback in junior Trevor Henderson who completed 43 passes for 568 yards and 4 touchdowns last season while also rushing for 347 yards and three scores. Henderson has to be considered as one of the top quarterbacks in the KSAC this season. But Henderson has only 24 varsity players around him including just three seniors and 12 sophomores.

SEASON OPENER: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 29 – at Karns City