Patriot Athletic Conference Stars Division preview

Pat Galbincea, The Plain Dealer, August 17, 2009 9:38 a.m.

PD projected finish

1. Buckeye (6-4 overall, 6-1 league in 2008)

2. Black River (5-5, 5-2)

3. Wellington (4-6, 4-3)

4. Keystone (3-7, 2-5)

5. Brookside (0-10, 0-7)

Preseason awards

Preseason offensive MVP: Jimmy Reid, RB, Keystone, Sr., 5-6, 160.

Preseason defensive MVP: Austin Gray, LB, Wellington, Sr., 5-10, 200.

Preseason Most Valuable Lineman: Kelton Keller, OT/DE, Buckeye, Sr., 6-3, 240.

Outlook: The PAC Stars Division is well balanced, but Buckeye has won three of the last four titles and its quality senior class makes it the favorite again. As usual, Black River and Wellington will also be in title contention and Keystone, with 12 returning starters, is also in the mix. Brookside has a new coach and a good junior class and hopes for a much better season in 2009.

Top 3 games: Oct. 9, Wellington at Buckeye; Oct. 16, Black River at Wellington; Oct. 23, Buckeye at Black River.

Meet the teams

Buckeye

Last year: 6-4, 6-1.

Coach: Billy Burke (12-8 in two seasons).

Key players: Zach Callahan, G/LB, Sr., 6-0, 200; Shawn Cordes, RB/CB, Sr., 5-10, 170; Tyler Erb, OT/DE, Sr., 6-4, 245; Kelton Keller, OT/DE, Sr., 6-3, 240; Mike Kelly, QB/CB, Sr., 5-10, 170; Ryan McCormick, RB/S, Sr., 5-10, 170.

Scout report

Strengths: Bucks have experience with 14 seniors, including four starters from last year's offensive line that opened enough holes for the team to gain the second highest number of rushing yards in school history.

Concerns: Lack of depth.

Black River

Last year: 5-5, 5-2.

Coach: Al Young (132-67 in 18 seasons).

Key players: Tori DeMarco, OL/LB, Sr., 5-10, 200; Neil Jones, S/RB, Sr., 5-11, 175; Matt Joppeck, FB, Jr., 5-10, 185; Jacob O'Connor, RB/DB, Jr., 5-10, 155; John Sas, TE/LB, Jr., 6-3, 215; Jay Seneff, RB/DB, Sr., 5-10, 160; Joe Seneff, QB/RB/DB, Sr., 5-10, 160; Bill Spooner, OT/DE, Jr., 6-2, 238; Jake Wright, C, Sr., 5-9, 190.

Scout report

Strengths: Seven returning starters on offense and defense including Joppeck, who rushed for 1,100 yards last season, and O'Connor, who gained 1,200 all-purpose yards as a sophomore. Junior class loaded with talent. Good depth, as 62 players came out for the team.

Concerns: Starting well.In the last four years, the Pirates have lost their first three games of the season.

Wellington

Last year: 4-6, 4-3.

Coach: Matt Stoll (127-75 in 19 seasons; 172-89 overall in 25 seasons).

Key players: Johnny Bowman, QB, Sr., 5-10, 180; Austin Gray, LB/FB, Sr., 5-10, 200; Austin Fullen, CB/WR, Jr., 5-9, 170; Todd Hardoby, TE, Sr., 5-8, 190; Brandon Kania, G, Sr., 6-1, 220; Greg Knapp, C, Sr., 6-1, 240; Jacob Manning, OT, Sr., 5-9, 225; Cody Smith, FLK, Sr., 5-8, 175; Justin Walker, DE, Jr., 5-9, 190; Clay Wright, LB/RB, Soph., 5-9, 190.

Scout report

Strengths: Many quality seniors, particularly on the offensive line and running back positions, which should enable the Dukes to run the Wing-T offense efficiently. Defense is also solid.

Concerns: Need to stay healthy, as Dukes have only 39 players.

Keystone

Last year: 3-7, 2-5.

Coach: Rob Clarico (21-29 in five seasons).

Key players: Casey Conrad, S, Sr., 5-9, 175; Casey Gawen, RB/CB, Sr., 5-11, 160; Josh Jewett, LB, Sr., 5-9, 160; Jimmy Reid, RB, Sr., 5-6, 160; Corry Sprouse, FB/S, Sr., 6-2, 175.

Scout report

Strengths: Wildcats have 12 returning starters, the upsideof a disappointing2008 season marred by injuries. Junior varsity team lost only one game. Junior class is promising. Strong running game with Reid and Sprouse, and the defense is experienced and strong.

Concerns: Lack of experience at quarterback, and thin depth at offensive line.

Brookside

Last year: 0-10, 0-7.

Coach: Keenan Leichty (first year at Brookside; 25-18 overall in five seasons).

Key players: Luke Ackerman, WR/S, Jr., 5-11, 175; Josh Amburgey, OL/DL, Soph., 5-11, 225; Josh Bender, QB, Jr., 6-0, 180; Art Howell, RB/CB, 5-9, 175; Rocky Radeff, LB/RB, Sr., 6-0, 190; Corey Shoemaker, QB/CB, Sr., 5-10, 160; Adrian Smith, TE/DE, Jr., 6-4, 200; Kyle Stump, TE/DE, Jr., 6-4, 215; Austin Tackett, LB/FB, Jr., 5-10, 165; Giovanni Taw, DL/OL, Soph., 5-8, 205; Robert Taw, FB/DE, Jr., 5-9, 160.

Scout report

Strengths: Leichty, who previously coached at Tiffin Calvert and a high school in North Carolina, has 45 players, a good figure for a Division IV school.

Concerns: Youthful team, with only six seniors. Coaching staff is brand new.