Nazareth Area High School football team searches to fill void at running back

FROM THE EXPRESS TIMES

The tailback search at Nazareth Area High School is well under way.

With the season opener against Pleasant Valley six days away, senior Kani Camacho may be first in line to replace 2,000-yard rusher Chuck Dibilio. The reigning Express-Times Football Player of the Year is now a freshman at Princeton University.

Sophomore Shabbar Bokhari and freshman Jordan Gray also are getting work at tailback.

"From an experience standpoint, Kani probably has the foot up on the other two," coach Rob Melosky said, "but Shabbar and Gray are very talented kids. All three run well. They're pushing each other to make each other better."

Senior quarterback Dan Harding, who passed for 1,750 yards and 20 touchdowns last fall, appears poised for another big season. Harding is receiving guidance from veteran QB coach Dan Kendra, who worked under Bob Stem at Phillipsburg the past several seasons.

"I give a lot of credit to Dan Kendra," Melosky said. "He does a great job. I've known Danny a long time. We coached together at Bethlehem Catholic."

Seniors Nick Tuerk and Joe Walsh and junior Aaron Bradley are the Blue Eagles' most experienced offensive lineman.

Melosky was generally pleased with Thursday's scrimmage against Dieruff.

"It went well," he said. "We got good reps in. Dieruff's numbers are down. We knew that going in, but we executed really well and that's the big thing."

Freedom
Words from the coach
Enlarge Jim Middlekauff | The Express-Times Freedom head football coach Jason Roeder gives a pep talk to the team. Express-Times Photo | JIM MIDDLEKAUFF Freedom High School opens practice gallery (7 photos)

* In the trenches
* Hot summer sprints
* Looking down the field
* Uliana to Alozie
* Refreshing sip

Seventh-year coach Jason Roeder was generally satisfied with the Patriots' showing during Thursday's scrimmage against Northwestern.

"I think we made some improvements on the offensive line," Roeder said. "We blocked a little and we ran the ball well. The overall effort was good. I think it was a step forward."

Roeder indicated that junior Brian Uliana probably will be the starting quarterback for Friday's season opener against East Stroudsburg South.

Senior Okezie Alozie and junior Nick Kopchak have fueled the running game.

Senior defensive back Domoree Hill had two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown, against Northwestern.

"Defensively, I thought we played pretty well," Roeder said. "We pursued well and tackled pretty well.

"We feel good where we're at. The guys are excited to put on their uniforms and play one for real."

Pen Argyl Football Camp with.jpg
Enlarge Jim Middlekauff | The Express-Times Dylan Evans runs with the ball during Pen Argyl's practice camp. Express-Times Photo | JIM MIDDLEKAUFF Pen Argyl Area High School football team prepares for 2011 season gallery (18 photos)

* Paul Reduzzi
* Colin King grabs a pass
* Kyle Muller gets the ball
* Alex Barttleson on the move
* Conor Gum looks for a receiver

Pen Argyl

Colonial League preseason favorite Pen Argyl tuned up for next Saturday's opener against Saucon Valley by scrimmaging Pottsville on Thursday.

Coach Paul Reduzzi seemed satisfied with the Green Knights' performance on both sides of the ball.

"Offensively, we put the ball in the end zone and we created four turnovers on defense," Reduzzi said. "They're usually a (Class) AAA playoff team. I feel pretty good about the way we played."

The Green Knights were tested by Pottsville's wing-T offense. Reduzzi indicated his unit held up reasonably well.

"That's the first time we've seen it," he said. "That's something you can't replicate in practice."

Senior Conor Gum is getting high marks at quarterback.

One of Reduzzi's concerns is developing depth. The coach believes he has an incoming corps of players who will step up as the season progresses.

Pen Argyl will have plenty of size up front. The offensive line of seniors Kirby Mutton, J.T. Krincek, Jeremy Hempler, Zach Savercool and Ahren Eichner and sophomore Brady Mutton average 270 pounds.

"The offensive line stood out a little bit," Reduzzi said. "I'm very happy with the way we ran the ball."

Belvidere
George DiGrande and players
Enlarge Jim Middlekauff | The Express-Times Belvidere football coach George DiGrande chats with players as they stretch during practice. Express-Times Photo | JIM MIDDLEKAUFF Belvidere High School football team starts practice gallery (10 photos)

* In a line
* Linemen drills
* George DiGrande coaching
* Willie Harris
* Jumping bags

Led by senior running back Steve Mottola, Belvidere should have plenty of firepower at the skill positions this fall. Fourth-year coach George DiGrande emphasized that it all starts up front.

Senior lineman Erik Davey, a three-year starter, anchors a group that includes seniors Johnny Mitchell and juniors Ryan Appleby, J.B. Lawson and Evan Bray. Sophomore Curtis Heil is also in the mix.

"The line is revamped," DiGrande said, "but we're very excited about the kids we have. They've really come together and learned to jell as a group."

DiGrande also indicated senior Mike Walsh has made a successful transition from fullback to tight end.

Coming off back-to-back Mid-State 39 Conference Hills Division championships, this group of County Seaters certainly has a winning background.

"We're very excited and enthusiastic," DiGrande said. "There are expectations at Belvidere to compete for the league and state title. It started with (former coaches) Paul Reduzzi and Larry Dubiel and the tradition has carried on. The kids grow up wanting to wear red and white and play under the lights."


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