FROM KEITH GROLLER
MVC TEAM CAPSULES
ALLEN
Coach: George Clay (second season).
Last year: 2-8, 2-6 MVC (tied for sixth).
Impact players: Sr. OT-DT Brandon Vigo; Sr. WR/CB Julius Henry; Sr. QB Courtney Watson; Sr. RB Charlie Muniz; Jr. RB Hassan Logan; Jr. RB Nate Samboy.
Biggest question: As always, the Canaries’ concern is up front. Can they block and tackle well enough in the trenches to hold their own and not get pushed around by some of the bigger foes?
Outlook: The Canaries made progress last year, winning two games in a season for the first time since 2005. Clay and his staff have found a comfort level with the kids. Allen graduated several quality players, most notably all-league standouts Zak Dakes, Derrell Garland, Trent Clay and Jaleel Ennis. There are holes to be filled, but the best news of all is that coach Clay said he has good kids who are determined to work had and become leaders.
DIERUFF
Coach: Kyle Beller (second season)
Last year: 1-8, 1-7 MVC (ninth).
Impact players: Jr. RB/LB Jovon Reyes; Jr.. RB/CB Shakur Lester; Jr. LB/RB Maverick Mercer; Jr. OL Mike Whitehead; Jr. OL/LB Jr. Maverick Mercer; So. CB Kasey Meyers; Sr. OL-DL Tom Sukanick; Soph. SS Tarik Jarrah.
Biggest question: Can the Huskies clean up their fundamentals and do the basic things correctly? Dieruff showed promise in a scrimmage against Northampton, but the theme of the second week was “alignment, assignment and technique” and correcting mistakes.
Outlook: There’s plenty of optimism at Dieruff, a lot of it stemming from the upset win over Allen that closed out last season. Beller said everything is a little smoother in the second year. There are talented athletes and playmakers on this roster, particularly Lester. The key again will be eliminating the mental mistakes that caused breakdowns and big plays for the opposition last year. Some of the kids coming up from a successful middle school program will be a help.
E.S.-NORTH
Coach: Chuck Dailey (14th season, 42-81).
Last year: 6-5, 5-3 MVC (tied for third). Lost to Nazareth 35-12 in Eastern Conference playoff game.
Impact players: Sr. QB Will Quiles; OT-DT Josiah Bennett; OT-DT Jared Andino; Sr. WR Kyle Huziarski; Jr. WR Tony Cruz. Fr. RB Khair Bowman.
Biggest question: Can the Timberwolves, who lost four straight to close out last season, play better defense? In that late four-game skid, North surrendered an average of 31 points.
Outlook: Even though North has fewer seniors than any team in the league, Dailey said there’s still plenty of experience on his roster. The most experienced of all is Quiles, who is a four-year starter at quarterback and one of the top athletes in the league. He will make plays and the triple-option attack will again confound opponents. “It’s the great equalizer,” Dailey said. But for this team to challenge for league honors and a playoff spot, it will need to play better defense and be more consistent.
E.S.-SOUTH
Coach: Ed Christian (33rd season, 236-133-3).
Last year: 7-5 overall, 5-3 MVC (tied for third). Lost to Scranton 42-20 in the District 2-4-11 subregional.
Impact players: Sr. RB/SS Niko Petrone; Sr. WR/FS Zee Roberson; Sr. TE Demetrius Lanier; Sr. RB/CB Dylan Romanow; Sr. WR/CB Ben Nieves.
Biggest question: Can the Cavaliers find a quarterback to replace Tyler McLaughlin, who threw for 1,411 yards and ran for 414 last season? Three players were vying for the position and tall freshman Jake Cirillo had a good shot at becoming the starter.
Outlook: Christian, the dean of Lehigh Valley-area football coaches, has one of the largest rosters in the area so depth shouldn’t be a concern for the Cavaliers. The defensive front lacks experience. On offense, Petrone is a playmaker who will give defenses fits. But a quarterback capable of making the chain-moving throws will be needed if the Cavs are going to contend for league honors.
LEHIGHTON
Coach: Tom McCarroll (second season).
Last year: 3-7 overall, 2-6 MVC (tied for sixth).
Impact players: So. QB/CB Tyler Cann; Jr. WR/CB Tyler Crum; Soph. RB/LB Wyatt Clements; Sr. WR/DB Nick Newton; Jr. RB/WR/LB Tom Ruzicka.
Biggest question: How much will the Indians miss Jacen Nalesnik, who was one of the best athletes in the league and was all over the field making plays in a variety of ways last season?
Outlook: McCarroll, a Marian Catholic and Colgate product who coached at Catasauqua and Whitehall, made some strides last year as a rookie head coach. He said things are going smoother in the second year of his tenure and he no longer has to teach the kids everything. This is not the biggest team in the league in terms of physical size or numbers of kids. Depth could become an issue. However, there is talent here and plenty of experience. You sense that the Indians would like to exit the MVC with some noise before moving on to the Anthracite League.
PLEASANT VALLEY
Coach: Jim Terwilliger (fifth season, 26-17).
Last year: 8-4, 7-1 MVC (second). Beat Stroudsburg 24-21, lost to Parkland 37-0 in the District 2-4-11 subregional.
Impact players: Sr. QB Brandon Leap; Soph RB Austyn Borre; Sr. DE/TE Marquis Brown; Jr. DT Ahmad Curtis; Jr. RB/CB Nyiem Nevarez; Jr. OT/DT Brian Joseph.
Biggest question: How will the Bears cope without the leadership and physical presence of Sekou Jones, Mike Benner and Dakota Everett, who all played pivotal roles in last year’s eight-win season?
Outlook: Terwilliger returns just two offensive starters — good ones in Leap and Borre — and four starters on defense. However, he said that there are plenty of guys coming back who had varsity experience and found out what it was like to be in big games at the end of last season. The Bears have had a positive off season and are considered one of the favorites to win the league and return to the district subregional. An improved defense was the story of 2012 for this program, which has always generated offense under Terwilliger. If the Bears can stop foes again and protect Leap, they might be able to surpass what they accomplished last fall.
POCONO MOUNTAIN EAST
Coach: Phil Dorn (seventh season, 19-42).
Last year: 3-7, 2-6 MVC (tied for sixth).
Impact players: Sr. QB Steve Dienno; Sr. WR/CB RJ Sarajian; Sr WR/DB Devyn Papa; Sr. FB Justin Bullock; Sr. OT-DT Paul Candelario; Soph OT-DT Matt Bruno; Sr. RB/LB Cedric Williams.
Biggest question: How much will the staff addition of new defensive coordinator and veteran area coach Frank Scagliotta boost the Cardinals defense after it gave up 24 points per game last season?
Outlook: The Cardinals feature a lot of speed and size, but are unproven at a lot of spots. With Evan Fardella having graduated, quarterback is one of those iffy positions. Still, East has offensive firepower. Last year was a disappointment because of several close losses — three defeats by three points or less. If those close ones can be turned around, East might be able to contend.
POCONO MOUNTAIN WEST
Coach: Jim McCarroll (12th season, 39-77).
Last year: 5-5 overall, 4-4 MVC (fifth).
Impact players: Sr. WR Jordan Hardy; So. RB Qmac Quiteh; Sr. WR/DB Zachary Swingle; Sr. RB Elias Borrero; Sr. RB Amir Blair; Sr. OT Dave Maznik Sr. OF Mario LaMonica; Sr. WR/DB Marquai Jardine.
Biggest question: Can the Panthers change their style and go from a spread, pass-happy attack to a more balanced effort that will feature a potentially strong running game?
Outlook: The Panthers will miss the graduated Jeff Krisiak, who threw for a league-high 2,326 yards last season and 22 TDs. Without him and Matt Shelter, the MVC’s top receiver, West plans to change its offensive philosophy and become more balanced. In the first week of practice, three candidates were vying to replace Krisiak — juniors Ryan Kinger and Tyler Scott and sophomore Mark Smith. However, just as important as finding a QB will be solidifying the offensive line. McCarroll always seems to keep the Panthers competitive and capable of pulling some surprises as Bethlehem Catholic found out in last year’s season opener.
STROUDSBURG
Coach: Jim Miller (first season).
Last year: 10-2 overall, 8-0 MVC (first).
Impact players: Jr. QB Mike Nikorak; Sr. OT/DT Cody Cooper; Jr. C Cole Secor; Sr. LB Sam Gutzan; Sr. Jr. LB Steve Hernandez; Sr. DB Dillon Dunne; Jr. DB Zach Herman, Jr. DB Jeremy Caraballo; Sr. DB Prentice Sprewell.
Biggest question: Love him or loathe him, and there were plenty in both camps, Joe Bernard had two successful seasons at Stroudsburg before moving on to Myrtle Beach. How will the post-Bernard era begin?
Outlook: Not only is Bernard gone, but so is Division I linemen Sebastian Joseph and Blaine Woodson, 2,114-yard rusher Altarique Mosley and 43-catch receiver Donovan McDonald. McDonald transferred. There’s a lot of talent to replace, but new coach Jim Miller has set the right tone for what could be a transition year. The Mounties offense will be led by Nikorak, a smart QB who kept the mistakes to a minimum last year. He will be asked to make more plays this season, and the more experienced might be counted on to keep the team in games.
MVC TEAM CAPSULES
ALLEN
Coach: George Clay (second season).
Last year: 2-8, 2-6 MVC (tied for sixth).
Impact players: Sr. OT-DT Brandon Vigo; Sr. WR/CB Julius Henry; Sr. QB Courtney Watson; Sr. RB Charlie Muniz; Jr. RB Hassan Logan; Jr. RB Nate Samboy.
Biggest question: As always, the Canaries’ concern is up front. Can they block and tackle well enough in the trenches to hold their own and not get pushed around by some of the bigger foes?
Outlook: The Canaries made progress last year, winning two games in a season for the first time since 2005. Clay and his staff have found a comfort level with the kids. Allen graduated several quality players, most notably all-league standouts Zak Dakes, Derrell Garland, Trent Clay and Jaleel Ennis. There are holes to be filled, but the best news of all is that coach Clay said he has good kids who are determined to work had and become leaders.
DIERUFF
Coach: Kyle Beller (second season)
Last year: 1-8, 1-7 MVC (ninth).
Impact players: Jr. RB/LB Jovon Reyes; Jr.. RB/CB Shakur Lester; Jr. LB/RB Maverick Mercer; Jr. OL Mike Whitehead; Jr. OL/LB Jr. Maverick Mercer; So. CB Kasey Meyers; Sr. OL-DL Tom Sukanick; Soph. SS Tarik Jarrah.
Biggest question: Can the Huskies clean up their fundamentals and do the basic things correctly? Dieruff showed promise in a scrimmage against Northampton, but the theme of the second week was “alignment, assignment and technique” and correcting mistakes.
Outlook: There’s plenty of optimism at Dieruff, a lot of it stemming from the upset win over Allen that closed out last season. Beller said everything is a little smoother in the second year. There are talented athletes and playmakers on this roster, particularly Lester. The key again will be eliminating the mental mistakes that caused breakdowns and big plays for the opposition last year. Some of the kids coming up from a successful middle school program will be a help.
E.S.-NORTH
Coach: Chuck Dailey (14th season, 42-81).
Last year: 6-5, 5-3 MVC (tied for third). Lost to Nazareth 35-12 in Eastern Conference playoff game.
Impact players: Sr. QB Will Quiles; OT-DT Josiah Bennett; OT-DT Jared Andino; Sr. WR Kyle Huziarski; Jr. WR Tony Cruz. Fr. RB Khair Bowman.
Biggest question: Can the Timberwolves, who lost four straight to close out last season, play better defense? In that late four-game skid, North surrendered an average of 31 points.
Outlook: Even though North has fewer seniors than any team in the league, Dailey said there’s still plenty of experience on his roster. The most experienced of all is Quiles, who is a four-year starter at quarterback and one of the top athletes in the league. He will make plays and the triple-option attack will again confound opponents. “It’s the great equalizer,” Dailey said. But for this team to challenge for league honors and a playoff spot, it will need to play better defense and be more consistent.
E.S.-SOUTH
Coach: Ed Christian (33rd season, 236-133-3).
Last year: 7-5 overall, 5-3 MVC (tied for third). Lost to Scranton 42-20 in the District 2-4-11 subregional.
Impact players: Sr. RB/SS Niko Petrone; Sr. WR/FS Zee Roberson; Sr. TE Demetrius Lanier; Sr. RB/CB Dylan Romanow; Sr. WR/CB Ben Nieves.
Biggest question: Can the Cavaliers find a quarterback to replace Tyler McLaughlin, who threw for 1,411 yards and ran for 414 last season? Three players were vying for the position and tall freshman Jake Cirillo had a good shot at becoming the starter.
Outlook: Christian, the dean of Lehigh Valley-area football coaches, has one of the largest rosters in the area so depth shouldn’t be a concern for the Cavaliers. The defensive front lacks experience. On offense, Petrone is a playmaker who will give defenses fits. But a quarterback capable of making the chain-moving throws will be needed if the Cavs are going to contend for league honors.
LEHIGHTON
Coach: Tom McCarroll (second season).
Last year: 3-7 overall, 2-6 MVC (tied for sixth).
Impact players: So. QB/CB Tyler Cann; Jr. WR/CB Tyler Crum; Soph. RB/LB Wyatt Clements; Sr. WR/DB Nick Newton; Jr. RB/WR/LB Tom Ruzicka.
Biggest question: How much will the Indians miss Jacen Nalesnik, who was one of the best athletes in the league and was all over the field making plays in a variety of ways last season?
Outlook: McCarroll, a Marian Catholic and Colgate product who coached at Catasauqua and Whitehall, made some strides last year as a rookie head coach. He said things are going smoother in the second year of his tenure and he no longer has to teach the kids everything. This is not the biggest team in the league in terms of physical size or numbers of kids. Depth could become an issue. However, there is talent here and plenty of experience. You sense that the Indians would like to exit the MVC with some noise before moving on to the Anthracite League.
PLEASANT VALLEY
Coach: Jim Terwilliger (fifth season, 26-17).
Last year: 8-4, 7-1 MVC (second). Beat Stroudsburg 24-21, lost to Parkland 37-0 in the District 2-4-11 subregional.
Impact players: Sr. QB Brandon Leap; Soph RB Austyn Borre; Sr. DE/TE Marquis Brown; Jr. DT Ahmad Curtis; Jr. RB/CB Nyiem Nevarez; Jr. OT/DT Brian Joseph.
Biggest question: How will the Bears cope without the leadership and physical presence of Sekou Jones, Mike Benner and Dakota Everett, who all played pivotal roles in last year’s eight-win season?
Outlook: Terwilliger returns just two offensive starters — good ones in Leap and Borre — and four starters on defense. However, he said that there are plenty of guys coming back who had varsity experience and found out what it was like to be in big games at the end of last season. The Bears have had a positive off season and are considered one of the favorites to win the league and return to the district subregional. An improved defense was the story of 2012 for this program, which has always generated offense under Terwilliger. If the Bears can stop foes again and protect Leap, they might be able to surpass what they accomplished last fall.
POCONO MOUNTAIN EAST
Coach: Phil Dorn (seventh season, 19-42).
Last year: 3-7, 2-6 MVC (tied for sixth).
Impact players: Sr. QB Steve Dienno; Sr. WR/CB RJ Sarajian; Sr WR/DB Devyn Papa; Sr. FB Justin Bullock; Sr. OT-DT Paul Candelario; Soph OT-DT Matt Bruno; Sr. RB/LB Cedric Williams.
Biggest question: How much will the staff addition of new defensive coordinator and veteran area coach Frank Scagliotta boost the Cardinals defense after it gave up 24 points per game last season?
Outlook: The Cardinals feature a lot of speed and size, but are unproven at a lot of spots. With Evan Fardella having graduated, quarterback is one of those iffy positions. Still, East has offensive firepower. Last year was a disappointment because of several close losses — three defeats by three points or less. If those close ones can be turned around, East might be able to contend.
POCONO MOUNTAIN WEST
Coach: Jim McCarroll (12th season, 39-77).
Last year: 5-5 overall, 4-4 MVC (fifth).
Impact players: Sr. WR Jordan Hardy; So. RB Qmac Quiteh; Sr. WR/DB Zachary Swingle; Sr. RB Elias Borrero; Sr. RB Amir Blair; Sr. OT Dave Maznik Sr. OF Mario LaMonica; Sr. WR/DB Marquai Jardine.
Biggest question: Can the Panthers change their style and go from a spread, pass-happy attack to a more balanced effort that will feature a potentially strong running game?
Outlook: The Panthers will miss the graduated Jeff Krisiak, who threw for a league-high 2,326 yards last season and 22 TDs. Without him and Matt Shelter, the MVC’s top receiver, West plans to change its offensive philosophy and become more balanced. In the first week of practice, three candidates were vying to replace Krisiak — juniors Ryan Kinger and Tyler Scott and sophomore Mark Smith. However, just as important as finding a QB will be solidifying the offensive line. McCarroll always seems to keep the Panthers competitive and capable of pulling some surprises as Bethlehem Catholic found out in last year’s season opener.
STROUDSBURG
Coach: Jim Miller (first season).
Last year: 10-2 overall, 8-0 MVC (first).
Impact players: Jr. QB Mike Nikorak; Sr. OT/DT Cody Cooper; Jr. C Cole Secor; Sr. LB Sam Gutzan; Sr. Jr. LB Steve Hernandez; Sr. DB Dillon Dunne; Jr. DB Zach Herman, Jr. DB Jeremy Caraballo; Sr. DB Prentice Sprewell.
Biggest question: Love him or loathe him, and there were plenty in both camps, Joe Bernard had two successful seasons at Stroudsburg before moving on to Myrtle Beach. How will the post-Bernard era begin?
Outlook: Not only is Bernard gone, but so is Division I linemen Sebastian Joseph and Blaine Woodson, 2,114-yard rusher Altarique Mosley and 43-catch receiver Donovan McDonald. McDonald transferred. There’s a lot of talent to replace, but new coach Jim Miller has set the right tone for what could be a transition year. The Mounties offense will be led by Nikorak, a smart QB who kept the mistakes to a minimum last year. He will be asked to make more plays this season, and the more experienced might be counted on to keep the team in games.
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