Offensive Preview:
The Knights graduated their quarterback from last year and this year it’s going to be a battle between two guys. They are junior Spencer Jones and Jake Bevan.
“They are both very similar and both don’t have varsity experience. Both players are smaller kids, but quick and can run the ball and throw it a little bit. We’re going to let this play out in camp and some scrimmages to see who steps up as our starter.”
At running back North Penn’s Nyfease West is featured on defense. But he wasn’t the main man at the start.
“He played at running back his sophomore year. He was a young guy that was low on our depth chart at the start of the season last year. He was one of the biggest surprises last year. We keep giving him more reps and he looked good. He started his first game against Central Bucks East.”
He rushed for 1,430 yards on 195 carries and 11 touchdowns.
“He’s deceptively strong. He likes to run off-tackle. He has great game speed and is much faster than he seems. He has great vision and great field awareness. He has very good hands. He can do a lot of things and we like to move him around.”
This year Nyfease won’t have to carry the load all by himself. The Knights have three backs that will get touches this year. They are Nick Isabella, John Posavec and Justin Ostopowicz.
“All three guys have very good speed and are tough runners. When they get in the open field all three are capable of taking it to the house.”
The strength on the offense is the line. They return four players from last year’s team.
One of the leaders on the offensive line is tackle Frank Tranzilli.
“Frank is a third-year starter and he has good agility for his size. He’s tough and can be physical. He can block down field.”
The other guy returning at tackle is Andrew Thomas.
“He’s another all-league guy like Frank. He’s a tough-nosed kid and is a very good blocker. He can be physical and is strong.”
Ryan Nowicki returns at center.
“Ryan is a 6-foot-1, 265-pound center. He’s a tough kid, moves well and is very athletic for his size.”
Nick Argento returns at offensive guard.
“Nick started every game last year for us. He’s a good drive blocker.”
The other guard spot will be determined at camp. Danny Lare and Marc Buchhalter are battling.
“Whoever the fifth guy is might rotate in.”
At wide receiver they don’t return any players from last year’s team.
“We don’t return anyone from last year, but we have good players that are ready to step in.”
There will be three guys playing receiver. Ricky Johns is one of them and he’s 6-foot-3, 180-pound sophomore.
Mike Liddy will play some receiver this year.
“He started every game for us on the defense last year at corner. Both Ricky and Mike have speed.”
Anthony Cameron will be the third guy.
“He will play some slot or wide receiver this year. He’s more of a possession receiver.”
There are two tight ends, Colby Beck and Keith Earle.
“Colby is about 6-foot-3, 205-pounds and Keith is about 6-foot-2, 200-pounds. Both these guys can block and catch.
Defensive Preview:
Defensive tackle Kevin Vandenplas returns on the defensive line.
“He’s a little undersized but is quick and has a nose for the ball.”
At defensive end they are looking at Keith Earle to play one defensive end. The other will be Andrew Thomas.
“Keith started in four of five games last year for us.”
The middle linebacker is going to be Dorian Sobetsky.
“Dorian started as a sophomore and last year as a junior he missed the football season due to a Lacrosse injury. He’s healthy this year and we are glad he’s back.”
Justin Ostopowicz will play one of the open spots at linebacker.
Nick Isabella will be the third linebacker.
“Both Nick and Justin have great speed at the linebacker position.”
The strength of the defense is the secondary. They return three players from last year’s team.
In the secondary they return Mike Liddy at corner back.
“Mike is the leader in the secondary. He has good size at 6-foot and can run with anybody.”
Also returning is Mike Burns and Marquise Watson at corner.
“Mike is more of a strong safety. Marquise is very quick and will hit you.”
You may see Nyfease West play some free safety this year.
“He has good field awareness and can find the ball quickly.”
Special Teams Preview:
They return their kicker from last year and he’s Matt Ammendola.
“Matt has a very strong leg. Last year he kicked a 56-yard field.”
Which is a record of third all-time. Bishop Hoban’s Gerry McGroathy kicked a 64-yard field goal in 2003.
Anthony Cameron returns as punter.
Deion Robinson and Nyfease are the kick and punt returners.
At long snapper it will be an open competition during camp.
Head Coach: Dick Beck
2013 Record: 10-4 (7-0 conference)
Key Starters Lost: RB Kris Atkins
Offensive Players Returning: (5)
RB Nyfease West
OT Frank Tranzilli
OT Andrew Thomas
C Ryan Nowicki
OG Nick Argento
Defensive Players Returning: (5)
DT Kevin Vandenplas
DE Keith Earle
CB Mike Liddy
SS Mike Burns
CB Marquise Watson
Key Stats: West rushed for 1,430 yards on 195 carries and 11 touchdowns.
