Team: Upper Merion Area High School
Head Coach: Victor Brown
Assistants: Ed Helenski, Don Jackson, Davis Chubb, Brad Scioli, Nick Rotondo, Frank Karkoska, Mike Fabrizio
Last year’s record: 1-10
Key starters lost: Dave Brown RB/DB, Tyrese Leach WR/DB, Nico Palumbo C/DT, Preston Hampton FB/LB, Matt Boyle OT/DE, Kyle Thornton WR/LB
Key returning offensive starters: Sr. OT Will Fisher 6-4 240, Sr. OG 6-0 260 Sam Ghanayem, Jr. FB Marc Clayton 5-9 190, Jr. WR Ahmad Stone 5-7 155, Jr. OG Chris Nero 5-9 235
Key returning defensive starters: Sr. DE Kevin Jainlett 6-2 195, Sr. LB Mike Zelli 5-10 175, Sr. CB Zaire Savage 5-10 170, Jr. LB Marc Clayton 5-10 165, Jr. CB Taiyan Lobban
Special teams returning starters:Nick Lindelow K/P
Key Newcomers: So. WR/CB Aaron Anderson, So 5-8 165, TE Justin Fisher 6-4 190, Jr. QB Dale Clayton 5-9 185
Offensvie Outlook:The strength of the unit is the offensive line. This is fortunate for us because we need to replace Dave Brown our leading rusher last season. For the offense to take a step forward, we must become more efficient in the pass game and decrease the number of turnovers.
Defensive Outlook: The strength of the unit is the defensive line. Towards the end of last season Kevin Jainlett started to evolve into an effective pass rusher. For the defense to take the next step forward, we must continue to improve our pass rush secondary play.
Special Teams Outlook:Nick Lindelow make steady improve as a kicker and punter throughout the season. Younger players will expected to step up a significant roles on all special teams units due to the number of players going both ways.
Overall Outlook:Upper Merion returns some players that gained valuable playing time last season. In addition, Mark Picariello will return after missing last season due to an injury. The strength of this teamis the offensive and defensive lines. Upper Merion again will likely have a number of athletes playing on both sides of the ball.