Offensive Preview:
Last year, Rustin quarterback, David Fithian graduated. This year there is a competition between two players. They are senior Jack Carfagno and junior Evan Wlock.
“No one really has won the position in the spring. We will have to see how it plays out in camp and/or some of the scrimmages. Both kids are very similar and didn’t get much varsity time. They both do a decent job running the ball. We need to see who can throw the ball the best. Who doesn’t win the position will be starting on defense.”
At running back the Golden Knights return with the most electrifying running backs in Eastern Pennsylvania.
Terry Loper rushed for 1,734 yards and 22 touchdowns last year. Look for him to have a big year carrying the ball.
“In the offseason Terry got bigger and faster. He’s running a 4.4 40 right now and he’s up to about 195-pounds. He’s a big, fast, strong running back. He has great vision on the field. He can run past you or run over you. He can run inside or outside. He’s going to carry the ball 25 to 30 times a game this year.”
If teams start keying on Terry, look for these guys to mix it up this year. Stephen Franks is one of the guys that will get carries this year.
“He’s a 5-foot-10, 200-pound fullback that is a good blocker and will get some carries.”
Dominic Simpkins is a senior running back that’s very fast.
“He’s a guy that can break it outside and make plays.”
To have a good running attack in the wing-t you need a good, experienced offensive line and that’s what Rustin has.
“We’re really excited about what we have coming back on the offensive line this year. We have size, experience and these guys can move.”
They return four linemen from last year’s team and are led by right tackle Ray Borderly, who stands at 6-foot-6, 315-pounds.
“He’s being recruited by numerous division one teams and he’s only going to be a junior. Ray is the big body on the line.”
The right guard is Phil Vechiolli.
“He’s 5-foot-11, 235-pounds and did a good job last year for us.”
Nick Leonard is a 6-foot-3, 275-pound center. He’s a returning starter from last year. Sean Weaver is the left guard. He’s 6-foot, 215-pounds.
Christos Mosharis is the left tackle. He’s 6-foot-4, 270-pound.
Patrick Durant is a guard that adds depth to the line and will rotate in. When they go to their double tight set look for Ahmad Jones to be in on the line.
At wide receiver Rustin has two returners from last year. Mike McKnight and Jordan Fulton are the guys returning.
“They have to block first and catch later. They are an extension of our line. When we do throw the ball these two guys are our main receivers. They are both capable of catching the ball.”
Matt Hosking is the tight end.
“He’s a returning player and is a big target at 6-foot-4, 240-pounds.”
Defensive Preview:
On the defensive line they have two returning players and they are defensive end Matt Hosking and nose tackle Bobby Dougherty.
“We should be solid up front defensively in our 50 look. Frank and Bobby are big bodies up front that can fill the holes.”
Also on the defensive line is going to be Ahmad Jones. He will be one of the defensive ends.
The only player returning at linebacker is Greg Kirkorian who is the middle linebacker. He’s a two-year starter.
The outside linebackers will be Patrick Durant and Alex Rotelli.
Pat Catanin and Jimmy Muscarella are battling for the other middle linebacker spot.
“Both these guys were JV players last year.”
In the secondary they have Mike McKnight back at free safety.
Andrew Chobany is back after a year being away. He will be a big addition at strong safety
Jordan Fulton, Evan Wlock, Dominic Simpkins and Matt Dever will be battling for the corner position.
Special teams Preview:
Dominic Simpkins and Matt Dever will be the kick returners.
Mike McKnight will be our punt returner.
Dane Anderson is the returning kicker and punter.
Zeke Crosby is the long snapper.
Head Coach: Mike St. Clair.
2013 record: 10-1
Key Starters Lost: MLB Sean Stienmetz Qb David Fithian Wr/DB Ethan Ridgeway CB Omar Stewart DL- Jake Lindauer Eric Dunion
Offensive Returning Starters: (6)
RB Terry Loper- 1,700 yards last year
OL Ray Borderly
OL Phil Vechiolli
OL Frank Hosknig
OL Nick Leonard
OL Christos Mosharis
Defensive Returning Starters: (6)
MLB Greg Kirkorian
FS Mike McKnight
DE Matt Hosking
NT Bobby Dougherty
SS Andrew Chobany
CB Jordan Fulton
Key Newcomer’s: RB Dom Simpkins
D1 (FBS & FCS) Prospects: Terry Loper-offers from Buffalo, Rhode Island, Monmouth,Bryant. Ray Borderly-OL 6-6 315 Ivy/Patriot- FS Mike Mcknight, DE/FB Matt Hosking
2014 Outlook:
We could be very competitive with entire offensive line and running back Terry Loper back off last year’s 10-0 regular season record.
Have to find starting quarterback to replace 2-year starter David Fithian and a team leader to replace 3-year starter Sean Steinmetz.
If we can stay healthy and minimize mistakes we should be fine.
