The last couple of years Old Forge has been battling Dunmore for the District 2 Class A title. In 2011 Old Forge won the District title and Dunmore won it last year.
After an early loss to Dunmore, the Blue Devils have ripped off 11 straight wins including a win over Dunmore in the District finals. During their playoff run they have stopped some of the best small school running teams like Dunmore, Southern Columbia, Schuylkill Haven and Steelton-Highspire in Eastern Pennsylvania.
For the second time in two years, District 2 will be playing week 16.
Last weekend Old Forge defeated Steelton-Highspire 26-7 and now faces another strong running team out of the west, Pittsburgh North Catholic.
North Catholic’s running attack is led by Jermore Turner (1,072 yards) and PJ Fulmore (1,040 yards). They are averaging 33.2 points per game.
Record: 14-1
Offense: Averaging 38.9 points scored
Defense: Averaging 9.6 points allowed
Schedule: Click here
Offensive line
Sr. OT Ryan Paulish (6-4, 290); Sr. OG Paul Papi (6-0, 228); Sr. C Troy Benson (6-0, 210); Jr. OG Corey Souryavong (5-11, 210); Sr. OT Joe Bruno (6-3, 250)
What are your strengths on the line?
“One thing is the continuity. We only had a few players miss a few games this year. Some of these guys like Ryan, Paul and Joe have been playing together for three-years and they are so smart. Every one of them is in the National Honor Society. They are very accountable and coachable. They are good at run and pass blocking. Their biggest strength is how smart they are and how they communicate and recognize what they are seeing.”
Michael Cantarella will rotate in this weekend and Mason Wheeler may see some action.
Quarterback
Sr. Jake Manetti (6-0, 185)
“Jake does everything really well. He makes great decisions. I always told him if you see something out their make the adjustment. He’s a physical kid and is a proven leader. When he gets in the huddle, he controls it. They all take direction from him. He is a smart kid and is ranked fourth or fifth in our school.”
Stats: Completed 62 of 114 1,176 and 13 touchdowns. He rushed for five touchdowns.
Running backs & Fullbacks
Sr. FB Jorden Sekol (6-2, 210); Sr. RB Brandon Yescavage (6-2, 190); Jr. RB Bobby Rinaldi (5-10, 170)
“Brandon missed pretty much his sophomore year due to a injury. Last year, with the Brian Tomasetti as our main back, he had limited carries for us. But a year makes a difference. He came into this season more mature and in great shape. He made the most of his opportunity. He’s had a awesome year for us.”
“Jorden is more like another lineman out there. He has been an unselfish player and understands his role. He does a great job blocking. Bobby has really come on lately. He’s a fast kid and is getting more touches.”
Stats: Brandon rushed for 2,597 yards on 298 carries and 44 touchdowns
Wide Receivers & Tight ends
Jr. WR Brandon Vahey (5-10, 160); So. WR Joe Gutowski (6-1, 165); Sr. TE Shane Schuback (6-1, 225)
“Brandon and Joe go out there and do their job. They both run good routes and are athletic. Shane plays tight end, wide receiver and h-back. He has great hands and is a real physical player. He knows everything we do offensively. He’s our emotional leader and depending on who we play we move him around for the best match up.”
Stats: Shane caught 31 passes for 519 yards and six touchdowns. Joe caught 14 passes for 345 yards and three touchdowns.
Defensive line
So. DE Armando Sallavanti (5-11,165); Sr. DE Ryan Paulish (6-4, 290); Sr. DT Joey Bruno (6-3, 250); Sr. DT Paul Papi (6-0, 228)
“Their running game is unbelievable. We got to stay in gap control and that is our main focus on the defensive line.”
Linebackers
Sr. Shane Schuback (6-1, 225); Jr. Bobby Rinaldi (5-10, 170); Sr. Jorden Sekol (6-2, 210); Sr. Matt Trotta (5-9, 180)
“These guys have played 15 games together and they know each others weakness and strength. They work well together as a unit. Matt and Bobby know their roles. Those two guys work well inside and let the other two do their thing outside.”
Defensive backs
So. CB Joe Gutowski (6-1, 165); Jr. CB Brandon Vahey (5-10, 160); Sr. S Jake Manetti (6-0, 185)
“We are very athletic in the secondary. Jake has been a starter for three-years and is a smart player. I think the big reason is he recognizes what the quarterback is doing because he plays that position. They all can tackle and they better do it this weekend.”
What is your key on offense?
“We can’t do what we did last weekend. We can’t have those mistakes and turnovers. What we have to do is control the line of scrimmage. This will be the fourth different front we faced in five weeks. So, its going to be a nice practice this week and try and keep our composure and make it our main focus on their fronts. So if we can adjust to their fronts we will be fine.”
“We have to establish the line of scrimmage a yard or two past them. We have to play on their heels and make room. If they smother us, it will be a long game.”
What is your key on defense?
Tackling, just like that. It’s get a hat on a hat and tackling. They’re going to line up and come right at us. The number one thing is tackling, if we don’t do that well we are in trouble.”
What would it mean to your community and school to win a state title?
“It’s easy to stay up late and do the work. Because you know what the final result could be. We have such a rich tradition here at Old Forge and this seems to be the last step for it. The players know everyone is behind this team.”
