So often the play of linemen is overshadowed by a running back, quarterback or wide receiver who steals the show statistically.

But in this crossover battle of highly ranked preseason teams, the success of each will depend on which controls the line.

Dunmore enters the game led by some highly regarded and powerful linemen. While trying to get back to full strength after two physical scrimmages, the Bucks will be led by Football Bowl Subdivision recruit Paul Gaughan, big 300-pound defensive lineman Joey Sabia and tackle Mike Giorgio.

"Our key is to stay focused," said Giorgio, a 245-pound senior. "We worked really hard. We just have to do our assignments and we will be fine.

"Everyone is really pumped up. I've been pumped up since the first day that I found out that we were playing them."

North Pocono will be countering with an equally big and strong front.

Vince Ocasio is a 280-pound tackle, Peter Calderone, a 300-pound senior, is beginning to receive some recruiting attention and A.J. Giombetti, a 215-pound senior, is a returning starter at center.

"We feel our biggest concern is getting movement off the ball," Ocasio said. "They have great defensive linemen, and we know that, we have seen them on film. We know we have to penetrate at the point of attack and we have to get them off the ball.

"We have to make sure that we go into this game focused."

While both teams are experienced and strong on the lines, they are bringing along young backfields.

Dunmore is trying to replace four-year starting tailback Michael Perry, fullback Frank Santarsiero and quarterback Dave Olivetti.

A stable of backs, including quarterback Jordan Dempsey, will try to ease the transition.

"We have been excited the entire offseason knowing that we were going to play a powerhouse like North Pocono," Dempsey said. "We have to keep our running game going as we always have. We have to try to outlast them."

North Pocono lost tailback Nick Batzel, fullback Frank Butash and quarterback Matt Smith to graduation.

Jack Williams is expected to be at quarterback, All-Region linebacker Greg Sporko should take over at fullback and 220-pound senior Marquill Eggleston is expected to make a big impact at the tailback spot for the Trojans.

Contact the writer: jbfawcett@timesshamrock.com

A slightly built 5-foot-6, 130-pound junior, he had played at Jessup High School, but when it merged with Archbald and Blakely to form Valley View, Cappellini felt his size would not allow him to compete against much bigger and stronger athletes.

It's a decision, he regrets, but turned into a driving motivation.

Determined to never allow an aspiring athlete to sell themselves short, the longtime physical education teacher at Valley View, and a certified physical trainer, has spent years inspiring Cougar football players to get strong and play hard.

That spirit resonates throughout the 2010 team that is expected to challenge in the Lackawanna Football Conference Division I, thanks in large part to the time the player spent in the weight room.

"I could not compete because of my size," Cappellini said. "That frustrated me. That is what pushed me into physical education. I don't want another kid to not gain something because of their size.

"I have always had a goal to help kids achieve."

Pumping Iron

When George Howanitz took over as the head coach at Valley View, one of his first calls went to Cappellini.

During Howanitz's playing days at Valley View that included a run to the PIAA Class AA championship in 1992, Cappellini made a lasting impression as the team's strength coach.

"I know how much he cares about the program and the kids," Howanitz said. "Our weight program was in a bit of a disarray before he got back here."

In that first season in 2007, Valley View players sometimes found themselves being overmatched physically, especially along the line of scrimmage.

With his passion fueling his coaching, Cappellini encouraged players to get into the weight room. Once there, to improve strength, the players had to get to work and actually move the iron plates.

That isn't always easy.

"You have to have a kid buy into it," the 56-year-old Cappellini said. "I think enthusiasm from the strength coach with the backing from the head coach like George is the way to get them to trust you. You have to be updated with equipment, and the kids, if you set a good example, will buy into the program."

Through his program, which stresses individual workouts and attention in coordination with team athletic trainer Will Stang, the players have become as dedicated as their mentor.

But it is his personal attention that keeps them coming back.

"He's always trying to foster us into becoming a family," said junior Michael Galantini, whose bench press improved 35 pounds this offseason. "This is our brotherhood and the guys you will be playing with on Friday nights. He tells you, lifting isn't easy, but one of the things that kicks in is when we actually start seeing the results."

A Cougar commitment

Valley View has made great strides this offseason.

"He really pushed us to put up big weight and get us physically strong," 220-pound junior linebacker Nyeem Wartman said. "He wants to see us achieve."

Now after two scrimmages the Cougars are realizing how important it was to be committed to the plan Cappellini outlined for them.

"He is always on our case to work hard," junior Matt Wolfel said. "I went from being a scrawny 140-pound kid ... I have put on 20 pounds of muscle. He has really impacted our lives, also. He will always ask us about school and he is always checking up on us, making sure we are doing all the right things and making good, smart decisions.

"He really cares."

Because of Cappellini's program and the players' dedication, the Cougars are ready to make a leap back into championship contention.

"We do have athletic kids," said Cappellini, who is retiring as a teacher after this year. "This group are kids who I have trained since they were freshmen and eighth graders have really been great. I think we started a good trend here.

"I hope it continues."

Contact the writer: jbfawcett@timesshamrock.com

Some, likely most, had a restless night's sleep, tossing and turning, trying desperately to relax on their journey to dawn. In their minds they had visions of what would be reality in only a matter of hours.

Those who have begun the academic year are proudly sporting the game jerseys they worked so hard to earn. They will walk through crowded hallways, chatting with friends, facing questions about how ready they will be for their starring roles in an evening of school pride.

Soon the stadium lights will turn on, the band will strike up a booming tune, and the cheerleaders will rile up the crowds gathered for the much-anticipated kickoff to the 2010 high school football season.

This is the night the kids have waited for since the final whistle of 2009.

Players who have bottled up their energy will be staring into the emptiness of their lockers, secluded in their own worlds. Side-by-side with their friends - their teammates - they will prepare both mentally and emotionally for the night and the opportunity to play a game they are devoted to.

As the fans - family, friends, classmates and longtime members of the community - get charged up, players will break through works of art that cheerleaders painted so diligently with careful brush strokes.

A surge of energy will engulf them as they remove their helmets for the echoing sound of the National Anthem.

Some may even shed a tear.

From there, the butterflies that have whisked at their stomachs all day will fade away. Intensity becomes piercing and their concentration becomes focused.

After the ball is booted into the fading sunlight, there will be plays that bring a roar to the fans, powerful open-field hits, mad dashes across manicured fields and edge-of- the-seat finishes.

Players who have committed themselves to working out, lifting weights and conditioning their bodies through the intense heat of a sweltering summer for this night, will give their absolute best efforts in victory and defeat.

These are the boys of fall.

They are teenagers who unite communities, passionate about their sports. Their play can put a halt to business in the most bustling of districts, and become the topic of late-night discussion.

They are sons and brothers, nephews and grandsons.

They are the ones fans cheer, the ones people decorate their homes and storefronts is support of.

This is their moment of a lifetime. This is high school football.

JOBY FAWCETT covers high school football for The Times-Tribune. Reach him at jbfawcett@timesshamrock.com

Often little is unveiled during the two scrimmages that highlight summer practices. And teams, searching for an identity, rarely know a great deal about their opponents.

At Delaware Valley, however, the staff and players are solely basing their game plan for Week 1 upon what they see on film.

In an unusual start to the 2010 season, the Warriors will be in Boston challenging El Toro High School (Calif.) in a KSA Events-sponsored game. KSA puts together some of the most elite teams in the country in top-rated professional and college venues.

"I would draw a very close comparison to the elite teams from the Lehigh Valley," Delaware Valley coach Keith Olsommer said of El Toro. "They remind me of Liberty when they had (Dan) Persa and (Anthony) Gonzalez. They are an open team, but they will come at you with conventional sets."

What Olsommer and his staff know is El Toro is expected to be a solid team in the Sea View League. Last season, the Chargers posted an 8-4 record and the junior varsity team finished 7-3. Running back Nico Jackson is a fleet-footed 155-pound tailback, who had three games of more than 150 yards in 2009.

"They have a really good running back," Olsommer said. "He had a nice junior year. I imagine that he is bigger and quicker. He has speed, good vision and makes really good cuts."

Most important, Olsommer is hoping his team revels in the opportunity to play in the game.

"You have to give your kids as many opportunities to experience things through football that they may never experience," Olsommer said. "When you go to college and play, you know what that means. You travel and the experiences you share with teammates on the road, it's just special. We want to give them something to remember and at the same time play a real quality opponent."

Moving up

Both West Scranton senior quarterback Tyler Hughes and Abington Heights senior running back Paul Gallagher will be chasing milestones this season.

Hughes, a three-year starter, has 3,135 yards passing. He is closing in on becoming the 11th quarterback in area history to throw for more than 4,000 yards.

Lakeland's Evan Kraky leads with 7,447 yards, while Penn State's Matt McGloin holds the West Scranton career record with 5,485 yards.

Gallagher, who is entering his second year as a starter, has 2,655 yards with 34 touchdowns. Former Abington Heights star Billy James holds the school career record with 4,041 yards.

Winning edge

Paul Marranca will revive a Hall-of-Fame career when he returns to the sideline to coach Hazleton Area against Abington Heights.

It is the third comeback for Marranca, who began his coaching career as an assistant at Dunmore.

His first head coaching assignment came at Wyoming Area from 1976 to 1986 when he racked up 86 wins.

After two more seasons as an assistant at Dunmore, Marranca coached at Nanticoke in 1990 and 1991 before returning to Wyoming Area in 1992. He has 230 career wins.

Dunmore's Jack Henzes leads active District 2 coaches with 340 wins. He will be going after No. 341 against a highly touted North Pocono team Friday.

Mid Valley's Frank Pazzaglia is second with 331. The Spartans are at GAR on Friday.

Western Wayne's Allen "Butch" Keller is also among the top with 210 victories. His Wildcats host Wyoming Area.

Dallas' Ted Jackson also has more than 200 wins in his 25 seasons, but he will get a late start this season. He is serving a four-game PIAA suspension stemming from an incident last season when players were cited for urinating on tennis courts at Tunkhannock.

State ranked

Having won the last three District 2 Class AA championships and dropping down to Class A has all eyes on Dunmore. The Bucks received the No. 1 ranking in three polls including The Harrisburg Patriot-News, Pennsylvania Football News and Rodfrisco.com.

Frisco used to compile the state rankings for the Harrisburg Patriot-News before launching his website.

Riverside is ranked in two polls. The Vikings are No. 10 in the PFN rankings and No. 8 in Rodfrisco.com. The Vikings are a team to watch in the Patriot-News rankings.

Abington Heights is ranked No. 6 in Class AAA at Rodfrisco.com. The Comets are a team to watch in the Patriot-News poll.

North Pocono is also a team to watch in Class AAA, according to the Patriot-News.

Contact the writer: jbfawcett@timesshamrock.com

Already there is a lot of energy surrounding the season because of realignment and the nonconference schedules of some teams that will bring back memories of old Big 11 clashes.

Now without getting too nostalgic, just take a look at what is a much-anticipated Week 1.

North Pocono is at Dunmore.

Not to get too far ahead of myself, but let's face it: it doesn't get much better than that for Opening Night.

Dunmore is likely to start the campaign as the No. 1 Class A team in the state, or at least will begin in the top 3.

And North Pocono, coming off a great 2009 when Jason Sepkowski turned the once-proud program totally around, is loaded with talent and size.

This is going to be a knock-down, drag-out physical brawl.

Also in the season's first week, Riverside will be at West Scranton.

Anyone who has followed these two programs the last couple of seasons will attest, that the scoreboard operator better be ready.

Both the Invaders of coach Joe Gerek and Harry Armstrong's Riverside squad spread the field and throw the ball around.

Scranton Prep will visit Lakeland in a game that traditionally has been won along the line of scrimmage.

And Abington Heights will be at Hazleton Area in a battle of the top two teams from the LFC and the WVC.

That's going to be a dandy.

There will also be the battle for Wayne County when Wallenpaupack travels to Honesdale, and of course the big battle in Boston between El Toro, Ca. against Delaware Valley.

In Week 2, strong teams from the Wyoming Valley Conference get involved. Things don't get much easier for North Pocono as Berwick visits Moscow.

Dallas will be at Scranton Prep in a matchup of teams expected to challenge in the District 2 Class AAA.

Up and down the schedule there are games to highlight and circle on the calendar.

There's Dunmore at West Scranton and Delaware Valley at Hazleton Area in Week 3. Old Forge is at Riverside and Abington Heights is at Delaware Valley in Week 5.

And that's just to midseason.

This year's schedule, the first of a two-year cycle, promises to be a physically daunting trek to the postseason.

And that is good for football in this area.

Several coaches said during the preseason that going undefeated in the regular season this year would be a monumental task.

That's saying something.

Since 1998 when the Big 11 and Suburban Conferences merged, there has been at least one team go 10-0 nine times.

Not only are there a host of great games on the slate, but there is also a large number of standout athletes who have already garnered or will garner a lot of college recruiting attention.

Scranton Prep's Kevin Reihner is committed to Stanford.

Dunmore's big three of Paul Gaughan, Jerry Hubshman and Joey Sabia are all on the radar, along with Delaware Valley's big man Brandon Clemons.

Abington Heights standout Morgan Craig is a top prospect and there will be a lot more.

North Pocono's Marquill Eggleston will surely turn heads when he takes the field after transferring from Virginia.

And there are a lot of up-and-comers. Athletes are bigger and stronger than they have ever been and they are beginning to make impacts on varsity teams much earlier.

It's shaping up to be a great season.

One everyone should enjoy.

Contact the writer: jbfawcett@timesshamrock.com

Those tales of seasons of triumph that usually ended with players and coaching hoisting a District 2 championship plaque.

It isn't always easy to live up to the expectations in a program that won seven district titles and nine division crowns since 1998. But going through back-to-back one-win campaigns makes it extremely difficult to cope.

Now, in their second season under the guidance of coach Steve Jervis, the Lions are rejuvenated. And they are attacking summer camp with the enthusiasm it will take to get back to a championship level.

"We are working hard every day," senior captain Chris Dixon said. "In two-a-days, we really worked hard. We are just trying to forget the past two years. We had two new coaches in the last two years. We have all of our coaches back for a second straight year, so things are starting to work out.

"We are trying to get that tradition back."

Lackawanna Trail players have reason to be excited, as well.

After a solid showing against Holy Redeemer in their first scrimmage, where state champion wrestler Eric Laytos put his physical strength on display, the Lions are eager to start the season in the Lackawanna Football Conference Division III.

"The team is really coming together," the 220-pound Laytos said. "Everyone is being a leader. The biggest step was to bring everybody together.

"We have one heartbeat."

Youth movement

At Carbondale, the Chargers are coming off four straight seasons where they qualified for the postseason in either the District 2 Class AA or Eastern Conference playoffs.

But graduation hit the team hard after the 2009 season.

Second-year coach Larry Gabriel, however, is not making excuses as his team attacks summer camp with a youthful enthusiasm, getting ready for a move to the LFC Division II.

"We are currently holding a 55-man roster, 42 or 43 of which are freshmen or sophomores," Gabriel said. "We are excited about the talent in the young classes. We know it's going to take time, but we aren't going to use that as an excuse. We have had a lot of guys who have been working hard all summer.

"We are trying to get as many reps as we can, so we don't stay young for long."

Piloting the Chargers this season will be sophomore quarterback Joey Gigliotti, who gained valuable experience last season coming in relief of three-year starter Dominic DeAntonio during the Eastern Conference Class AA playoff game against Hanover Area.

With his strong arm, and confidence in the upperclassmen that include receivers Michael Torch and Carm Carachilo, the Chargers are hoping to stun some opponents with their abilities and tenacity.

"We have a lot of young talent, but we also have good seniors who help us out a lot in practice," Gigliotti said. "We could surprise some people."

Grinding it out

At Scranton Prep, the players are looking forward to what could be a challenging season as the team jumps up to the LFC Division I from Division II.

This is an experienced group and one that has taken steps toward a championship season in each of coach Nick Donato's three years.

"It's going to be fun," quarterback George Pachucy said. "We are going to have to stay healthy and get some guys back.

"Once we do that, we should be all right."

Right now, the Cavaliers are nursing some key players back to health. Running back John Mariotti is out of action after suffering a stress fracture and tight end Pat Murray is recovering from a pulled hamstring.

Still, the team is raising the intensity at practice.

During a physical tackling drill at the Riverfront Sports Complex, the Cavaliers got after each other and showed that they are ready for the physical challenges that are ahead in their pursuit of a third straight postseason.

"Every day we are getting after it," defensive back Corey Curmaci said. "Nobody has earned their spot yet. Everybody is fighting for their position. We are just trying to show toughness on the field.

"That is what we are going to have to bring to the table."

Contact the writer: jbfawcett@timesshamrock.com

That won't stop him from leading his team onto the field, out for the coin toss and as their loudest supporter on the sidelines.

Kiel Eigen is a senior now and it's been five years since he was paralyzed after a tackle as an eighth-grader during a freshman football game.

Still, his teammates voted him a team captain.

"That really did touch me," said Eigen, who hasn't missed a football practice, according to coach Mike Schuback. "It's such an honor to be a captain in anything. I have been with these guys since kindergarten and played football with them. Just knowing that I have the respect, even though I am not on the field, I am in their hearts."

The reigning Lackawanna Football Conference Division III champions are working hard to defend that title, and Eigen is there in his wheelchair, fulfilling his duties as a captain.

He picks up the players when the hot summer sun drains them of their physical and mental resolve.

And he is always encouraging and teaching as if he never missed a snap.

It's those characteristics, and how much progress he has shown, that now he is able to move his arms with a slight range of motion. He's even able to play a game of catch with quarterback Michael Mancuso.

"He is the biggest inspiration that I have had in my life," Mancuso said. "He never got negative about the situation. He always kept his head up and kept us motivated to play hard."

Getting defensive

At West Scranton, there is a lot of talk about how explosive the Invaders offense can be this season.

All-Region quarterback Tyler Hughes returns, as does All-Region receiver Josh Schroeder. There are other weapons as well, including DeVaughn Chollette, receivers Dan Bernardini and Malcolm Sweeting.

But this team knows if it is to have success in the LFC Division I, there must be improvement on defense.

"We have been working hard in the weight room and in our conditioning," said Chollette, who is a starting linebacker. "We run to the ball, don't walk. We've been doing a lot to try and stop the run. That is very important for the defense."

Last year, West Scranton yielded 2,374 yards on the ground and 3,236 total yards in a 3-7 season. Those numbers will improve if the team continues to work as hard as they have this camp.

"We have had guys change positions," defensive back Ray Dominguez said. "We need to stop the run. We have a lot of athletes who can cover. We got stronger and we just have to get better defensively.

"Practices have been intense. We have been hitting and we didn't do that much last year and maybe that hurt us defensively. But we are hitting with a lot of intensity."

Aiming high

At Riverside, as sophomore's Nick Rossi and Corey Talerico played big roles as the team won the District 2 Class A title and reached the PIAA playoffs.

Now as seniors, after enduring a 4-8 season, they are ready to get back to that championship level.

"With the championship tradition here it's really important to us," said Rossi, who is headed to the University of Akron. "The whole community is rallying behind us. The team has worked really hard through doubles. We have a great nucleus coming back and we have high expectations."

Despite having low numbers on the roster, the Vikings take to every practice with focus and high intensity.

They work hard on the precision and timing of the intricate spread offense that has made them one of the most exciting and high-powered offenses in the LFC Division II.

This season, Talerico, an All-Region player, will be piloting this year's attack. And he is pleased with what he is seeing during camp.

"This is the best double-sessions that we have had in my four years here," Talerico said.

The team's intensity is also pleasing coach Harry Armstrong, a fiery leader on the sideline, who is excited about the season.

"They have exceeded all of my expectations in the first week of camp," he said. "They are all working very hard."

Contact the writer: jbfawcett@timesshamrock.com

Fans are outside the facility watching eagerly with great anticipation and higher expectations. The community is rallying around the program that has risen out of the ashes and is becoming a team that others are talking about this summer.

Because of that winning attitude, instilled and preached by a veteran coaching staff led by Allen "Butch" Keller, the Wildcats attack a practice with a great deal of energy.

"We worked really hard this year," junior offensive lineman Joseph Ingaglio said. "We really want to get over that .500 and beyond. We have a lot of guys who want it. We want to make the playoffs.

"We are doing real well. We are learning. We are getting better every five minutes and doing better and better every day."

Last season, Western Wayne won four games and just missed going 5-5 after a three-point loss to District 2 Class AAAA playoff team Wallenpaupack.

This year's group of Wildcats are excited about the season in the Lackawanna Football Conference Division II and are motivated to get to the playoffs.

They have 10 returning starters, including leading rusher Josh Harrison, fullback Matt Rosensweet, several linemen and wide receiver Logan Wilkins.

And Western Wayne welcomes several key members from a successful freshman team.

"There are only six seniors, but we needed to step up and show the underclassmen," Wilkins said. "A lot of them are really picking it up. It's all coming together."

Keeping momentum

At Wallenpaupack, Mark Watson came to the program and immediately injected his spirit and energy.

It paid off as the Buckhorns worked, improved and reached the District 2 Class AAAA playoffs for the first time in school history last season.

But a very dedicated senior class, led by two-time all-state running back Joe DeFebo, graduated. That has done little to dampen Watson's enthusiasm on the practice field.

In fact, he rarely stops encouraging.

"That rubs off on us a lot," senior wide receiver Isaiah Slutter said. "His energy creates our energy. That makes us give 110 percent. I don't know how he does it. He gets it out of us all the time.

"There is something he does that just gets to the players. He preaches competing. He made us competitors and last year we were winning and we are hoping to keep that up."

Running around as if he were a member of the team is the only way that Watson knows how to approach this job.

And he believes this team can contend in the Lackawanna Football Conference Division I.

"The work ethic takes care of itself," Watson said. "I am not a rocket scientist when it comes to football. We just preach hard work all the way through. I think they believe that's why we have been successful. Our skill level has dropped a little bit, but we will be competitive because we have done the work we needed to do."

New spirit

At Honesdale, first-year coach and former Hornet Jim Ludwig is trying to rebuild the program that suffered through an 0-10 campaign in 2010.

Having almost 50 players in uniform during two-a-day practices has been encouraging.

"We are very happy with the turnout this year," Ludwig said. "We are trying to emphasize being a more disciplined team. So far the kids are working really hard."

One of the most important things that is being emphasized during this year's camp is teamwork.

The players and coaches continually got together and worked together through drills and a spirited defensive session.

Linemen hustled from their workout area as one unit and defensive players worked hard to swarm ball carriers and receivers.

Small steps, that could lead to big strides as the Hornets drop down from the Lackawanna Football Conference Division I to Division II.

"This year we are more of a team," junior fullback and linebacker Nick Hessling said. "That is something we have struggled with the last couple of seasons. We have come together as a family and we are working hard."

Contact the writer: jbfawcett@timesshamrock.com

Following in the footsteps of his all-state brothers, Joe and Vince, now is his time to lead a program that has had the most success among all Lackawanna Football Conference schools since 1999.

"There is pressure there, but it's more like a push to do it and keep the success of the family," Al said.

In his fourth season as a starter, Tuzze is a two-time LFC Division II coaches' all-star at fullback and linebacker. Lakeland has won eight games in each of his three seasons, and last year reached the District 2 Class AA final.

Not a bad resume.

But when he looks back, Joe was a two-time Times-Tribune Defensive Player of the Year and led the Chiefs to three straight District 2 championships and 46 wins.

Vince was a two-time All-Region defensive player, was a standout on the 2006 District 2 Class AA championship team and led his team to 36 victories.

Living up to that legacy is motivating Al during camp at the Jerry Wasilchak Athletic Complex.

"My brothers were both great ball players, and I just want to keep following in their footsteps and represent myself well," Al said.

And one of Al's goals will be to join his brothers on a championship team.

"Right now we are trying to do everything we could do," he said. "We worked hard in the weight room. Nobody is dogging it, they are all working hard.

"Hopefully we can change the 'L' (in the district title game) to a 'W.' "

Powerful Sabers

At Susquehanna, clearly, the Sabers have one of the top offensive weapons in multi-talented quarterback Dan Kempa, who has run for more than 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons.

His success in his senior year and the success of the team in the LFC Division III will depend a great deal upon the performance of a veteran offensive line that has worked extremely hard this offseason.

"Those guys up front are very important," Kempa said. "They are bigger, stronger and faster. They worked hard. I am really looking forward to running behind those guys."

Leading the way will be tight end Steven Skurski, 255-pound tackle Mark Willchock, 250-pound guard Rob Hubal, senior William Dolph, 235-pound senior Eric Onyon, 240-pound Brandon Saddlemire, junior George Wilkes and junior Gage Piechocki.

Some intense drills with heavy hitting energized the Sabers' practice.

"Danny is a great quarterback, but if we as a line get better, then we can bring out his abilities better," Skurski said. "We worked a lot harder than we did the last few years."

Back to basics

At Montrose, the Meteors are working hard to get ready for a season where they will compete in the LFC Division III.

Right now, a small roster of 25 players with few having much varsity experience is creating some concerns for coach Jack Keihl.

To ease his mind, Montrose will be returning to an offense that will focus on power running.

That's something the Meteors have thrived on for years and a system they used during their most successful seasons.

"With the kids we have this year, you have to simplify things a little bit," Keihl said. "We only have 25 kids, but they are the right kids. We have four or five running backs, who are all on the same level."

More running means more carries for senior running back Ethan Jones.

A big, bruising player, Jones showed in practice that he gives Montrose a physical player who can carry the load of a power-I running attack. Isaac Bulkley is back at fullback and Jeremy Dibble and Tim Wilson will be battling for time in the backfield.

Montrose's move back to running the ball should help in the development of first-year starting quarterback Brett Johnson.

And former head coach Tom Lucenti, who mastered the power offense strategy is back as an assistant coach.

"It's nice having him here," Keihl said. "It's another set of eyes out there and we get an adrenaline rush when he gets those big guys banging on the line."

Contact the writer: jbfawcett@timesshamrock.com

They refer to it as Cougar Pride.

And it has taken a bit of a hit in recent years.

Last year, the Cougars suffered their fourth season with a losing record in the last six. A humbling pill to swallow for a team that had only two losing seasons in its first 35 years.

But this year's group of Cougars is hungry to change its fortune.

"A motivator for us will be getting back the respect we have lost," junior defensive back and receiver Brian Lalli said. "We are talking about it at every practice, every day. To wear these colors and to wear these helmets means a lot to us.

"It's Cougar Pride."

In 2009, Valley View finished 4-6, but it did start mostly underclassmen.

And during an 0-3 start, the Cougars lost games by a total of eight points, which included a one-point loss to District 2 Class AAA playoff team North Pocono and a six-point loss to District 2 Class AAA champion Abington Heights.

It was a good showing against teams Valley View will be contending with this season after moving up to Lackawanna Football Conference Division I and Class AAA from Division II and Class AA.

"We played well against North Pocono and Abington Heights, beat Scranton, and playing teams like Dunmore and Lakeland that was a good schedule last year," Valley View coach George Howanitz said. "We are ready to make that move up to Division I."

Filling the voids

At Clarks Summit, Abington Heights All-Region center Adrian Brunori, quite honestly, is getting tired of answering what will be a preseason-long question.

But he knows it's the one concern for a team that is receiving high praise on a state level again in 2010.

Abington Heights graduated three starting offensive linemen, all-state guard Sal Conaboy, Evan Craig and John Price.

So the question that keeps popping up is how will the Comets replace those standouts?

"My job as a leader is to make sure that I communicate everything to the players clearly," Brunori said. "I have to inspire them and pump them up and get them going."

As a four-year starter, Brunori said he realizes that their absence and replacing those all-stars will not be an easy task.

But he is enjoying the role of anchoring a new group.

"My experience is helping me out a lot," Brunori said. "Everything is slowing down for me."

Several players looking to join Brunori and junior Joe Dolan are senior guards Kevin Kilpatrick and Matt Lehnert, senior tackles Josh Snyder and John Paul Abda, and junior guard Dylan Berardelli.

But it won't likely be until after the Comets prove to be as dominant up front that Brunori will have to stop answering that nagging question.

"I am real happy with the way we are coming together," the 283-pound Brunori said. "We are getting real physical up there and we are going to try pushing people around like last year."

Energized Spartans

At Throop, before each play, he is clapping his hands quickly, shouting words of encouragement to his Mid Valley young players.

Even when a play didn't work out just right, Frank Pazzaglia showed no hesitation lining up and running the play himself, rolling to his right and lofting - well, releasing a wobbler - to a receiver.

It's that energy and fire that has gotten the Spartans excited about the 2010 season.

"He really gets us all motivated to come out here every day," senior fullback Mitch Bialy said. "If you are down, he will pick you up in a hurry."

With Pazzaglia back in action almost nine months after a major heart operation, Mid Valley is feeding off his return.

The Spartans are also encouraged by the fact they reached the District 2 Class AA playoffs last season.

But Pazzaglia and his players are working hard to complete the rebuilding effort by winning a district playoff game and a district championship.

"Making the playoffs really helped us alot," Bialy said. "It has been pushing us harder and harder. We want to get back there.

"We are playing with a lot of heart and we are practicing hard."

Contact the writer: jbfawcett@timesshamrock.com

There are plenty of veterans back for the Bucks, which will be led by three Football Bowl Subdivision recruits in linemen Paul Gaughan, Jerry Hubshman and Joe Sabia, and all-state defensive back Morgan Holmes.

But the one glaring absence is the player doting the I in the Dunmore running game. Michael Perry, who rumbled through area defenses for more than 6,000 yards in four seasons, has graduated and moved on to Bryant University.

But there is a saying at Dunmore that is displayed prominently on a team T-shirt: "Tradition never graduates."

Seniors Jim Pichiarello and Dominick DiLella will called upon to do their part to keep the Dunmore express moving forward.

"It's really exciting opportunity after working hard over the years," Pichiarello said at Monday's two-a-day opening practice. "You have to bide your time with this program because of the success we have had. To get this opportunity as a senior is really exciting."

Pichiarello started on defense and had only one carry last season. DiLella, who is a fullback trying to take over for two-year starter Frank Santarsiero, who gained 580 yards rushing and had 56 yards receiving, didn't have a carry in 2009.

"I just have to be here for my team," the 5-foot-9, 172-pound DiLella said. "We have a great line. You just run right behind these big offensive linemen. I'm a small guy, so I can get obscured behind everyone and try to burst out."

Scrappy Knights

At Scranton, the Knights have talent at the skill positions.

Quarterback Joe McCarthy is back for his second season as the starting quarterback, Mike Marichak is one of the top receivers in the Lackawanna Football Conference, and there are a couple of running back prospects that were shifty at practice held at Scranton Memorial Stadium.

With those weapons and a fine-tuned spread offense, the Knights are looking to be a contender in Division I.

"Basically, we run the spread offense, so you really have to work on your timing," Scranton coach Mike Marichak said. "That's what we are hoping to get accomplished in camp. You want to get that and hopefully keep working hard."

But Scranton's success this season, lies with an offensive line that by all accounts will be inexperienced and undersized.

Only two starters return in 198-pound guard Jesse Wilson Kellogg and 210-pound tackle Mike Deemer.

"I don't think that us being undersized is a big deal," said Deemer, who is a 210-pound tackle. "I think as long as we have good technique, we have speed and we get off the ball, we will make blocks."

Holy Cross looks to grow

At Dunmore, Holy Cross hit the field with excitement and enthusiasm.

The reason: A big, strong group of linemen.

Patrick Watson and twin brother Kevin Watson combine to weight 495 pounds.

But there are others who showed strength during drills behind St. Anthony's Playground, including Jordan Nicholoff, a 240-pound junior.

"Our strength is going to be with our line," Holy Cross coach Ben Tolerico said. "We have a couple of guys who can bench press 300 pounds and squat 400 pounds. That's what we are going to count on to bring us some wins."

Holy Cross is trying to build a winner after suffering back-to-back one-win seasons.

In the first year of the program, the Crusaders made the District 2 Class A playoffs.

Contact the writer: jbfawcett@timesshamrock.com

Monday was the day Deemer and his teammates took the football field for the first time in full pads. And they were ready and eager to get started.

"It's a hot one," Deemer said of the intense summer heat of the afternoon that welcomed the Knights for their first practice of the season. "I am just thrilled to start hitting.

"I've been waiting for this since school let out. I have been lifting hard all offseason and conditioning all for this day."

Football teams across Pennsylvania, many of which started with hazy, overcast skies in the morning, began two-a-day practices, serving as the annual summer kickoff to the high school season.

At Dunmore, where expectations are running high, the experienced Bucks worked through a muggy morning session. With a veteran team returning along the line of scrimmage, practice looked sharp and precise.

Coaches provided plenty of water breaks, and a breeze kept conditions somewhat cool for the players on the artificial surface at Dunmore Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Across town at Holy Cross, which will also feature veteran offensive and defensive lines, the Crusaders and their big guys battled the heat, but got their work done.

"I feet pretty tired now," said Holy Cross senior offensive lineman Patrick Watson, who tips in at a powerful 275 pounds. "But it feels great to get the pads on, get out and start working. I'm extremely excited. This is my senior year and this counts for everything.

"And the heat hasn't been too bad."

Teams will work with two-a-day workouts through Thursday with many going with one session on Friday.

Saturday is the first official day that football teams can scrimmage another team, and there is a complete schedule of morning matchups that day.

The regular season begins in the Lackawanna Football Conference on Sept. 3.

Contact the writer: jbfawcett@timesshamrock.com

LFC SCRIMMAGE SCHEDULE

SATURDAY

Dallas at Dunmore, 10

GAR at Scranton, 10

Abington Heights at Pittston Area, 10

Mid Valley at Tunkhannock, 10

Valley View at Lake-Lehman, 10

Susquehanna at Athens, 10

Montrose at Wyalusing, 10

Lakeland at Wallenpaupack, 10

Honesdale at Greater Nanticoke, 10

Meyers at Western Wayne, 10

North Pocono at Old Forge, 10

West Scranton at Crestwood, 10

Holy Redeemer at Lackawanna Trail, 10

Delaware Valley at Nazareth, 5

Coughlin at Carbondale, 10

Scranton Prep at Wyoming Area, 10

Riverside at Hanover Area, 10

York County School of Technology at Holy Cross, 11

FRIDAY, AUGUST 27

Scranton Prep at Pleasant Valley, 10

Troy at Montrose, 4

Pittston Area at Dunmore, 5

Nanticoke at Holy Cross, 5

Old Forge at Lakeland, 6

East Stroudsburg South at North Pocono, 6

Delaware Valley at Liberty, 6

Scranton at Coughlin, 7

Crestwood at Abington Heights, 7

Meyers at Mid Valley, 7

Wyoming Area at Valley View, 7

Hanover Area at Honesdale, 7

Lackawanna Trail at Western Wayne, 7

Tunkhannock at West Scranton, 7

Carbondale at Riverside, 7

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28

Wyalusing at Susquehanna, 10

However, an overpowering play like this, while exciting, can turn into a player's worst nightmare.

Concussions are a reality players contend with on a daily basis. And as the high school football season kicks off with practices begininng Monday, trainers and team physicians are on the lookout, and are aiming to prevent serious head injuries to their athletes.

"There aren't too many things higher on the list for athletic trainers to be aware of," Mid Valley athletic trainer Tom Nowakowski said. "You have to understand the risks. If a kid hides the symptoms or doesn't report what they should or are influenced to get back out there and play it can be tough."

Board Certified Emergency Medicine Specialist Dr. Steven Brunetti said the worse-case scenario is "second-impact syndrome."

"That is the kid who goes unidentified and he gets that second hit and rapid deterioration occurs. And it can lead to death," said Dr. Brunetti, an emergency room physician and Valley View graduate.

"So we need proper reporting, awareness, and good trainers and physicians who are in touch with the nuances of concussions," he said. "Coaches and parents also play a big part. Everybody should be aware and be looking for the signs of a concussion."

Concussion awareness

While taking precautions before contact begins Monday, such as making sure players are wearing properly fitted helmets, it is also a trainer's responsibility to make athletes aware of the symptoms of a concussion.

After a player sustains a head injury, the athletic trainer puts his expertise to work.

"You look for a dazed, confused demeanor," Nowakowski said. "You are looking for a change in personality. They are foggy. They have a headache, of course. The light is bothering their eyes. You could have a ringing in the ears and nausea.

"From there, you are looking to make sure it is not a major head injury from a structural standpoint or bleeding on the brain."

And the athlete plays a major role in the assessment, especially as practice begins and athletes are beginning the physical confrontations at fast speeds for the first time.

"It can be difficult," Nowakowski said. "Most concussions are reported with a headache. That headache isn't always a concussion. That first day of practice, kids are hitting for the first time and it's hot out. With the headache you have to assess if it was contact-related or not. And you have to get the athlete to understand that they need to be up front in reporting the severity of their headache."

An important aspect in concussion prevention is an athlete's ability to identify the symptoms, and to be honest with athletic trainers, coaches and medical professionals.

"You shouldn't take any chances," Mid Valley sophomore football player Matt Tanner said. "You should know the symptoms and know what could happen. It's also nice to know that the athletic trainers care about you and you won't get hurt more than you could."

Patience is important

As with any injury, young athletes are eager to get back in the game.

Head trauma is something athletic trainers are no longer putting a timeline on for recovery.

It can take some time.

"You are waiting for all signs and symptoms to resolve at rest," Nowakowski said. "Once the athlete's symptoms have resolved, I will get the athlete on the bike and elevate the heart rate and see if any symptoms reappear. Then if they pass that, you will get the athlete in the helmet. If that isn't exacerbating things, you get into a jogging exercise. Then you progress to some agilities for reaction to change of direction and sprinting. Then you can get into limited contact and progress once you are there. It's criteria based.

"It's all based on how they can tolerate the activities."

Contact the writer: jbfawcett@timesshamrock.com Symptoms

You can't see a concussion, but you might notice the following symptoms:

- Headache or "pressure" in head

- Nausea or vomiting

- Dizziness

- Double or blurry vision

- Bothered by light or noise

- Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy

- Difficulty paying attention

- Memory problems

- Confusion

What to do

- Tell your coaches and your parents. Never ignore a bump or blow to the head even if you feel fine. Tell your coach right away if you think you have a concussion or if one of your teammates might have a concussion.

- Get a medical check-up. A doctor or other health care professional can tell if you have a concussion and when it is OK to return to play.

- Give yourself time to get better. If you have a concussion, your brain needs time to heal. While your brain is still healing, you are much more likely to have another concussion. Repeat concussions can increase the time it takes for you to recover and may cause more damage to your brain.

Prevention

Every sport is different, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself.

- Use the proper sports equipment, including personal protective equipment. In order for equipment to protect you it must be: the right equipment for the game, position, or activity; worn correctly and the correct size and fit; used every time you play or practice

- Follow your coach's rules for safety and the rules of the sport.

- Practice good sportsmanship at all times.

- For more information, go to: www.cdc.gov/Concussion.

Old Forge senior quarterback Malkolm Blackshear and Wallenpaupack senior lineman Robert Sweeley will not be allowed to participate this football season.

Old Forge senior baseball player Russell McGlynn had his hearing continued while additional information is being gathered and made available to the committee.

Due to the personal circumstances resulting in the requests, the hearings were closed to the public. No further information regarding the nature of the eligibility requests was available.

"We rule on what evidence is provided and we compare what the by-laws indicate," District 2 chairman Frank Majikes said. "We do everything possible to get a kid eligible. We have guidelines to follow and we have to follow them to the letter.

"And if they don't meet those guidelines, they are ineligible."

According to PIAA by-laws concerning eligibility, it extends only until the athlete has reached the end of his or her fourth consecutive year beyond the eighth grade. Therefore, if an athlete repeats a grade after eighth, he or she will be ineligible as a senior.

Blackshear, who repeated ninth grade, was requesting an additional year of eligibility arguing against the above-mentioned PIAA by-law.

Last season, he threw for 720 yards and eight touchdowns, and added 656 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground as Old Forge finished 10-1.

"I want to thank coach Mike Schuback, he's a great coach and he helped me out a lot," the 17-year-old Blackshear said. "I want to thank the entire Old Forge coaching staff, and I want to wish Old Forge the best of luck."

In Sweeley's case, he turned 19 in the spring, falling victim to the PIAA age restriction, which require that to be eligible to participate in grades 10 through 12, an athlete must not have reached his or her 19th birthday by June 30 immediately preceding the school year.

Contact the writer: jbfawcett@timesshamrock.com

The legendary leaders have instructed generations of teenagers and looked young and vibrant Wednesday afternoon at the gathering.

Each was equally excited to get back on the sidelines and is excited as they embark on another season of high school football.

"I'm loving this," said Keller, who is at Western Wayne and is the youngest of the group at 66, entering his 37th season as a head coach. "I am feeling good. It's what is keeping me going."

Feeling good

All three iconic figures in local and state football lore have battled health concerns only to come back stronger and more energetic about their sport.

Keller returned to coaching in 2004 after a five-year rest that he needed after suffering a heart attack and five heart by-pass surgeries.

In his career, Keller has led Honesdale, Bishop O'Hara, Holy Cross and Western Wayne to 210 victories.

Last season, Henzes, who is beginning his 44th year as a head coach at both Dunmore and Wyoming Area and his 50th year in coaching, was hospitalized after collapsing during the District 2 Class AA championship game because of an increased heart beat.

It was the fourth time that Henzes collapsed at a game since 1995.

Still, the 74-year-old is ready for another season in Dunmore, aiming for another title.

"I feel great," said Henzes, who is the second all-time leader in career wins in the state with 340. "My weight is good.

"God has been good to me again."

As his team was preparing for the District 2 Class AA playoffs last season, Mid Valley coach Frank Pazzaglia was undergoing a major surgical procedure on his heart that included a valve replacement and a triple by-pass.

But it couldn't slow him down as he readies for his 42nd year of coaching that has featured 331 wins, good for fourth on Pennsylvania's all-time list.

"I feel very good," Pazzaglia said. "My health is good, and I am ready to go."

Coaching the times

Coaches who have lasted as long as the these three have seen football evolve.

There were the days of the power running game, three yards and a cloud of dust, the option, the I-formation and the now wildly popular spread formation.

Defenses have become more complex and innovative with blitz schemes and pass defending packages.

Still, the games are won by coaches and players working together for a common goal.

"The game has changed a lot," Henzes said. "There are a lot of formations, the ball is in the air a lot more.

"You have to have pretty good athletes."

Some changes are a return to the past.

"The kids are getting bigger, faster and stronger, but it's still football," Keller said. "This Wildcat formation stuff is the old single wing. We ran that in the 40s and the 50s and the 60s.

"So, yes, the game has changed, but not that much."

According to the coaches, the formula for success remains the same.

"The game is so much more than X's and O's," Pazzaglia said. "It's a game of anticipation. It's a game of timing. It's a game of knowing what to do at a particular time.

"Guys who think it's all about X's and O's will have a very short career."

And what about those who feel the game is passing these legends by.

"I hope people believe that," Pazzaglia said. "I will stick around and get some more victories on those who think the game has passed us by. I think that anybody who is coaching doesn't let the game pass you by.

"Coaching is too much work to just sit back in an armchair."

Another ride

To a man, none is ready to retire.

All three are more than excited about the 2010 season and beyond.

"I really enjoy it," Henzes said. "The young men keep you young. I also enjoy teaching in the classroom. It's something I look forward to every day. To me it's not a job. It's something I really enjoy. Maybe when it feels like more of a job, I will give it up and maybe do some gardening."

Until then, they will all keep piling up the wins.

Contact the writer: jbfawcett@timesshamrock.com