GC hopes to avoid injury bug that plagued '99

By Ryan Briggs
Herald Writer

After injuries plagued the Grove City Eagles' 1999 season, fourth-year head coach Jeff Bell is anxious to start the new season.

Injuries to fullback/linebacker Donnie Lewis, defensive tackle John Rihel, center Matt Perna and several other starters prevented the Eagles from a District 10 playoff berth.

"I think we played well early in the season," Bell said, referring to his team's 4-6 campaign. "In the Brookville game, (a 21-14 Week 5 loss) we had some key players hurt and that hurt us as the season went on."

"We definitely had the talent to be a playoff team. I think without the injuries, we would have been in the playoffs and maybe progressed."

Still, the Eagles return 13 starters, including three in the backfield.

"We do have some experience back," Bell, who has a 16-15 career record, said. "We don't have anyone who I would say is going to carry the team on offense. That's the thing we're trying to get across to the kids this year. We have to be a team and everyone has to contribute in their own way."

Senior quarterback Chad Pratt emerged as the starter early last season and threw for 496 yards and five touchdowns.

Pratt also ran for 322 yards as the Eagles progressively incorporated more option plays into their wing-T set.

"Chad worked hard in the summer and we expect him to have a good season," Bell said. "That's one of the reasons why we're going this way (using more option)."

Both halfbacks also return from last year's squad. Senior left halfback Bob Covert led Grove City with 400 yards rushing, while right halfback Rob Gargasz also returns.

Another senior, Gargasz ran for 200 yards in 1999.

"Each one of them has different strengths and we plan to use them accordingly," Bell said. "Both of them are great kids. I've had them in the program since eight grade and I look for them to have good years."

Senior Tim Dixon will likely start at fullback, replacing Lewis (333) yards and Rihel (6 TDs) The 235-pound Dixon carried the ball only 5 times last year. Sophomore Josh Pratt will also compete for time at fullback.

The Eagles will have to replace Pratt's favorite target from last season, Brandon Fratto.

Fratto hauled in a team-high 16 receptions last year from the tight end spot. Also gone is split end Brad Bittner.

Senior Andy DeGroff will help fill the void at split end, along with juniors Jason Patterson and Kent Peterson. DeGroff is also the Eagles' backup quarterback. Junior Josh Tobias takes over at tight end.

Junior Mike McKee moves in at center, while newcomer Andrew Eaton and senior Matt Alger are at the tackles. Justin Badger returns at one guard spot, while J. Frank Cook has the inside track towards the other guard position.

"Those kids have probably put in more time over the summer than any of our other positions," Bell said. "We're not gonna be big up there, but they're mobile. They can move and they're in good condition."

On the defensive side of the ball, Grove City will employ a 5-3 scheme. The Eagles must replace defensive end Cory Braden's 5 sacks and the 58 tackles of linebacker Steve O'Brien. McKee started at end during the second half of the season, while Cook, Perna, senior Matt Rottman and junior Akeem Dennis are vying for the interior positions, along with sophomore Alan Campbell.

"We have several kids who could play on that front and that's what we're looking forward to," Bell said. "What we may lack in experience we can make up for in depth and kids being able to play more than one position."

Dixon returns as the starter at middle linebacker. Last season, he pulled down a team-high 65 ballcarriers. Alger may start at inside linebacker or end.

Sophomore Josh Pratt is slated to start at the other linebacker position.

"We're counting on those same people on offense to be able to play both ways," Bell said. "We're hoping for some younger kids to step in there to help them out."

Gargasz moves from cornerback to safety, while DeGroff replaces Gargasz at cornerback. Chad Pratt will man the other corner spot.

"Being our quarterback last year, Chad didn't play defense," Bell said. "I think he has to be out there. He's a good athlete."

Newcomer Bill Jordan will handle the placekicking duties for Grove City. Several players are battling for the punting duties, held last year by Bittner.

Bell considers the league to be improved on an overall basis.

"In 'AAA' with Wilmington coming in, it'll be a battle for the league title. All four teams (Grove City, Hickory, Slippery Rock and Wilmington) have quality people coming back."

Bell is assisted by Keith DeGraaf (offensive coordinator), Jeff Hatton (defensive coordinator), John "Bubba" McCall (offensive line/linebackers), Don King (ends) and Todd Warner (defensive line). Justin Bell, Glenn Cornelius and Ty Thompson handle the junior high program.