Hornets on the upswing under Annarella

By Nathan Summers
Herald Sports Writer

A couple of gutsy come-from-behind wins and a couple upsets characterized the 1999 Hickory High Hornets' football season.

Although their efforts didn't earn any district playoff attention and garnered a modest 5-5 record, the season was a potentially invaluable learning experience for coach Phil Annarella's team, most of which is back this year awaiting another chance.

And although Annarella probably would like to have more than just two 2-year letterwinners returning to the Hornets' gridiron this year, the pair fills vital slots in his offense. Running back Marcus Horvath and returning quarterback Ross Trimmer will add sting to the Hornets' attack, both with a second year of varsity action under their belts in '99. At 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, Trimmer has a solid frame in which to build on last year's success and this year, he will have the quarterback slot all to himself.

"Despite being a junior, Ross is going to be a 3-year letterwinner this year," Annarella said of Trimmer, who started at safety in both his freshman and sophomore campaigns. "With his experience, he'll be a definite plus for us."

Trimmer made his presence felt in the defensive secondary during his sophomore season, returning a pair of interceptions for touchdowns, including a 62-yarder in a 23-13 upset win over Franklin. He also rushed for a pair and passed for one on the offensive side. Because of his defensive prowess, Annarella said he would be "one of my players that won't be coming off the field."

Horvath scored just three TDs from the backfield in '99,

Derek Perkins, who logged most of the minutes at quarterback last season, is one of Hickory's key graduation losses, along with wide receiver Brad Webb.

"The biggest hit we took with our skill guys probably was with our receivers and our (defensive backs), Annarella said. "We lost a slew of kids that had been 2-year starters -- Joe Boyd, Zach Sabo, Torrey Keeley, Perkins -- so that was a big hit for us, having those kids gone."

The Hornets also return 10 players who not only gained a valuable year of experience last year, but became permanent fixtures. One of them who will be counted upon to contribute to the multi-faceted running attack will be Quinten Peagler, who emerged as a great second weapon for the Hornets, leading the team with six rushing touchdowns. He enjoyed his best game of the season in a comeback win over Reynolds when he scored three touchdowns on 165 yards rushing.

Horvath and Peagler, along with tight end Quentin Emerich, will serve as tri-captains for the Hornets.

"Those two (Horvath and Peagler) will probably share tailback this season," Annarella said.

For the moment, however, Peagler will own the spotlight, as Horvath is nursing an injury. Annarella noted that Peagler was basically the only back he used in a preseason scrimmage againast Kennedy Christian. Emerich is back with plenty of experience after becoming one of the favorite targets of Perkins and Trimmer last year. Placekicker Guido Gurrera also returns with valuable experience.

"Guido's three field goals against Franklin were the difference in the ballgame for us," Annarella said. "His leg is important for us, too, and we're going to be counting on him."

Annarella also pointed to the value of starting offensive guard Jason Sheasley and offensive tackle Adam Gassner. According to Annarella, Gassner was out with a broken ankle for some of last season, and will be a welcome return.

In facing formidable Mercer County Athletic Conference foes like Sharon, Slippery Rock and Grove City, Annarella said he believes the players beyond his starters will tell the story.

"Any coach will tell, you will always have a handful of guys that have the experience and are pretty good football players," Annarella said. "It's what the supporting cast does with them. We're still working on finding the right supporting cast to go along with these kids. Depth is usually a problem in our league. When somebody goes down, a key kid, it can be devastating if you don't have someone to step in and pick up the slack."

Other letterwinners back in the lineup are receiver/defensive back Alex Kostra and running back/inside linebacker Dale Longley. Center/tackle Bobby Byerly also returns, joined on the line by Ryan DeArment.

Annarella said that both lines will be question marks for the Hornets in the coming season.

Notes: Annarella, 7-13 in two seasons at the Hickory helm but 130-72-3 in three decades of scholastic coaching (110-53-2 in 16 years at Warren Western Reserve and Harding), will be assisted by Joe Elliott, Tom Trimmer, Doug Barnhart, Mike Nardone, Doug Levis, Dennis Bornes, Joe Bender, Tim Jones; junior varsity coaches Joe Pozar and Tom Hale, and junior high coaches Ray Olsen, Mark Palumbo, Paul Smargiasso and Tom Miles.