New coach brings new outlook to Mercer Mustangs

By Ryan Briggs
Herald Writer

Losses have accumulated at an alarming rate in the Mercer High football program over the past four seasons. Since 1996, the Mustangs are 9-31, including 2-8 in each of the last two seasons under the resigned Ed Klutcher.

Yet new coach Tom Phillips does not concern himself with the Mustangs' struggles in recent seasons.

"I can't go in thinking about the past," Phillips said. "I think, and it shows in their attendance record, that (the players) want to get to the next level."

Phillips spent the past two seasons as offensive coordinator at Springfield Local High in New Middleton, Ohio, following a previous stint at Boardman. And he brings an extensive background in strength and conditioning -- areas that he wants to vastly improve.

"We're still trying to get the kids bigger and stronger," Phillips said. "We're going after strength, not just maintaining."

That commitment to the weight room is the core of Mercer's defense.

"A sound and physical defense will be our foundation," Phillips said.

The Mustangs will rely on a "50" defense this season, anchored by nose guard Jay Patterson while Justin Scilla and John Patterson will serve as tackles. Dave Knechtel is the "drop" end, while massive J.L. Gaburri (6-foot-6, 250 pounds) is the "rush" end.

"He's gonna be coming in off the edge," Phillips said of Gaburri, who is spurring some Division I interest.

Chris Dunn, who also will start at fullback, is middle linebacker. Flanking him is weakside 'backer Don Styers. Phillips is less certain about the Mustangs secondary, however.

"We're not blessed with a 4.4 (40-yard dash) guy back there," he said.

Cody Urey and Bill Mudrak are the safeties, and Charlie Burk and Mike Frydrych likely will be the cornerbacks.

The new season brings a new offensive system to Mercer for the fourth straight season, as Phillips will use the I-formation.

"We run a similar offense to Youngstown State," Phillips said, "except we won't use the option as much."

Mercer will mix it up this season, looking to achieve balance between running and passing.

"I love power football," Phillips said. "But we can't rely on power. When you don't have the horses, you need to do the little things. We have to use a variety of passes and try to spread the field."

While Mudrak and Dunn are entrenched at quarterback and fullback, respectively, the tailback position is up for grabs, with Jeff Reeher competing with Knechtel and Pete Erdos. Luke Erdos has earned the starter's job at "Z" (flanker), while the "X" (split end) duties belong to Urey. Styers will line up at tight end. Gaburri will anchor a young offensive line from his right guard slot.

"He's probably the fastest offensive lineman I have," Phillips said. "We're going to use him to pull on a lot of our running plays."

John Patterson is the center, while Scilla is penciled in to start at left guard. Newcomer Ryan Moose will start at tackle with either Luke Rust or Derrek Christy.

Knechtel is the probable kicker. Dunn is Mercer's best punter, but he also is their top long-snapper.

Although this is Phillips' first season of Mercer County Athletic Conference football, the veteran of the Mahoning Valley's Steel Valley Conference knows the MCAC is stocked with good teams.

"Last year, Wilmington comes in and beats Ursuline," Phillips said. "Two years ago, Sharon goes over and crushes Boardman. (The MCAC) is a great league. It's competitive, a challenge week in and week out."

Phillips will be assisted by Rob Kennis (offensive coordinator), former Grove City College jack-of-all trades Gary Krenzer (defensive coordinator), Bill Chess (special teams) and former Mustang standout Mitch Berndt. Hank Brock and Brad Powell are the strength coaches, while Kevin Kubalic and Rick Whenry coach the junior high team.