Rockets had good year, but 2000 will show if they have a good program

By Ryan Briggs
Herald Writer

Until last season, the Slippery Rock Rockets had not made the District 10 AAA playoffs since 1996. That year, the Rockets lost to Greenville in the semifinals and finished with a 5-5 record. The following year, the Rockets went 1-9.

Last season, Slippery Rock advanced to the D-10 semifinals before falling to Greenville, 40-22 -- and ending the campaign with a 5-5 mark.

Third-year coach Brendan Smith hopes that history does not repeat itself.

"That's the big thing, that's what this year is all about -- to see if we can bring some consistency to the program," Smith said. "One of the last things I said after our playoff game was that 'we had a good year, but do we have a good program?' The jury's out on that right now."

The jury is also deliberating on who will get the nod at quarterback. Junior Luke McCaffrey and senior Rich Busi are battling to fill the void left by the graduation of three-year starter Greg Grupp. Grupp threw for more than 1,500 yards last season. He also started at safety and punted.

"As far as both players really committing themselves to the program, committing themselves to the position, I'm really pleased with (them)," Smith said of his signal-callers. "Both of them are too good of athletes not to be on the field at the same time."

Whoever does not win the quarterback derby will play wide receiver. McCaffrey and Busi both have experience at wideout in the Rockets' one-back offense.

Junior Zach Sarver will also get the nod at a receiver spot. Sarver caught 19 passes last year. The third spot will be shared by senior Luke Montgomery, special teams ace Mark Matson and junior Brian Capello.

Braden Campbell inherits the tight end spot from the graduated Jim Regal. Campbell started at tackle last season.

The 6-5 junior has added 20 pounds to his frame since last season.

"He's worked extremely hard in the weight room," Smith said.

Senior running back Josh Kniess will be featured once again. Kniess came alive last season in Slippery Rock's 28-6 Week 5 upset of Sharpsville, rushing for 179 yards, including a 95-yard scoring jaunt, en route to a 1,204-yard season.

"We hope to get a lot of mileage out of Josh again," Smith said. "We also look to throw him the ball." The Rockets may use Kniess at a wideout position in the formation to get him the ball more.

Kniess will benefit from an offensive line that boasts three senior starters.

Two-year starter Jason Lee anchors the line at center, while Josh Roth and Terry McDougall hold down guard and tackle spots, respectively.

A fourth senior who was projected to start on the offensive line, Brian Christie, is out until mid-season with a broken jaw. Juniors Chad Raudebaugh and Travis Richendorfer will likely start on the line, also.

The Rockets are moving from a 4-4 defense to a 4-3 system this year.

"We're trying to get more 8-man fronts with this," Smith explained. "We feel that we can get better run support with that look."

Campbell will start at defensive end along with junior letterman Dave Gould. Junior Adam Hogg and McDougall are the tackles. Hogg made his first start in Slippery Rock's playoff clash with Greenville.

"He came by way of playing nose tackle on our scout team," Smith said. "He was a linebacker and he did such a great job at nose that we started him and he did a very good job. He's a stout kid and he's strong."

The linebacking picture is quite muddy, however.

"Our linebackers, that's a big question mark," Smith admitted. "We have Josh Roth, who's done a nice job of grasping (middle linebacker). We're also tinkering at strongside linebacker with three or four kids."

Matson and Capello are dueling for the nod at weakside linebacker. Matson may also play safety or cornerback for the Rockets.

"He's a real versatile athlete," Smith said of Matson, a 5-11, 195-pound junior. "He gives us depth at those position. He's a real quality player and he's very intelligent. He's fast enough to play corner and he strong enough to be a linebacker or safety. I consider him a starter on defense, even though he may not start the game."

McCaffrey and Sarver are the cornerbacks, while Kniess and Busi are slated to fill the safety positions.

The Rockets will have to replace both specialists from last year. Punter Grupp is gone, while kicker Nat True-Daniels moved to Arkansas.

"Right now, that's a weakness," Smith said. "We might go for two a lot."

Kniess is working out at punter, while sophomore Darin Dick may handle kick-offs.

Smith is assisted by Bud Sarver, Rodney Decipedia, Sam Haybarger, Glen Hazlett and former Slippery Rock University All-American Brian Polk. Greg Walzer and Scott Russo coach the junior high squad.