The HERALD Sharon, PA published Tuesday, August 27,1996
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Football  '96



SHARON

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Sharon hopes third time will be a charm in state finals




Sharon High football coach Jim Wildman knows that even dropping to Class AA this season won't make it easy to return to a state championship game for a third straight year.

But it does assure the Tigers of one thing that makes Wildman happy _ he knows Berwick won't be waiting there in the opposing locker room.

``I'll miss Berwick in a bad way,'' said Wildman with a wide grin. Sharon lost by scores of 27-7 and 43-6 to the eastern football factory in the AAA title tilt the last two seasons.

Sharon, one of the smaller schools enrollment-wise in the state Class AAA listings last season, saw a slight decrease in numbers drop them into the AA ranks this season.

In fact, Wildman knows that AA in the Mercer County Athletic Conference is probably tougher this season than AAA. Defending District 10 AA champion Wilmington is again expected to be strong.

``Whoever wins the county in AA should have their chances at districts be greater because of the tough competition in the league,'' said Wildman.

While Wildman has become accustomed to being the head coach of a championship-caliber team, he calls it ``kind of a strange feeling.''

``I still remember when I started 20 years ago when we were trying to have a winning season, let alone go to state,'' said Wildman. ``The same fans 20 years ago used to ask, `When are you going to win a game?'

``Now they say, `How about winning that last game.' ''

But while winning breeds more pressure to win ``The Big One'' it also breeds a triumphant tradition that undeclassmen like to follow.

``The younger players have greater resolve to do what others have done before them,'' said Wildman. ``Kids in the 7th, 8th and 9th grades who go to games and watch successful teams have visions that someday it's going to be their turn.

``I think the feeling of wanting to be remembered drives them. Everyday I start the day by mentioning the accomplishments of some of the teams of the past, starting with the '82 team that went 10-1.''

Wildman said injuries have hampered the team in the early going, but in a way it has actually helped the squad's depth. ``Injuries have forced us to look at some other kids who might not be getting as much playing time. Some of these kids are stepping up and doing the job.''

Sharon's offense should again be potent, despite starting two sophomores. Jeff Valentino, who was a starter in the state final game last season, will start at quarterback, while T.J. Phillips, who picked up a lot of experience as well last year, will be running from the tailback slot. Wildman is high on the both players.

Senior Randy Clark returns at fullback, while wide receivers include a multi-talented Geno Rossi, Steve King, Ralph Odem or Brian Phillips.

The Tigers are big up front, headed by 335-pound Manny Norris and 300-pound Cory Blough at tackles and 270-pound Brian ``Bubba'' Griffin at guard. Sophomore Josh Bacon will fill the other guard post. Tight end will be Matt Torr and center will be Ken Messina or Eric Mausser.

Others who will probably see action on offense are Jeff Songer on the line, Joe Moss at tailback, David Bodien fullback and Steve Byerly, a slash guy who can play numerous positions.

Defensively, ends are Torr, Bacon or Josh Ott; tackles, Griffin, Blough or Nate Walker; linebackers, Byerly, Songer, Moss, Mausser or Messina; outside linebackers, King, Bryan Phillips or Clark; and secondary, Rossi, Odem, Glen Saunders, Marty Barnett, Phillips or Jason DeLong.

Clark will handle the punting and Songer the kicking chores.

Coaching staff is: varsity, Bill Sham, Mike Donato, Jeff Valentino, Brian Wildman, Dan Scheider, Wally Carpenter and John Baldinelli; 9th grade, Tom Hall, Chris McComb; 7th-8th grade, Ken Smith, John Vannoy. Volunteer coaches are Marc Bieber and Chris Buchman.

The Tigers, who posted an 11-4 record in 1995, again face a rugged schedule of non-league games, including Youngstown Ursuline, Erie Prep and Campbell Memorial. ``Hopefully that schedule will help us and not cripple us,'' said Wildman. ``I'd like to knock off Ursuline just once.''

A win over Ursuline Friday at Youngstown State University's Stambaugh Stadium would be extra special for Wildman because it would mark his 150th victory as a coach. Ursuline beat Sharon the past two seasons by scores of 14-6 and 14-0.

Wildman could also move to the top as winningest Mercer County coach of all time this season if the team can record eight victories. Frank Amato, former Reynolds coach, leads with a record of 156-67-9, followed by Ed Snyder, ex-Greenville coach, with 152-66-10. Wildman's overall mark is 149-63-6 Lost to graduation were some key players, including quarterback/defensive back Aaron Snowell; leading rusher J.D. Harden who amassed a senior year total of 2,042 yards on 312 carries; top linemen Jon Stevens, Mike Klingensmith and Bob McGinty; linebacker Jeremy Whalen and defensive back Gary Greene.

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Updated August 29, 1996