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



GROVE CITY HIGH SCHOOL

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Excitement runs high in Grove City

The excitement in Grove City has been building for the 1996 season for quite some time. In fact, according to third-year head coach Clair Altemus, it actually began almost immediately following the Eagles' disappointing loss to Wilmington in the District 10 Class AA championship game.

That loss, by a 21-19 count when a two-point conversion pass failed in the waning seconds of the game, to the then-unbeaten and state-ranked Greyhounds concluded Grove City's season at a sparkling 7-4 (1-1 MCAC) only a year after the Eagles had finished 2-8.

``Coming home from the District 10 championship game last year the hurt from losing and the manner in which we lost was there,'' Altemus related. ``But after sulking for about 15 mintues, we realized one benefit was we had so many kids coming back that had actually played in that game.''

With 18 returning starters, Grove City has every reason to be optimistic, but the Eagles won't be back in the AA title game. The reason is they have since been reclassified AAA, where they will have to battle only Slippery Rock for the playoff spot.

Unfortunately for the Eagles, conference MVP Dantae Fouce, who paced Grove City with nearly 1,500 yards rushing a year ago won't be one of the returnees.

Fouce, who had been sent to George Junior last year, returned to his hometown of Muncie, Ind. in December after his sentence was up.

``I don't think we're going to see a back like him in the conference again,'' Altemus said.

Also lost to graduation were all-conference players Carl Axe, Curt Irion, Dionne McKelvin, Mike Minner and Jason Guy.

But as Altemus said, the ``tank's not empty,'' especially for a squad that currently features 47 players in camp.

``We've got (all-conference safety) Amos Upshaw, who I feel is a big-time football player,'' Altemus said.

Apparently so do schools like Grambling and Kent State, who are projecting the 6-foot-5, 220-pounder as a possible linebacker or drop-down rush end in college.

Upshaw, a two-year starter at safety, will also be getting more of a look at split end this year, with his big frame providing an enticing target for the starting quarterback.

Battling for the signal-caller's job again are senior Andy Jones and junior Justin Bell, who alternated almost game-to-game last year, posting nearly identical stats.

That won't happen this year, according to Altemus.

``They battled last year and there's no clear cut favorite,'' Altemus said. ``We're still going to do some alternating (in the preseason) to see which one is going to come up on top and take the job. The one that can move the team consistently is going to get the nod. They're both working hard and it's going to be tough decision. But it's nice position to be in.''

Other top returnees are all-conference defensive end Kris Knepper, who will also replace Fouce at fullback, and 6-foot-4, 270-pound junior tight end and defensive tackle Mike Schuessler, who Altemus calls a ``major college prospect.''

``We're going to be competitive,'' Altemus said.

Tentative starting line-ups are:

Assisting Altemus are: John McCall (OL), who has been added to the staff this year, Larry Wenderoucz (WR), Jeff Bell (OB, LB), Mike Hostetler (defensive coordinator) and Scott Pearce (special teams).

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Updated August 29, 1996