Published Tuesday, Aug. 26, 1997
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1997 season preview
Kennedy has sights on winning Class A crown
Teams typically play a 9- or 10-game regular-season schedule. But for the Kennedy Christian High School football team, the '97 slate is essentially a 2-game proposition: beat Mercer County Athletic Conference foes Sharpsville and West Middlesex, and gain the edge on a District 10 playoff berth.
``Our goals are to win those two single-A games, of course,'' fourth-year head coach John Turco (19-16) said. ``That's our destiny, in regard to the playoffs.''
Turco said the Golden Eagles will be ``young,'' but quickly added, ``I really like the attitude of the team, the mix. Our leadership is super, and the enthusiasm's great. We're just looking forward to playing a football game.''
Turco is intent on implementing a more diverse offensive attack to utilize the speed of wide-out Cody George and improved quarterback Shawn McClure.
George could conceivably reach the coveted century mark for career receptions. During his first two scholastic seasons spent at Sharpsville and last year at Kennedy, George has amassed totals of 82 receptions for 1,042 yards.
McClure saw some action under center a year ago, then turned in a 12-for-15, 4-touchdown performance in a recent scrimmage against Cochranton.
``He did a very capable job for us (last year), and I think the greatest improvement that we'll enjoy this year is the fact he's really matured into an excellent throwing quarterback _ and we do intend to throw the football,'' Turco emphasized, adding,
``We're going to run from a Pro-I. We're not going to abandon the option completely, but we're going to do some things other than the option this year.''
The Eagles' ground
game will be led by prolific Jason Cecil (89 carries, 944 yards, 10.6 yards/carry, 104.9 yards/game).
``With Jason being a (near) 1,000-yard gainer last year, we feel real strong about being able to run the ball, and (Scott) Renninger running the ball up the middle had about 500 yards,'' Turco recalled. ``So we feel like we'll be able to move the ball on the ground, as we've been able to in past. Now I think we should be able to throw the ball a little better which will, perhaps, give us a little more balanced attack.''
Center Lou Perry will anchor the offensive interior that should include tackles John O'Brien and Steve Butler and guards John Kawecki and Poland, Ohio transfer Larry Frangos. Travis Shirley and Jemille Cecil will be the ends.
Defensively, the Golden Eagles will use a base 4-4, with Frangos and Isaac Friday at ends; Butler and O'Brien at tackles; Shirley and Brian Trimboli as the outside linebackers; Renninger and Kawecki as the inside 'backers; Jemille Cecil and Jason Walsh at the corners, and George roaming as the free safety.
Linemen John O'Rourke and Steve Rodgers, 2-way back Nick Rapone, linebackers Tim Brown and Ryan James, and tight end Jason Monsman also should receive considerable playing time, Turco said.
``I feel that Renninger is such an outstanding prospect as a linebacker and George as a safety, and we're getting great leadership out of those two. I think we'll be pretty sound defensively,'' Turco said, though admitting, ``We have about nine guys going both ways, so we really don't have room to get anybody hurt. We don't have much depth. We're like any other single-A team _ you lose a kid, you have all kinds of problems.''
A holding penalty, crucial fumble and pair of interceptions proved costly in Kennedy's 19-14 setback to Sharpsville last season.
``I'd like to see us cut down on our mistakes, our mental errors, and that's a lack of experience, that's what happens when you have a lot of young kids.'' Turco said.
Kennedy (3-7 in '96) had claimed six consecutive wins against Sharpsville before last season's setback, but Turco offered, ``Going in, you'd have to say as far as single-A schools are concerned, Sharpsville is the team to beat. They return just about everybody offensively and defensively, and they're really a veteran team at this point.
``We're looking forward to the season,'' Turco said. ``I think we'll be competitive, more balanced. But I'm not making any predictions; we play a strong schedule.''
That includes commencing the campaign with 2-time PIAA Class A titlist Farrell.
``We'll just take each game as they come and try to get the best record we possibly can get,'' Turco said.
Turco will be assisted by Don George, Al Boggia, Archie Donofrio, Joe Kenneally and Tom Pokabla.
