Published Thursday, Sept. 3, 1998
THIS TEAM'S...
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1998 season preview
Greenville is seeking sixth straight NWC title
As he begins his third decade at the helm of the Greenville High School football program, veteran mentor Bob Stone's first order of business is to replace approximately 5,200 yards rushing and 90 touchdowns.So naturally, the always understated Trojans' taskmaster simply and succinctly said, ''Hey, that's just high school football; they come and they go. A 5,200-yard tailback's gone. ... That's what makes high school football interesting.''
As camp commenced, on the surface, Stone seemed unfazed at the prospect of replacing The Herald coverage-area's all-time leading rusher, Joe Korcinsky. Perhaps that's because he knows the two-time defending District 10 Class AAA titlist Trojans will not be bereft of talent. Several starters return from a squad that won its first 11 games before bowing to eventual PIAA runner-up Perry Traditional Academy in the opening round of the state playoffs.
''I'm real happy with these kids,'' Stone began. ''They have a great attitude. They have the intensity you like -- when they should have it.''
However, he acknowledged, ''We didn't lose many people, but the ones we lost are going to be difficult to replace.
''I don't know if Ôoptimistic' is the right word, (but) I'm really ... anxious,'' Stone (164-41-6, 80 percent) continued, ''because this is such a nice group of kids to work with. I don't know that we're gonna be Ôworld-beaters,' but I know that they'll respond the way I expect them to because they're a good bunch of kids. I'm not guaranteeing that we're gonna set the world on fire, but I know they'll give it their best shot.''
Quarterback Cliff Mason (59 of 127 pass attempts, 1,034 yards, 13 touchdowns, six interceptions in his first year under center), returns after orchestrating an offense that ended as the area's third-most prolific (30.9 points and 329.9 yards/game).
The leading returning rusher and heir apparent to Korcinsky in the Trojans' tailback-oriented offense is Todd Shimshock (106 carries, 552 yards, 5.2 yards/carry), while Brian Anderle and Isaac Holiga are vying for playing time at tailback. Lucas Martsolf (49-204, 4.2) likely will be the blocking back. Looking to become Mason's go-to guy via the air is Luke Strosser, last year's backup quarterback whose ability dictates playing time somewhere, according to offensive coordinator Brian Herrick. Center Matt Olsen, tight end Matt Korcinsky, strong-side guard Chad Baker and back-side guard Mike Steele are the interior returnees.
Defensively, Greenville emerged as the area's stingiest (8.3 ppg., 147.1 ypg.) group in Ô97, but boasts only a quartet of returning starters: Nose tackle Steele, inside linebackers Jeremy Beh and Ben Colaiaco and end Korcinsky. Steele, Beh and Mason are prime beneficiaries of a ferocious off-season weight-training program.
''Certainly, depth is one of the problems at this point,'' Stone admitted. ''In some areas, we're still looking for starters, not back-ups. But as you go along, it's very difficult to go through a season without bumps and bruises.''
Stone remains steadfast on continuing the Trojans' tradition (454-288-44 since 1901).
''Our goals are always the same, have been for years: Have a competitive team, win the (Northwest) conference -- where Greenville has claimed 30 consecutive wins and the last five circuit crowns -- (an) undefeated season, (a) District 10 championship, and make the (PIAA) playoffs. Those are our goals and those are always our goals, and I think they are with these kids, too. I really don't think they'd be satisfied with anything less.''
And although there's snow on the roof, the furnace still burns brightly when Stone stokes the competitive fires.
''You look forward to this all year. You work hard all summer. I hate summer because it's the Ôspeculation' season. And the Ôspeculation' season's over now and you can put on the helmets and get after it and find out,'' Stone said, continuing, ''This is something you have to enjoy, and I enjoy it. I enjoy the kids, I enjoy the people I work with, and the people in Greenville are great fans and they're good to us. It's just a nice atmosphere to work in, and I enjoy it very much.
''I think there's always (self-imposed) pressure. I think all kids, worth a hoot, that's their goal: They want to win a championship. Now, obviously, some are willing to do what you have to do to get to that goal; others aren't. But, sure, there's always a little bit of pressure, and it wouldn't be any fun if there wasn't ... ''
Stone once again will be assisted by Herrick, defensive coordinator Gary Hull (now in his 27th year), Mark Hayes, Kirk Smith, Gary Zane, Terry Cooper, Mark Karpinski, Dave Henderson and Rick Zilla.
