Blue Devils enter season with a 'chip on shoulder'

By Scott DeJulia
Herald Writer

The Sharpsville High Blue Devils were well on their way to repeating their history-making state championship run of 1997 last year when they went undefeated in the regular season. However, the machine hit a major obstacle in the form of the Kennedy Christian Golden Eagles in the District 10 Class A Championship game. Sharpsville fell short, but they're ready to go this year.

Coach Paul Piccirilli (32-5) has 18 seniors returning this year, and he expects them to "carry the load" for the team. Key seniors include Brad Allen at quarterback, Justin Napotnik at running back and linebacker, Matt Fleischer and Mike Anglin at offensive and defensive ends, Cary Kulka and Brad Miller at guards, and Jeff Donatelli at safety.

Piccirilli's team did "rather well," in his words, in the team's first tri-scrimmage with Moniteau and Grove City. "There were more pluses than minuses. The biggest thing, and it's no secret, is our offensive line has to come through. They have to play well for us to be successful."

Sharpsville was hit hardest on the offensive and defensive lines by graduation. Their front three of Andy Lewis, Jason Oman and Bryan Weber averaged 260 pounds last year, but they have moved on. The line this year averages 200 pounds. "That's definitely going to hurt us," remarked Piccirilli.

Another key player lost to graduation was kicker Aaron Van Zanten. Van Zanten was the area's second-highest scoring kicker and was tied with Hickory's Scott Jones for the most field goals made last year.

The Blue Devils also will have to find a suitable backup for Napotnik to replace Reggie Burns. Burns helped to take the heat off of Justin with 84.2 yards per game and almost 10 carries a game. He also scored 11 touchdowns, and was an occasional target for Allen.

Coach Piccirilli says he isn't altering much on offense, going with the wing-T as the primary set.

"We're not going to change. It's been successful for us since the four years we've been here. As long as we have the success we've been having, we're not going to change things."

Defensively, the Blue Devils are going with a five-man with a two-deep instead of a three-deep zone.

Allen (127 attempts, 71 completions, 1,013 yards, 7 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 92.1 yards/game), Napotnik (156 rushes, 13 catches 1,353 yards rushing, 156 yards receiving, 8.7 yards/carry, 12.0 yards/reception, 123 yards/game, 26 touchdowns), and Anglin (10 receptions, 197 yards, 19.7 yards/reception) are being counted on to lead the offense with their speed and experience. "If the offensive line comes together," says Piccirilli, "by the time our league games come along, we should be well off."

The defense also will rely on quickness to thwart their opponents.

"We don't have size on the defensive side, but we have 11 guys who fly to the ball,"Piccirilli said.

Many of the defensive players are first-year starters and a few sophomores will be called upon to hold the line. The defense's speed is reminiscent of the state championship team, but these players need experience.

"Hopefully, by the end of the season, we'll be doing a lot of the same things [the 1997 team] did,"Piccirili said.

As for the rest of the league, Piccirilli says the team to beat this year is Kennedy Christian.

"They have to be the favorite every year," he said. "They can bring the players in for whatever they need. They're a private school, and that's an advantage public schools don't get as often. The basketball team does well every year. They win their league, they go to districts, and they win state [championships]. Joe Votino does a good job within the rules of how he's supposed to do, and I think the football team should be the same way."

Sharpsville's assistant coaches are Len Grandy, Gary Baker, Joe Joseph, Scott Sigworth, Scott Scurpa, John Napotnik, Rich Pavone, Pat Campoli, Fred Sablack and Blaise Iorio.