Hounds' Hammer primed for return to top of AA

By Scott DeJulia
Herald Writer

After three years of one-loss football, the Wilmington Greyhounds suffered a lackluster year by their standards, losing four games. It was the first four-loss season for the Hounds since 1994 and the first time in four seasons they did not win the D-10 championship.

Coach Terry Verrelli wants to make this season a return of the "Hounds Hammer."

The 1999 roster has 45 players, with six returning starters on both sides of the ball. Matt Robison (71 attempts, 38 completions, 587 yards passing, 65.2 yards per game, 9 touchdowns, 4 interceptions) returns for his senior year as the signal caller for the Hounds. Also returning are seniors Bob Whiting (45 rushes, 359 yards, 8.0 yards per carry, 44.9 yards per game, 12 touchdowns, 72 points) at running back and safety, Art Rayner (1st team All-Conference) at offensive and defensive tackle, Rocky Craley (1st team All-Conference) at guard and inside linebacker, David Stein at guard and defensive end, Mike Copper (7 receptions, 93 yards, 13.3 yards per reception) at tight end and outside linebacker and Jared Scofield (6 receptions, 61 yards, 10.2 yards per catch) at cornerback.

Though this year's squad is talented, they'll have to make up for some significant players lost to graduation. Kevin McGinnis was the team's leading rusher, with 122 attempts, 640 yards, 5.7 yards per carry, 64.0 yards per game, 8 touchdowns and 48 points. Also gone is leading receiver Adam Robison (16 receptions, 231 yards, 14.4 yards per catch, 2 touchdowns), Adam Stewart (39 rushes, 222 yards, 5.7 yards per carry, 32.0 yards per game, 4 touchdowns), Tim Coulter (1st team All-Conference) at defensive tackle, Willie White (1st team All-Conference) at guard and defensive end, Rob Vogan at center, and Jeremy McKean (1 field goal, 35 extra points) at placekicker.

Coach Verrelli's offensive scheme is similar to years past with the wing-T as the basic set. Wilmington was the fourth-highest scoring offense with 291 total points. The team rushed for 2,167 yards (sixth in the area), passed for 667 yards (eighth) and amassed 2,834 yards (seventh).

Fans of the "Hounds' Hammer" shouldn't fret, because the defense won't change a lot either. Last year's version was fifth in the Herald's coverage area, allowing 160 points by their opponents. They were third against the run, fifth against the pass and fourth in total yards allowed.

When asked what his strength was on offense, Verrelli answered, "offensive line" without hesitation.

"They're experienced kids, they've worked hard, they're strong, and they're good players," he said. "They're basically our line from last year. Four guys on the line are back from last year."

As goes the offense, so goes the defense, as the line is the Greyhounds' bedrock, according to the coach.

"We have some new people at linebacker," Verrelli said. "Rocky Craley is a great athlete and he's going to be a great linebacker for us. [Jared] Scofield and [Bob] Whiting are going to be in the secondary. There are some new faces in the skilled areas at linebacker and in the secondary. There are a few spots that are in question and that we have to find out about.

"[Mike] Copper is an outside linebacker from last year. There are different places we're strong and different places where we have new people who are untested yet."

Wilmington plays in one of the most competitive leagues in northwestern Pennsylvania, the MCAC Class AA. This year should be no different.

"Sharon, obviously, always has a pretty good football team," said Verrelli. "And we know they're going to have a good team this year. They've got several good skill people."

Wilmington's schedule starts with a tremendous test at Ursuline, the perennial powerhouse of Youngstown. Other tough non-league games include Greenville and Karns City, which Verrelli reports to have one of their better teams in memory.

"We've been in the playoffs for five years in a row, and our expectations have to be at least that high," he says. "We have the makings of a good team; it just has to be put together."

Wilmington's assistant coaches include Bob Mitcheltree, Dave Welch, Tim Nan, Scott Shearer, Michael Henry, Pat Anderson, and Gregg Paladina.