Many of the names have changed, but the expectations are the same. The Solanco football team lost 27 seniors from last year's team which finished 7-5 including a district playoff win. The Mules still envision competing for another postseason berth this fall. "We're really young," Solanco coach Tony Cox said. "We brought five freshmen up so a lot of kids don't have experience for Friday night games, yet." The coach remains confident. "We have some seniors that are stepping up to [replace] the kids we lost last year," said Cox. "The JV only lost one game last year so they know what success is. They're going to go out there and keep the ball rolling." Senior quarterback Grady Unger will operate the Mules' triple option offense. Unger saw some action last season when he served as a backup to starter Joel McGuire. "He's done a great job this spring and this fall so far, just making sure he's running the plays right" said Cox. "He's a good passer so we're going to try to utilize that a little bit, and try to get the passing game going a little better. And he's a good leader for the team." Running back Nick Yannutz and fullback Zach Turpne will help lead Solanco's running game. Cox stresses the starting lineup has not been determined and that several other players will contribute. "Everybody is still battling for positions right now," Cox said. "It's going to be a battle." Center Connor Sprout, tackles Connor Smith, Cole Gladfelter, Caden Fuller, and Deven Rapant, and guards Justin Dagen and Jake Frampton will all be counted on to anchor the offensive line. Jake Smolik and Rusty Spangler are slated to be two of the top receivers. Defensive tackle Nate Neuhauser and linebackers Seth Harnish and Chad Carter will spearhead the Mules' 4-3 defense. Danny Bird and Jake Frampton are expected to see time at defensive end with Dagen and Josh Sankus playing defensive tackle. Moses Dominguez will contribute at linebacker. Rashawn Carter, Taivon Murphy, Josiah Forren, Mason St. Clair, Mason Hecker, Nate Miller, Jon Morales are competing for playing time in the secondary. Trent McDowell is slated to handle the kicking and punting duties. "Always the key is keeping everybody healthy," said Cox. "We're going to have some kids going both ways. Seth Harnish will be going both ways [as will] Rashawn Carter and Chad Carter. “I think just keeping kids healthy and keeping kids rotating in and out and get a lot of exposure with everybody playing is probably going to be our biggest key on offense and defense." The Mules open the season by hosting Northeastern Friday night at 7. Comments are closed.
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