TRIBE PREPARES FOR TITLE DEFENSE

The 2011 Indians are making final preparations for its opening night tilt with Waynesboro. Many new faces dot our roster so although we think we have athletic and talented football players, we will lack experience in some key spots.

The Indians are the two-time defending division champions, but have loftier goals for this season. A district championship coinciding with a state tournament appearance has alluded the Tribe thus far. In the offseason, much talk and preparation has been made with the thought in mind of going farther in the playoffs than any past Indian squad.

For the Tribe to accomplish such an ambitious goal, it will have to dispatch the likes of state runner-up in Bishop McDevitt, also a division opponent. In addition to the Crusaders, we expect a tussle every night this season. Look for division games with Cedar Cliff, Hershey, Lower Dauphin (all on the road no less) in addition to perennial tough out Mechanicsburg to provide plenty of competition for the Indians. After all, when it comes to division play, the bulls eye is on us, not McDevitt since we are the defending division champion. Our non-league contests will prove to be difficult as well. Greencastle and Carlisle both beat us last year and this year we travel the nearly 70 mile trek to Greencastle to tackle the Blue Devils on their home “turf”, which is actually VERY long thick grass.

Although we lack experience at some spots on offense, one area where we do return with some knowledge of the position is the all important quarterback spot. Anthony Gelbaugh returns for his senior season and has recovered nicely from an offseason injury. Newcomer Jordan Millberry provides versatility and much speed as a changeup at the QB spot. The backfield will be led by committee with returning lettermen Brandon Wallace, Colby Grant and Sukwan Thomas.

At receiver, the Indians lone returning letterman will be Leroy McClain, a burner who provided the opening leg of the 4 x 100 meter relay state championship team. Grant was the final leg. Junior Jordan Banks leads the rest of the young corps of receivers who are starting to gain confidence.

The offensive line returns three starters in guards Averee Robinson and Marquez Norford along with giant tackle (6’5”, 320 lbs) Micah Anderson. With the exception of Anderson though, the Indians are considerably smaller up front from previous campaigns. Juniors Jacari Harmon and Adin Hines will battle for the vacant tackle spot. Seniors Anthony Fiore and Nick Glass will battle with newcomer Gerald Bodi for either the center or guard spot, whichever one is not manned by Norford.

Defensively, it starts and really ends with linebacker play. The Tribe returns its two inside backers from last season in three year starter senior Shane Mills and junior Justin Gassert. The outside linebackers, although not as experienced, do provide some athleticism. Junior Gary Hurst looks for more than just the spot duty he saw last year. He should start opposite sophomore Logan Sangree-Hills who has impressed and could have a bright future on the defensive side of the ball. Rickey Banks and Quoc Tran provide quality depth at this position.

The secondary also returns corner McClain, and McDevitt transfer, DeVacio McGowan. Several players are in the rotation at corner and one safety spot while senior Devin Gassert locks down the other safety spot.

Up front, the Tribe d-line returns first team all-state tackle Robinson, but will need to replace the other tackle and at least one defensive end spot. Norford should lock down the strong side defensive end slot with Harmon and senior Stacey Boatwright providing plenty of pressure from the weak side. The weak side tackle rotation includes Fiore, Anderson, Glass, Hines and newcomer Rush Brooks.

Kicking duties will be in the capable hands or should I say feet of junior Nick Trovalli. The future is very bright for this young man at this position. Trovalli will also start at tight end on offense. Punting duties remain a mystery in the preseason, but the early nod goes to senior Aaron Moyer. This area will improve as the season progresses.

The new starters and those providing immediate depth will have to learn quickly. Early season dates with Greencastle (away Sept.16) and Bishop McDevitt (home Sept.23) will provide stern tests to see where this teams stands. We’ll do our best to be ready.