With the loss of the school’s career carries leader Maurice Walker and 2004’s starting quarterback Tim Storino, head coach John Klacik has a few questions to be answered on the offensive side of the ball. Back to help answer those questions are the entire receiving corps and all five offensive line starters from last season.

“We’re going to show some adaptability on offense,” Klacik said. “We’re going to use multiple sets to confuse the defense and get plenty of fresh bodies involved.”

Quarterbacks
“We need two quarterbacks ready to play,” he said. “The last thing I need is an inexperienced signal-caller forced into playing because of an injury.”

Bald Eagle fans will see a bit of a rotation between quarterbacks in 2005, as the starter will get the first two series and the backup the next two. Juniors Troy Wile, Jr. (Fayetteville, Pa./Chambersburg) and Rob Kristiniak (Flourtown, Pa./Springfield Township) will battle with freshman Jason Eby (Ulster, Pa./Athens) for time. Wile is a talented player who has had a pair of seasons cut short by injury. Kristiniak saw the most action of any returners a season ago, passing for 305 yards and running for three touchdowns.

Running Backs
First-year assistant coach Matt Monty will have four players that will see time at tailback, each with different styles of running. Junior Chelstan C. Anderson II (Halifax, Pa./Halifax) has the “most complete” running style, and will see most of the carries. Anderson has 311 career rushing yards, good for 3.9 per carry.

Classmate Derek Marshall (Luthersburg, Pa./DuBois) is the leading returning carrier, posting 185 yards a season ago. Marshall has “great vision” according to Klacik. Two inexperienced tailbacks, junior Alvin Thomas, Jr. (Johnstown, Pa./Greater Johnstown) and freshman William Pryor (Baltimore/City College), round out the group of potential ballcarriers. Thomas is a former baseball player who adds an element of quickness to the carries, while Pryor is a powerful runner who won the Scout Team Offensive Player of the Year award in 2004.

The fullback spot is a hot battle between youth and experience between freshman Brian Tomasovitch (Throop, Pa./Mid Valley) and sophomore Adam Andrasko (Hawk Run, Pa./West Branch Area). The two will split time, as fullback is a “physical, demanding position for our squad”.

Wide Receiver
The wideouts return everyone from last year’s squad, led by the lone returning All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) member Rafael Smith (Pittsburgh/Woodland Hills).  Smith ranks 10th in the Bald Eagle record books with 11 touchdown receptions after just two seasons of play.

“Smith stretches the field for us offensively,” said wide receivers coach Brian Jenkins.  “If defenses concentrate solely on him, our depth at this position will take over.”

Sophomore Adam Lawerence (Hanover, Pa./Shippensburg University) will line up opposite Smith.  He is a possession receiver who will also return punts for the Bald Eagles.  When Klacik and Jenkins decide to go with different offensive looks, senior Kellen Bush (Pittsburgh/Penn Hills) and sophomore Andrew Breiner (Hummelstown, Pa./Hershey) will provide experience down the field.

Tight End
The tight end position is an important position in Klacik’s offense, and will see some turnover from last year.

Junior Jason Walther (Elizabethtown, Pa./Elizabethtown) returns to get the starting nod, but with the multiple-look offense, two tight end sets will be used often.  Former Bald Eagle quarterback turned tight end Brian Camberg (Altoona, Pa./Altoona Area) will see plenty of action under Klacik’s watchful eye.

Offensive Line
First year coach Brian White will have plenty of experience and talent to work with as the offensive line coach.  LHU returns all five starters from last year’s squad, led by senior center Jason K. Scott (Linden, Pa./Williamsport). 

“Scott anchors what we hope will be the strength of our offense,” said White.  “As the offensive line goes, so goes the team.”

Lining up on Scott’s left side will be juniors Adam Lanzendorfer (Roaring Spring, Pa./Central) and Steve Szobocsan (Bainbridge, Pa./Elizabethtown).  Returning on his other side will be senior Eric Scott Scaife (Philipsburg, Pa./Robert Morris University) with classmate and tight end conversion Kevin Scheidler (Millersburg, Pa./Millersburg Area) breaking into the starting line.

Sophomore Matt Coxford (Middlebury Center, Pa./Wellsboro), the other returning starting lineman, will add depth to the position in 2005.  Junior Roger Masotti (Tannersville, Pa./Pocono Mountain) and sophomore classmates Ben Plunkett (Cresson, Pa./Penn Cambria) and Dan Bradley (Lewistown, Pa./Indian Valley) will see time in the trenches.  After an impressive camp, freshmen Brian Schwock (Burnsville, N.C./Mount Heritage) and Dave Romano (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin) will both make an impact for the Bald Eagles.