Seneca Bobcats
Coach (season, record): Dave Frank (2nd season, 1-9)
2011 overall record: 1-9
2011 region record (place): 1-5 (tied for sixth)
2011 playoff results: Did not qualify for the District 10 Class AA playoffs.
Top players lost: Joe Hibbler, Matt Mongera, Kyler Sonney, Brad Beiter, Neville Askins, Dan Teed
Top returning players: Luke Muye, Trevor Beiter, Jake Whitman, Kamron Brace, Scott Groenendaal, Jason Brown, Garrett Duda, Zach Muye, Davyn Wettekin, Michael Gibbens
Assistant coaches: Matt Glass, Joe Yuhas, Dave McQuiston, Mike Pettinato, Bob Hammer, Ricky Goodenow
Outlook: Seneca will be young this season with only a few seniors coming back. The Bobcats graduated Joe Hibbler, Matt Mongera, Kyler Sonney, Brad Beiter, Neville Askins and Dan Teed this past spring, leaving some huge holes to fill. Hibbler was an all-region first-team selection at all-purpose during his senior year. Hibbler threw for 316 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 1,413 yards and 13 touchdowns on 238 carries. Hibbler also caught nine passes for 129 yards and one touchdown. Mongera was a first-team punter and second-team defensive lineman. He led the Bobcats with 11 catches for 154 yards and two touchdowns last fall.
Seneca is basically starting over under second-year coach Dave Frank. The Bobcats will have a new-look offense this season after graduating most of their production from last year. Luke Muye, Trevor Beiter, Jake Whitman, Kamron Brace, Scott Groenendaal, Jason Brown, Garrett Duda, Zach Muye, Davyn Wettekin and Michael Gibbens are back to lead a young team. Luke Muye could have a breakout season, especially on defense, and Seneca should have an intense competition in camp for the starting quarterback position. The Bobcats are experienced on the line and have a year of experience in Frank’s system. Seneca’s depth could be a problem with a small senior class and no experience in the secondary. With a region that is wide open this year, Seneca could be an interesting team to watch as the program develops. Seneca opens with a winnable game at Cochranton before jumping right into two home games with region opponents Northwestern and Fort LeBoeuf. The Bobcats have a tough game with West Middlesex and another winnable game with Youngsville, but Seneca will need to win at least three region games to contend for a playoff spot.
Schedule
August
31 at Cochranton 7
September
7 Northwestern* 7
14 Fort LeBoeuf* 7
21 at Girard* 7
28 at Fairview* 7
October
5 at Corry* 7
12 Youngsville 7
19 Harbor Creek* 7
26 at North East* 7
November
2 West Middlesex 7
*Region 4 games
Sunday: Sharon
– Tom Reisenweber
