Saegertown Panthers
Coach (season, record): Michael Rhoades (2nd season, 7-4)
2011 overall record: 7-4
2011 region record (place): 6-2 (third)
2011 playoff results: Lost to Mercer 48-20 in the District 10 Class A quarterfinals.
Top players lost: Noah Marvin, Jerrod Young, Alex Petruso, Josh Tomiczek, Brandon Stafford, Casey Chapman, Matt Mondi, Logan Pratt, Brock Lojeck
Top returning players: Kyle Wise, Dakota Long, Adam Riddle, Luke Carter, Nick Rumzie, Brock Henderson
Assistant coaches: Wayne Llody, Shane Ream, Adam Horne
Outlook: Saegertown has some big challenges in front of it this season. The Panthers are young and inexperienced and moved up to Class AA in the offseason. Saegertown changed regions and heads to Region 3 where powerhouses Grove City, Hickory, Sharon and Wilming are waiting. The Panthers have to replace a big senior class, including Noah Marvin, Jerrod Young, Alex Petruso, Josh Tomiczek, Brandon Stafford, Casey Chapman, Matt Mondi, Logan Pratt and Brock Lojeck. Petruso was voted to the all-region first team at offensive line and linebacker, while Pratt was a first-team linebacker. Marvin was a second-team quarterback and Lojeck (running back) and Young (offensive line) are also second-team picks. Also, first-team pick at tight end and defensive line, Shane Rigby, has decided to focus on volleyball and not play this year.
Saegertown doesn’t have much experience back this season. Kyle Wise, Dakota Long, Adam Riddle, Luke Carter, Nick Rumzie and Brock Henderson are back for the Panthers, but Saegertown will need big contributions from the underclassmen to stay competitive this fall. Lance Neuschler, Casey Fetzner, Willie Bernardo, Alex Barclay, Nick Monico and Spencer Price could be contributors right away. The Panthers have a tall order in Class AA this fall. Saegertown has been a perennial playoff team in Class A and will need to find some way to crack the top four in Region 3 to have a shot at the postseason. Second-year coach Mike Rhoades is focusing on keeping morale up this season. Saegertown opens at rival Cambridge Springs before a tough home opener against Sharon. The showdown with the Tigers could indicate where Saegertown is going this season.
Schedule
August
31 at Cambridge Springs 7
September
7 Sharon* 7
14 Greenville* 7
21 at Reynolds* 7
28 at Wilmington* 7
October
5 Grove City* 7
12 Maplewood 7
19 Hickory* 7
26 at Titusville* 7
November
2 at Girard 7
*Region 3 games
Saturday: Seneca
– Tom Reisenweber
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