Central Tech Falcons
Coach (season, record): Rob Matz (2nd season, 3-7)
2011 overall record: 3-7
2011 region record (place): 1-5 (tied for fifth)
2011 playoff results: Did not qualify for the District 10 Class AAA playoffs.
Top players lost: Jeff Biggie, Cooper Inman, Noel Ruiz, Zach Ennis, Alex Torres, Martell Crockett
Top returning players: Paul Kafando, Cam Sanders, Eugene Husband, Andrew Welton, Anthony Duck, Eli Rydzewski
Assistant coaches: Maurice Goodwine, Rich Kolash, Jason Williams, Vince Senita, Dylan Matz, Tywaun Taylor
Outlook: Central Tech made strides last fall under first-year coach Rob Matz. The Falcons won three games and built momentum for their program. Central has several holes to fill with the graduation of Jeff Biggie, Cooper Inman, Noel Ruiz, Zach Ennis and Alex Torres. The biggest hole to fill will be Martell Crockett, who started last season as a quarterback. He moved to running back and caught some passes as the season went on. Crockett, a second-team defensive back, ran for 158 yards on 38 carries with two touchdowns and threw for three TDs. Ruiz was Central’s second-leading rusher with 366 yards on 96 carries and scored three touchdowns.
The Falcons have holes to fill but they have plenty of talented players back to create hope for this fall. Paul Kafando emerged as a dual-threat with his arm and running ability last year. He eventually became the starting quarterback and threw for 178 yards and two touchdowns. Kafando also rushed for 1,152 yards on 144 carries and 14 touchdowns. Kafando’s biggest target could be Eugene Husband. Husband was basically instant offense each time he touched the ball. The senior carried the ball 43 times for 528 yards and five touchdowns as a senior and caught 19 passes for 458 yards and four TDs. Husband was voted to the all-region first team as a defensive back and the second team at all-purpose. Cam Ssanders, Andrew Welton, Anthony Duck and Eli Rydzewski are back for the Falcons as well. All four could be immediate impact players this season.
Central eventually found its identity last season with Kafando moving to quarterback. The Falcons were competitive in most games and had one of its best records in recent history after several seasons of two wins or less. Central opens the season with back-to-back home games against Mercyhurst Prep and East before hitting the road for games at Slippery Rock, Notre Dame Latin and Meadville. If the Falcons can get by an early test with East, they will have the second half of the season to fight for a playoff spot. Central’s two most important games could be Oct. 6 against Strong Vincent and Oct. 25 against General McLane.
Schedule
September
1 Mercyhurst Prep 7
8 East* 7
14 at Slippery Rock 7
21 at Notre Dame Latin 7
28 at Meadville 7
October
6 Strong Vincent* 7
12 Harbor Creek 7
19 at Cathedral Prep* 7
25 General McLane* 7
November
2 at McDowell* 7
*Region 6 games
Friday: Cochranton
– Tom Reisenweber
Loading ...