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By Kevin Gorman

Published: Thursday, August 23, 2012, 8:28 p.m.
Updated: Friday, August 24, 2012

After an offseason spent fighting for his job amid allegations that he pressured players into playing despite injuries, Rich Piccinini finally can focus on coaching football at Peters Township.

The Indians return 21 lettermen, including a pair of underclassmen at quarterback who are fighting for the starting job.

“We're young, but we've got a lot of guys who saw varsity time last season,” Piccinini said. “There's some big shoes to fill.”

The biggest belonged to tailback Andrew Erenberg, a Fordham recruit who rushed for 1,343 yards and 17 touchdowns on 233 carries last season.

Peters Township could focus more on its passing attack this fall, with a healthy quarterback competition between returning starter junior R.J. Pfeuffer and sophomore Corey Owen.

Pfeuffer passed for 595 yards and five touchdowns last season but injured his left knee playing basketball and has limited mobility.

“R.J. knows the game,” Piccinini said. “He's a good athlete and smart player.”

Owen is a gifted athlete who could dunk a basketball in eighth grade and presents a dynamic dual threat.

“Corey is an all-around great athlete. He looks good for a sophomore,” Piccinini said. “Hopefully, we'll find a spot where both will help us.”

They will have plenty of targets, starting with wide receiver Eric Lewis, a two-year starter who also plays cornerback.

“He's one of our senior leaders,” Piccinini said, “both vocal and by example.”

The Indians also have size at tight end, with 6-foot-2, 225-pound senior Mike Woltz and 6-4, 235-pound junior Max Augenstein. They join 6-3, 215-pound end Cole Kochman in anchoring the defensive line.

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