Larger text
Smaller text
Talented linemen, experienced RB boost expecations for Pine-Richland
Schedule
Coach: Clair Altemus
2011 record: 4-6, 2-4
Date Opponent Time
8.31 Fox Chapel* 7:30
9.7 at Seneca Valley* 7:30
9.14 at Butler* 7:30
9.21 North Allegheny* 7
9.28 Kiski Area 7
10.5 at Central Catholic* 7:30
10.13 at Shaler* 1:30
10.19 North Hills* 7:30
10.26 Plum 7:30
*conference game
Statistical leaders
Passing Austin Whipple*
123-213, 1,526 yards, 16 TDs
Rushing Brock Baranowski
153-1,079 yards, 13 TDs
Receiving Luke Merhut
28-351 yards, 2 TDs
*Graduated
• Guido: WPIAL title sweep as tough as ever
• Beaver loses PIAA Class AA title game on walk-off
• Canon-McMillan wins PIAA Class AAAA softball title in 12 innings
• Daily Courier roundup: Connellsville Legion sweeps twinbill
By Jerry Clark
Published: Thursday, August 23, 2012, 9:04 p.m.
Updated: Thursday, August 23, 2012
If there is a positive the Pine-Richland football team can take into the season ahead, it is how it finished last year.
The Rams concluded the season with three straight convincing wins, two of which came against perennial playoff contenders Woodland Hills and Shaler.
“We will build off of that,” Pine-Richland coach Clair Altemus said. “How we started was nothing like how we finished.”
The strong finish, coupled with what should be a strong offensive line, will be the foundation for what the Rams do this season.
If running back Brock Baranowski remains healthy, Altemus believes he should improve on a 1,000-yard, 13-touchdown season from a year ago.
Altemus said he has to find a pair of guards, but what he does have is a big tackle in T.J. Muzzonigro, a Division I recruit in center Pat Kline and a bookend tackle with Mike Kiefer.
The power up front does not end there, as tight end C.J. Jackson (6-foot-3, 206 pounds) will help bully the opposition's front seven.
The plan is to flip that powerful offensive line over to defense as much as possible to get some push the other way, as well.
Altemus is searching for depth as camp winds down so he does not have to wear his big men out.
If the push up front is as potent as Altemus expects, he will offer a healthy dose of Baranowski.
“I know how good Forrest (Barnes) is up at Seneca Valley, but I think Brock is the best back in the conference,” Altemus said. “He can go north-south or east-west, and he had a huge winter in the weight room. I think he will be able to push people back, something that will be huge for us.”
Baranowski's skill and the strength of the line will be aided by the emergence of fullback Nate Roberts, who will add to the Rams' ability to clear running lanes.
Most-Read Stories
- Pens’ Shero talks with Letang’s agent
- NHL insider: Penguins’ Shero seems ready to move Letang
- Penguins notebook: Pens talking with Dupuis’ reps
- City police investigating whether officer who gave ride to mayor’s ex-bodyguard broke any department regulations
- Bethel Park offensive lineman picks Pitt
- Steelers rookie safety Thomas learning from Polamalu, Clark
- Pitt adds defensive recruit from Philadelphia
- Army National Guardsman sues Target, claims he was fired while preparing for deployment
- Pirates notebook: Beanballs escalate tension against Reds
- Two people shot on Amanda Street in Knoxville
- Market Square Farmer’s Market expanding
You must be signed in to add comments
To comment, click the Sign in or sign up at the very top of this page.
Subscribe today! Click here for our subscription offers.
