Larger text
Smaller text
Belle Vernon hoping for a ‘healthy season’
Schedule
Coach: Aaron Krepps
2011 record: 4-6, 4-3
Date Opponent Time
8.31 at Uniontown* 7:30
9.7 West Mifflin* 7:30
9.14 at Ringgold* 7
9.21 Elizabeth Forward* 7:30
9.28 Franklin Regional 7:30
10.5 at Trinity* 7
10.12 Thomas Jefferson* 7:30
10.19 Laurel Highlands* 7:30
10.26 at Albert Gallatin* 7
*conference game
Statistical leaders
Passing Travis Snyder
29-62, 329 yards, 2 TDs
Rushing Ian Dobbins*
152-937 yards, 9 TDs
Receiving Jake Burritt*
30-493 yards, 1 TD
*Graduated
• Ambridge, North Allegheny defend WPIAL volleyball championships
• Seton-La Salle, Mt. Lebanon win WPIAL boys lacrosse titles
• After blowing big lead, Shaler girls rally to win lacrosse title
• Unlikely hero leads Greensburg Salem softball in postseason
By Jeremy Sellew
Published: Thursday, August 23, 2012, 7:50 p.m.
Updated: Friday, November 2, 2012
Maintaining a healthy roster is high on Belle Vernon coach Aaron Krepps' list of priorities.
The Leopards finished 4-6 last season with a 4-3 mark in Big Eight Conference play. They qualified for the playoffs but were beaten by Franklin Regional, 28-14, in the first round.
“We were hit hard with the injuries last year,” Krepps said. “Hopefully, this year we stay healthy. Healthy and lucky; I'll take a little bit of luck, too.”
The Leopards face a challenge in replacing multi-talented Ian Dobbins, who excelled at running back, receiver and quarterback last season.
Defensively, the Leopards will miss the leadership of departed linebacker Adam Cole.
“When you lose an Adam Cole, you lose the heart of that defense,” Krepps said. “But we have some guys back that saw a lot of time on the field last year, so they're going to have to step up. Our defense is still going to be the foundation of our team.”
Krepps is high on senior linebacker Cory Urlacher.
“Cory had a big year last year, and I am expecting him to step into that leadership role left by Cole,” Krepps said. “With Urlacher and Aaron McCullough returning, I don't think our linebackers should miss a beat.”
Krepps said he has little concern about the quality of his defensive line and secondary.
“Overall, expectations are as high as they are every other year,” he said. “We feel we're going to be really strong.”
Offensively, all five starters return on an offensive line that includes Division I prospect Dorian Johnson.
Johnson had committed to Penn State but decommitted following sanctions levied on the program.
Collin Woss also will play a leading role on the lines at the tackle positions.
Sophomore quarterback Travis Snyder, who had a promising beginning as a freshman starter, will look to rebound after his season was cut short by injuries.
Most Popular Stories
- Senators' Alfredsson clarifies comments made after Game 4
- Steelers hope new blocking scheme kick-starts running game
- Both lanes of I-79 northbound near Cranberry now open
- Dejan Kovacevic chat transcript: May 24, 2013
- NHL commissioner Bettman talks Crosby, Olympics, outdoor games
- Penguins insider: Golden opportunity arrives with Game 5
- Allegheny County Councilman Drozd leaves GOP, alleges dirty politics
- Starkey: Pens’ offense blazing historic path
- Steelers notebook: Gilbert hopes to stay on left side of O-line
- Pens will unveil even bigger TV screen for fans in Game 5
- Pirates beat Cubs, 4-2, to finish homestand with sweep
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.
