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By Nathan Smith

Published: Thursday, August 23, 2012, 8:06 p.m.
Updated: Thursday, August 30, 2012

Oct. 26 will be an interesting date for Keystone Oaks football coach Matt Taylor.

Not only will it be the final game of his first regular season with the Golden Eagles, but he will lead Keystone Oaks in a road battle against Burgettstown, the team he coached for the previous eight seasons and the school where he still teaches.

“Interesting is one way to put it,” Taylor said. “It will be their senior night. I have a lot of love and respect being with those seniors the previous three years. It won't be the easiest week going into the game.”

Despite leading to an awkward week at work, Taylor's time with the Blue Devils and his familiarity with the Century Conference should help as he looks to guide Keystone Oaks to the WPIAL playoffs.

Dale Klobuchir will give Keystone Oaks a solid rushing threat on offense. The senior has been a starter since midway through his sophomore season and racked up more than 1,000 yards last season.

“We had to plan against Dale last season, and it wasn't fun,” Taylor said. “He had about 170 yards on us, so having him on my team this season will be great. He will be moved around and have the ball in his hands as much as possible.”

The offense also will be able to look to receiver Cory Sevacko, a 6-foot-4 senior who was second on the team in receiving yards (406) and first in receiving touchdowns (five).

The outside threat will be needed. Keystone Oaks will be breaking in a new quarterback — sophomore Kobe Phillippi. While he is young and inexperienced, Taylor said Phillippi has shown progress during the offseason.

“I like how he is taking charge,” Taylor said. “He has a really accurate arm. He is a sophomore who is playing nothing like a sophomore.”

Taylor said the 4-4 defense offers plenty of weapons across the field.

“We have a few home run hitters at each level of the defense,” he said.

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