SPECIAL SECTION, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2006 PAGE 4 An inexpe- rienced Dallas |e team is [8 making | the jump from | Class 2A to 3A this season. DALLAS FB Continued from page 2 fensive tackle broke his foot dur- ing the summer and is expected to return this week. The senior is the program’s record-holder in bench press with a lift of more than 420 pounds. Dallas opened the season Sat- urday night at Coughlin, with Pittston Area, Tunkhannock, Berwick and Valley West to fol- low. “The first four games will tell us a lot about this season,” Jack- son said. “We want to be 4-0 go- ing into the Valley West game. At a lot of places, a 7-3 or 6-4 record is a good season. But it’s never a good season when you're sitting at home in Week 11. Here's a brief look at this year’s team: QUARTERBACK: Junior Fred Mihal and senior Brian Kerpov- ich have been splitting time un- der center during the preseason. Mihal is also the returning start- ing inside linebacker. “It’s a real concern for us,” said Jackson. “He’s the best lineback- er on our team. We know if he plays both positions, (opposing) teams are going to run their of- fenses right at him. He’s a tough kid, but he can’t play every down at quarterback and inside line- backer.” RUNNING BACKS: Jackson has been thrilled with the pro- gress of senior tailback Robert Hayes, who missed five games last year with a knee injury. “He’s been unbelievable in camp and in our scrimmages,” said Jackson. “Right now, he’s the strength of our team.” Sophomores Josh Backes and Steve Meskers will also see play- ing time at tailback, while senior Mike Gergel will start at fullback. OFFENSIVE LINE: On a line boasting several huge players, di- minutive Josh Perry is beginning to stand out, says Jackson. The FOR THE POST/CHARLOTTE BARTIZEK 5-6, 170-pound senior will start at center. When Anderson returns, he’ll start at tackle, along with se- nior Robert Monk (6-5, 270). Ta- manini (6-1, 220) and Nilsson (6-1, 230) both return at guard. Seniors Chris Larson and Bruce Redmond will also see playing time on the line. RECEIVERS: Opposing de- fenses will be geared to stop se- nior wideout Fagula.. “Fagula is second to none,” said Jackson. “He’s been phe- nomenal and we need to get him the ball. We feel we have some depth at receiver.” Backes, junior Anthony Rubbi- co, senior David Caruso, and ju- niors Pat Murray and Kyle Ar- naud will also see playing time at receiver. Senior Greg Jerzak will start at tight end, while sopho- more Scott Gallup is pushing for playing time. DEFENSIVE LINE: Nilsson re- turns as a starter at defensive end and he’ll be joined at the position by Gergel and Redmond. Ander- son, Monk, Tamanini and Larson give the Mountaineers size — and depth at defensive tackle. LINEBACKERS: Mihal is back at inside linebacker, where he was one of the leading tacklers on last year’s team. Jerzak has been moved to inside linebacker to help give Mihal a rest. Hayes has & FOOTBALL £ TIMES LEADER STAFF PHOTO/PETE G. WILCOX Dallas team captains, from left, first row are Brad Fagula and Robert Hayes. Second row: Adam Ta- manini, Robert Monk and Greg Jerzak. also looked very impressive on SECONDARY: A relatively this side of the ball. He'll be deep — but very inexperienced — joined at outside linebacker by unit with Fagula as the lone play- Rubbico and Backes. er in the defensive backfield with Steven's Town & Country Country Club Shopping Ctr. ® Dallas "Always Your Full Service Dry Cleaner" NET TH BEV ANTS a Tee \Y (eT PENT: TOR 10 Bf 0) J U8 F250 0 BE @ [V1 o) "a 03039) Available Upon Request Pick-Up & Delivery In Kingston and Dallas Area Shirts Laundered ® Draperies and Household Items * Fine Dry Cleaning Alterations * Wedding Gown Specialist * Suede & Leather 675-0468 Hours: Mon. - Fri 6 A.M. - 7 PM. ¢ Sat. 8 AM. - 4 PM. Qver 25 Years in Business Cleaners GOBONCS EYEWEAR BY GOBANCD EYENESR BY Rt. 309, W-B, 826-1412 We're the Area's #1 Sports & Safety Specialist PRESCRIPTION & NON-PRESCRIPTION SPORTS EYEWEAR Collegiate, High School, Kids too! Near Wychocks and the Big Cow varsity experience. He'll be joined in the secondary by Ker- povich, Joe Hayes, Caruso and Murray. PROTECT YOUR ATHLETE SEYES! } a Sie fe ey Le a RT
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