Knights working through adjustments
HERMAN — Emir Greene and Moshe James both were forced to go through adjustment periods when they joined the Summit Academy football team.
The Knights are hoping everyone can get on the same page and avoid an 0-9 finish like they had last season.
Helping Summit Academy will be a shift from the Midwestern Conference — which includes tradition powers Aliquippa and Beaver Falls — to the Allegheny Conference.
The Knights were moved after Ford City and Kittanning consolidated to create Armstrong High School.
“I just think for our situation, I believe the conference we've been moved into the kids can be more competitive,” Summit Academy coach Steve Sherer said. “I'm not concerned about wins and losses. I'm concerned with teaching kids how to be competitive and giving utmost effort. How they play the game is most important.”
What goes into playing running back is something James had to work on getting used to.
James, who was on the 120-pound North Philadelphia Blackhawks team that won a Pop Warner National Championship in 2010, hasn't played football at the high school level.
“It took me awhile,” James said. “It took me a month to get back on my feet. I forgot the holes and how to do the hand-off, but now I'm getting the hang of it.”
Greene, who is in his second year with the Knights, had to learn people weren't going to be intimidated by his size anymore.
“Getting in shape and playing against bigger people,” Greene said. “When I was a kid, I was always the biggest. I've always been a lineman.”
Sherer hopes to utilize Summit Academy's speed to create extra possessions.
The Knights struggled defensively last season, allowing 40 or more points in seven games, including a season-high 63 to Laurel.
“I think defensively, we're going to play aggressively,” Sherer said. “Mr. (John) McCloud wants his defense to be aggressive and they have been throughout the week. It will put more pressure on the other teams.”
Summit Academy's offense will be contingent on how the offensive line grows.
Sherer is excited to see what James can do if he gets the ball in space.
“It will be a huge plus if they can mature and do the things we expect them to do,” Sherer said.
Greene wants to make sure the offensive line stays on the same page. He wants to be able to take Summit Academy back to the playoffs.
“We work together, that's how we're going to win,” Greene said. “Last year, the line was the real messed up part of the team. We fought each other a lot and weren't in sync. This year, we're going to be different.”
