Union, A-C Valley join forces
RIMERSBURG — In one respect, it seems fitting that the first season of the Union/A-C Valley merged football team includes 20 players from both schools.
The former rivals have joined forces and the result is the Falcon Knights, who will compete in the KSAC Small School Division.
“We were hoping to get all of the returning players from last year from both schools,” said Union/A-C Valley coach Dave Louder. “That would have given us 52 and at that point, it was 60/40 (with the majority coming from Union). Then it started to even out. The fact that we have the same amount from both schools, it's pretty cool.”
Louder coached Union for six seasons, including a 5-5 record last year, which saw the Golden Knights miss the District 9 playoffs for the first time in five years.
Union/A-C Valley's Spread-I formation will be managed by junior quarterback Lucas Bowser, who threw for 556 yards and six touchdowns while making eight starts for Union in 2015.
“His running ability came up big for us in our win over Clarion last year,” Louder said. “He also had big games, maybe not necessarily in the statistics, but in terms of taking control of the offense in wins over Clarion-Limestone and Moniteau. He began starting for the basketball team as a freshman and that has helped him a lot.”
Otherwise, Union's skill-player portion of the roster was raided by graduation. The Golden Knights' top three rushers and top two receivers from a year ago are gone and a player from A-C Valley looks to pick up the slack. Senior Lane Chalmers is projected to be the starting tailback after being one of the few bright spots for the winless Falcons last season, gaining 357 rushing yards with a 5.2-yard average and a pair of touchdowns.
“Lane should get the bulk of the carries,” said Louder. “Gabe Rupert, Jeff Ginn and Greg Duncan are all looking for time at fullback.”
Gavin Hawk is the top returning receiver, grabbing 14 passes for 168 yards and two scores as a junior last year. Fellow wideout Trey Miles missed the final six games of last season after breaking his collarbone in a game against Punxsutawney. He placed fifth in the 400-meter dash at the District 9 Class AA Track and Field Championship Meet last spring and Louder hopes the offense can utilize his speed to create plays down field.
The Falcon Knights should be able to count their offensive line as a strength. Four starters return — center Dana Logue, guards Tim Singer and Leroy Cratty and tackle Brad Armagost.
Louder needs improved play from the defense.
“We are a 4-3 base defense, but had to switch to a 4-4 last year out of necessity because we were struggling to stop the run. I'd like to play with four defensive backs, but between the two schemes, hopefully we'll see better play this season. We are backer-heavy on that side of the ball.”
The linebackers include Logue, Chalmers and Bowser. The trio, all returning starters, combined to make 185 tackles last season.
Kaden Stitt, A.J. Peterson and Ginn should all contribute at defensive end.
With Union/A-C Valley presenting a formidable front seven, teams very well may try to attack the defense through the air. Only one returning player — Hawk at free safety — had at least one interception last season and that was a single theft.
“A strength of our defense is that we have a lot of guys who will be ready to come in if needed,” said Louder.
Because of the PIAA's decision to move to six classes in football, several wrinkles have been thrown into District 9. Among them is the fact that while Clarion will continue to play a KSAC Small School schedule, the Bobcats are actually a class above the other four teams and will be battling for a Class AA playoff berth. The Falcon Knights' other division foes include Clarion-Limestone, Keystone and Redbank Valley.
“Being small schools, we all lose a lot (to graduation) every year,” said Louder. “But Redbank should be a team to beat, they always are.”
Despite having a roster comprised of players from two different schools, the Falcon Knights have quickly become one team.
“We're a family, that's it. We all get along,” said Chalmers. “I was going to play this season no matter what (merger or not). I just love the game.”
