Perpetually rebuilding Knights need fast start
HERMAN — After falling short of a playoff berth in the final week of the season last year, Summit Academy will do what it's used to doing: going back to the drawing board.
Only four players, Ali Ellis, Dave Lawrence, Lenny Walker and DeAndre Rogers, return from last year's 4-5 squad.
Getting off to a good start will be paramount for the Knights, who have eight section games this year.
"We have to win that first game (at Union-New Castle Friday) or we could be 0-8," said Summit Academy coach Steve Sherer.
"It's just trying to get the kids to believe in themselves, to see that football is fun and constructive and will help them in a lot of ways," he added.
Ellis will be a key cog for both the offense and defense.
"He's a linebacker and he'll be in the backfield somewhere," said Sherer. "He's a pretty tenacious player."
Lawrence will play at cornerback and at running back, while Walker will be at center and linebacker and Rogers at tight end and defensive end.
Morris Williams, a pure passer, most likely has the edge over Steve Grandison at quarterback.
"Williams is a southpaw and he's gone to all our camps and done well," said Sherer. "Grandison's looked real good since we've put the pads on. He's very athletic, not quite the passer but has quick feet.He's a competitor."
Sherer doesn't know who will be the starter, but he has four quality backs to choose from: Lawrence, Ryan Robinson, Lamont Valentine and Ellis.
"Ellis may be the fullback. He can go inside and outside," said Sherer.
Chris Cook will play flanker, and Chase Venson, who reminds Sherer of Tyrone Nokes from last season, will be the slot receiver.
"He's 6-foot, 175, 185 pounds, can take a hit, run you over and is quick," said Sherer.
Sherer said the defensive line, led by Venson and A.J. Johnson, isn't very big, but it's aggressive. Lawrence, Grandison and Cook will highlight the secondary unit.
After having their first solid kicker in the program's history last year in Jose Velasquez (nine PATs), Sherer is upbeat about freshman Chris Pajibo, who has a background in soccer.
"I haven't seen anyone with his skill level for awhile," said Sherer. "He's young, but he's got a leg. He can kick."
The Knights will try to make a push again this year, but Sherer knows it will be tough.
"I'll worry about everyone, but the team I'm most concerned with is our team," said Sherer. "Our goal is to be competitive in every game.
"We won't have an easy game. There is no easy game with us. Last year we lost to Neshannock 13-12. We can't do that this year."
