Brand new day for Knoch
JEFFERSON TWP — Greater Allegheny Conference play arrives Friday night, and, despite a 1-3 record, Knoch football coach Mike King feels good about it.
"I feel a lot better this week because some of our kids are getting healthy," he said. "We've been awaiting the return of some of that leadership."
The Knights host Franklin Regional (3-1) in a section opener at 7:30 p.m. Friday and will have their backfield back in action.
Senior tailback Tim McNerney (sprained knee) and fullback Kevin Brodeur (sprained ankle) missed last week's 41-20 loss at Seneca Valley. Brodeur has missed the past two games.
"Coach King did a nice job resting kids during their exhibition schedule,"Franklin Regional coach Greg Botta said. "They'll be ready for our game, I'm sure.
"We found out last year what Knoch's capable of doing. I don't care what their record is. They've got as good a shot at this section as anybody."
Knoch blanked the Panthers, 31-0, on the way to winning the conference title last year and posting a 7-2 regular season record.
Missing a number of starters with assorted ailments, the Knights struggled in losses to powers Hopewell, Blackhawk and Seneca Valley this year.
Knoch remains without wide receiver-safety Michael Gallagher, a key part of last year's success, who is out with a fractured hip. King said Gallagher might return in time for the third section game.
Franklin Regional's three wins have come against teams with a combined 0-12 record:Plum, Ambridge and Southmoreland.
"There's no question they are more battle-tested than we are,"Botta said. "Our first four opponents are 2-14. Our next four opponents are something like 13-3."
Still, Franklin Regional will bring plenty of weapons to town. Quarterback Anthony Vendemia, a returning starter, has completed 23 of 40 passes for 501 yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions. D.J. Capezzuto is his prime receiver with nine catches for 210 yards.
Three running backs have enjoyed 100-yard games for the Panthers. Josh Rager ran for 141 yards and three touchdowns in a 47-7 win over Plum. Jesse Samek had 133 yards and three TDs in a 24-19 loss to Fox Chapel. Chad Bowman had 22 carries for 242 yards and three scores in a 28-27 victory over Ambridge.
"All three are different style runners,"Botta said. "Samek is a 212-pound power back who runs downhill. Rager has good speed and Bowman can stretch the field laterally."
Despite missing a game, McNerney leads Knoch with 302 yards rushing and two TDs. The Knights have struggled in the passing game as Jake McTighe has completed just 10 of 25 passes for 75 yards, three interceptions and no touchdowns.
"It's been hard because of the personnel disruptions we've had in our passing attack,"King said. "Mitchell Shaw has been coming along at receiver, but we had to move him to tailback last week."
Shaw has seven catches for 70 yards to lead the Knights. He also rushed for 103 yards filling in for McNerney last week.
Franklin Regional got standout receiver Josh Staniscia back last week after he missed the first three games with an injury. He responded with three catches, including a 68-yard touchdown.
"We're gonna find out where we stand this week,"Botta said.
