New coach's goal: Revive success team had in past
FOXBURG — Chris McNany wants to bring winning football back to A-C Valley.
The Falcons' fifth head coach in 10 seasons, McNany, 31, was a flanker and free safety on the 1995 team that advanced to the PIAA Class AAA playoffs.
A-C Valley last made the playoffs in 1999 and has suffered nine straight losing seasons since. The program enters the 2009 season having lost 31 straight games, dating back to October 2005.
"We've talked to the kids all summer that eventually there's going to be a group of players that turns this around," said McNany, who took over the team in January. "We can't be the conference lamb every year. There's no reason why we can't be respectable."
The Falcons ran the Wing-T offense the last two seasons under coach Gary Pinkerton.
McNany and his staff have thrown a wrinkle into the traditional set, going with the spread Wing-T this year.
"There's no tight end in our base set and a lot of the plays will be run from the shotgun," said McNany.
Taking the snaps will be 5-foot-11, 175-pound senior quarterback Michael Orrvick, who threw for 329 yards and two scores in 2008.
The Falcons hope the modified formation will give Orrvick more opportunities to make plays.
"He can run and throw," said McNany. "He's the best athlete on the team."
When Orrvick does hand off, sophomore Lee Russell will get a chance to punish defenses.
Though listed as a tailback, at 5-10, 240, Russell is built like a fullback.
Seniors Justin Loll and Eric McVay, junior Jared Uncapher and sophomore Clint Van Wormer should see time at wingback and/or fullback.
The lone returning starter on the offensive line is senior Cullen McNany, who will move from center to left tackle.
Junior Zach Fisher, who did see playing time at guard last year, will start at center.
The other offensive line spots might be up for grabs, but McNany likes what he has seen from the players up front.
"I think the line will be one of our strengths," he said. "I like the size we have. Most of the linemen have been coming in to work out voluntarily since the end of May.
After the top four receivers graduated, that position appears to be a concern. But McNany will be counting on senior Zach Gates and juniors Dakota Page and Brenden Golden to make plays downfield.
Cullen McNany (defensive tackle), Russell (middle linebacker), Uncapher and Van Wormer (cornerback) and Orrvick (free safety) will be counted upon to make big plays in the Falcons' 4-3 defense.
Orrvick also will handle the punting duties.
Of the Falcons' roster of 28 players, 10 are from Cranberry High School in Venango County.
