SLIPPERY ROCK — Glenn Hazlet has been coaching football for more than 30 years.

Known as "Pops," a nickname that stuck during his years as an assistant coach at Karns City, Hazlet will face his biggest coaching challenge this season at Slippery Rock High, his first campaign running a program.

In an offseason of tumult that saw Clyde Conti resign and his replacement, Joe Lamenza, come on board only to walk away in late July, Hazlet was left with very little time to pick up the pieces.

But "Pops" hasn't missed a beat.

"The kids have responded well to the unfortunate situation," Hazlet said. "They have all given 110 percent, even with the coaching changes. I had a month to get ready, but I think we should have a good season."

One thing is for sure: These Rockets will be physical.

That is the mindset that Hazlet brings to Slippery Rock, where he has worked with the elementary school program and served as an assistant under previous coaches Brendan Smith and Conti.

The players know him — and know what Hazlet expects from them.

"They've been bringing it this week," Hazlet said. "I told them there would be no prima donnas on this team. They've been banging each other around pretty good."

Hazlet, 64, is molding the team in his own image. A navy veteran, Hazlet carries the reputation as being a gritty, old-school coach. He has coached the fathers of many of his current players, yet has shown the ability to relate to his current crop.

"I think they are doing really well," Hazlet said. "They are mixing it up pretty good. The kids are working extremely hard. They know what I expect."

Hazlet's offense is going to look a lot like the one Conti ran at the school for the past seven seasons, which resulted in two District 10 championships, a trip to the PIAA semifinals in 2003 and within a whisker of defeating eventual state champion Wilmington last season in the district final.

But Hazlet has a few of his own wrinkles to throw into the offense, he said.

"I liked the things we did in the past with Clyde," Hazlet said. "I've added a few things that I like to do as well."

Hazlet must replace Butler Eagle Scoring Trophy winner Jono Powell. The quarterback became the first non-running back to win the trophy, scoring 18 rushing touchdowns.

Powell ran for 1,225 yards and threw for 1,116 yards and nine TDs.

Also gone are Isaac Osborne, who rushed for 809 yards and 10 touchdowns, and Derrick Orloski, who led the team with 42 receptions.

Senior Ayron Gallagher will replace Powell. He filled in when Powell was injured and completed two big passes in a mid-season win against Titusville.

Senior Justin Angerett, who came on strong at the end of last season to gain 657 yards rushing, will get the bulk of the carries.

"Everybody in the country would be looking at (Angerett) if he weighed 50 more pounds," Hazlet said of the 5-foot-9, 150-pound back. "He brings it all. He's got that little twitch motion that you just can't teach."

Senior fullback Kevin Rummell and junior Alec McDeavitt also will get some carries.

Ryan Gordon will be the main target in the passing game. In his lone extensive game action last season, Gordon caught three passes for 116 yards and a touchdown.

Holdovers Brett Ayers and Ty Pryor will anchor the offensive line, and Shayne Bruno has caught the eye of Hazlet as a possible standout lineman.

"He's been a real pleasant surprise," Hazlet said.

On defense, Hazlet expects his unit to be aggressive.

"We have to be able to run and hit," Hazlet said. "In our defense, we are going to smack some people."

Getting off to a quick start is always important. But it may be even more pressing for the Rockets this season.

"I think we'll come out of the blocks well," Hazlet said. "We have a lot of great kids."