Armagost's status uncertain vs. Union
As Kyle Armagost goes, so goes Moniteau?
Jeff Campbell hopes not.
The Moniteau football coach said his quarterback has been cleared to play following a blow to the head last week at St. Marys.
Armagost's status for Friday's 7 p.m. home kickoff against Union (1-4) will be a game-day decision.
"He's not experiencing any headaches, but we're not taking any chances in practice," Campbell said. "Kyle isn't practicing this week.
"We're giving quarterback reps to Dustin Geagan and Joey Deal and moving a few other guys around. Joey's a better passer than Dustin, but Joey's also a pretty good receiver for us."
Armagost has a combined 1,300 yards and 14 touchdowns running and passing. He also plays linebacker, punts and kicks from placement for the Warriors.
"When you rely on one kid for that much and something like this happens, you're forced into change," Campbell said. "Kyle may only handle kicking PATs Friday. We'll see."
Regardless, Union coach Dave Louder is preparing for Armagost.
"That's our No. 1 concern," said Louder. "He's so dangerous, pass-wise and run-wise. He's quite an athlete and a pretty good kid from what I've heard and talking to him.
"We need to solidify our defense. He will torch our defense if we don't step up and take care of business," Louder added.
Three players who joined Moniteau's roster through Campbell's late tryouts two weeks ago, defensive back Morgan Lukavich, defensive lineman Tyler Fleeger and fullback-linebacker William McCollums, will see action Friday.
"This is the best Union team I've seen in 10 years," the coach said. "They have a lot of speed and some big linemen. They're young like we are. They're going to be a force in this league next year."
The Warriors (2-3) are coming off a 46-25 loss at St. Marys while the Golden Knights are coming off a 52-35 triumph over Clarion-Limestone last Thursday.
"We came out and played very well offensively," said Louder. "Defensively, we still have work to do."
And with or without Armagost, Louder still is concerned with the Moniteau offense.
Union is hoping to use its ground game, thanks to players like Taylor Smith, who moved into the backfield and had 128 yards on 11 carries and three touchdowns last week.
Aaron Graham also should see more time at running back.
"We're not going to make the mistake of not getting our fast guys in there," said Louder. "That will open more opportunities for Brody Pollock to catch the ball. He's a heck of an athlete.
"Hopefully, we'll give teams a lot more than one or two players to worry about," Louder added.
<B>The coaches:</B> Highlands, Sam Albert; Mars, Scott Heinauer<B>Last week: </B>Highlands lost a non-conference game to Plum 35-7 while Mars upended Greater Allegheny foe Kittanning 16-6.<B>The numbers:</B> Golden Rams' senior RB Gary Negley has 519 rushing yards on 93 carries. He rushed for 960 yards as a junior. ... Mars senior fullback Austin Miele has scored 10 touchdowns this season. His 60 points has him tied for first with Knoch's Andrew Rumburg-Goodlin and Grove City's Wes Phipps in the race for the 2010 Butler Eagle Scoring Trophy.<B>Notes:</B> Highlands head coach Sam Albert previously led gridiron programs at Butler and Freeport. ... Mars defeated Highlands last season, 43-0.
<B>The coaches:</B> Hickory, Bill Brest; Karns City, Ed Conto<B>Last week:</B> Hickory stunned Wilmington 35-19; Karns City was blanked by Punxsutawney 31-0.<B>The numbers:</B> Karns City has given up nearly 30 points per game this season. The last time the Gremlins coughed up close to that many points per contest was 25 per game in 2004. ... Hickory scored 28 points in the second half to upend Wilmington. ... Hornet RB Michael Grata rushed for 121 of his 129 yards in the second half.<B>Notes:</B> Karns City's last non-winning season with in 2004 when the Gremlins went 5-5.
<B>The coaches:</B> Wilmington, Terry Verrelli; Grove City, Jeff Bell<B>Last week:</B> Wilmington was upset by Hickory 35-19; Grove City thumped Meadville 40-13.<B>The numbers:</B> Grove City RB Wes Phipps is tied with two others in the race for the Butler Eagle Scoring Trophy with 60 points. ... Wilmington RB Sutton Whiting has 750 yards rushing on just 69 carries and has scored 14 touchdowns.<B>Notes:</B> Wilmington beat Grove City 34-14 last season. ... The Eagles have not beaten the Greyhounds since 2004.
<B>The coaches:</B> Slippery Rock, Brendan Hathaway; Sharon, Bob Fromm<B>Last week:</B> Slippery Rock fell to Corry 45-19; Sharon edged Warren (Ohio) JFK 27-21<B>The numbers:</B> The Slippery Rock defense has given up 40 or more points in three of the five games this season. Opponents are averaging 39 points per game against the Rockets. ... The Slippery Rock offense has been a bright spot this season. RB John McAvoy has gained 366 yards on the ground and QB Ryan Currie has 545 yards passing and five touchdowns. ... The Rockets were plagued by five lost fumbles last week.<B>Notes:</B> Slippery Rock lost to Sharon 34-0 last year.
<B>The coaches:</B> Apollo-Ridge, John Simon; Freeport, John Gaillot<B>Last week:</B> Apollo-Ridge fell to Burrell 26-21; Freeport was blanked by Ford City, 20-0.<B>The numbers:</B> Apollo-Ridge QB Josh Zelonka has completed 49 of 117 passes 616 yards and six scores. ... The Vikings have been outscored 187-73 this season, including 106-42 in three Allegheny Conference games. ... Freeport rolled up 264 yards despite being shut out by the Sabers in a battle for first place.<B>Notes:</B> The Vikings have gone to a spread formation this year. They had used the Delaware wing-T for years.
<B>The coaches:</B> Ford City, John Bartolovic; Summit Academy, Steve Sherer<B>Last week:</B> Ford City shut out Freeport, 20-0; Summit Academy dropped a 24-6 decision to Deer Lakes.<B>The numbers:</B> The Knights were held to a season-low 95 total yards with Andre Williams limited to 20 passing yards. ... Cody Gispanski has completed 21 of 34 passes for 325 yards and five scores for the sabers while Devan Willyard (358), Michael Krochta (298), Gispanski (275) and Kent Commodore (241) lead a balanced ground attack.<B>Notes:</B> Last season, the Sabers eked out a 14-0 victory. ... Ford City is allowing just 5.4 points per game while scoring 33.4 points per contest.
