Two vying to start at QB for Falcon Knights
FOXBURG — The top priority for Union/A-C Valley's new head coach Dan Reed is to settle on a starting quarterback.
His choices are senior Brody Dittman and junior Owen Bish, who both saw time at the position last year. Dittman threw for 855 yards, five touchdowns and 12 interceptions while Bish put up 271 yards, three scores and three INTs.
"There's a lot of similarities between the two," said Reed, who previously was the head coach at Keystone and spent the last four years as Union/ACV's offensive coordinator under Brad Dittman. "They have a similar build and are mobile (combining for 381 yards rushing and eight touchdowns). We'll see how it plays out.
"The one who doesn't start at quarterback should see a lot of time at wide receiver."
Reed has pinpointed the passing game as an area that needs to make significant strides.
"Everything begins with the running game for us, but we need to elevate our vertical passing game," he said. "We haven't gotten a lot out of it recently and teams have loaded the box to stop the run."
Looking to stand out as downfield threats are receivers Trey Fleming, Aidan Fox, Aaron Bashline and Trent Fleming. Last season, the quartet combined for just 12 receptions for 147 yards and no scores, but Reed senses a high ceiling for the group.
"They're all good athletes, have a lot of speed and can get down the field," he said.
The Falcon Knights' top ground gainer in 2022, Dawson Camper, is not playing football this fall, leaving rushing duties to Logan Skibinski, Max Gallagher, Easton Wingard and Zac Cooper. Each received carries a year ago, but will look to step into a more prominent role.
"Max and Logan were both freshmen last year and did a good job competing at the varsity level. That's not an easy thing to do," Reed said. "I believe they can both take the next step this season."
Brody Dittman sees potential at the skill positions.
"We have a mix of experienced players and younger guys, a lot of talent, and we just need to build on that," he said. "Two years ago (when the Falcon Knights reached the District 9 Class A title game), there was just a different energy on that team. We need to find a way to bring it back."
The bad news from the offensive line is that decorated star tackle Landon Chalmers is now suiting up for Edinboro University. The good news is that the other four starters return — tackle Zander Laughlin, guards Luke Wilson and Colbin Elliot and center Kaiden McNany.
Laughlin is 6-foot-3, 270 pounds. He, along with Wilson and McNany, are all seniors and will anchor the line according to Reed.
Cole Wiant will join Laughlin and McNany on the defensive front. The linebacker corps appears strong with Wilson, Wingard, Gallagher and Skibinski. Wilson paced the Falcon Knights in tackles a year ago with 79 stops. The other three combined for 97 tackles.
Reed sees District 9, Region 2 as being a "very strong, even conference. There's no easy games." He lauded the potential of Port Allegany, Redbank Valley, Keystone and Brockway. Other foes in the standings include Kane, Ridgway and Smethport.
Port Allegany won the region title last year with an 8-0 record, won the District 9 Class A title and advanced to the state semifinals.
