Falcons will build on veteran offensive line
FOXBURG — Foundation and offensive line are one in the same when it comes to football.
Gary Pinkerton believes he's got a solid one entering the 2008 season.
The second-year A-C Valley football coach has four starters returning to the offensive front. Center Cullen McNany, left tackle Ray Cochran, left guard Justin Loll and right guard Jared Burrows all will be counted on to win the battle up front for the Falcons, who went 0-9 last season.
"Our strength is up front," said Pinkerton, who instituted the Wing-T offense last season and hopes for better results this year.
The Falcons scored just seven offensive touchdowns last year.
"I said when I got here last year, we're not going to jump from one system to another," Pinkerton added. "We will modify things, just like every team that runs the Wing-T does."
Junior Brandon McFall looks to move into the right tackle spot, while seniors Darren Buckholtz and Ryan Staab could both see time at tight end.
The Falcons believe they now have a starting quarterback better suited for the Wing-T in junior Michael Orrvick, who stands 5-feet-10 and weighs 160 pounds.
Brad Rembold (6-3, 190) started at the position from 2004-07, but he was more of a downfield passer.
"Michael's a lot smaller and quicker," said Pinkerton. "In the Wing-T, it helps when you've got a kid like that."
Orrvick, who started three games last season after Rembold broke a bone in his leg against Apollo-Ridge, completed 11-of-29 passes for 85 yards.
A-C Valley also graduated halfback Mike Himes, who accounted for 673 yards and four scores as a senior.
One of three players, seniors Corey Sherman or Dillon Montgomery or sophomore Brent Hindman, will start at the position in 2008.
Fullback is a battle between seniors Tim Hummel and Adam Bell, while Codey Sherman will be the wingback.
Incoming senior Luke Walker did a bit of everything last year — 355 yards through the air and one scoring pass, two rushing touchdowns and six receptions for 83 yards.
Pinkerton is billing Walker as his top receiver heading into the season.
Walker and Orrvick both return at cornerback to give the Falcons experience in the defensive secondary.
Corey Sherman saw some action at safety last year in A-C Valley's 3-5 scheme and will start there in 2008.
Burrows and Loll, both returning starters at inside linebacker, will anchor the front eight.
The Falcons' kicking duties are up for grabs, while either Burrows or Walker will handle the punting.
A-C Valley opens the season Friday at Keystone.
