FOXBURG — Gary Pinkerton is the new man in charge of varsity football at Allegheny-Clarion Valley High School.

But that's not the only change in store for the Falcons.

A new offense and a new defense have the team hoping for better results in 2007.

A-C Valley went 0-9 last season, getting outscored 348-67 in the process.

Pinkerton has moved the offense back to the Wing-T, a scheme the Falcons last ran in 2003 under head coach Don King.

And on defense, the team switches from a 5-3 last year to a 3-5 this season.

"We scrimmaged Lakeview (Aug. 18) and, considering we have a new offense and defense, I was not disappointed," Pinkerton said. "I saw a lot of things that need to be corrected, but I also saw some good things. The kids are adapting to the system."

The change of philosophies on offense will mean a bit of a different role for senior quarterback Brad Rembold, who has tallied 1,254 passing yards and nine touchdowns while playing in an I-formation offense the last three seasons.

"We're still going to have a passing package in place for Brad," said Pinkerton. "But with the Wing-T, we'll be using a lot more deception."

Most of which will be used to open holes for the ground attack.

"I wasn't here the last time the Wing-T was run here," said Rembold. "But whatever works."

And whatever gets the Falcons a few wins this season.

Senior Mike Himes returns as the Falcons halfback and looks to be the ground game's biggest threat after leading the team a season ago.

Seniors Tom Bell and Tom Perry also will get their share of carries, either as wingbacks or as fullbacks.

The offensive line returns four starters in guards Luke Heeter, Jared Burrows and Corey Morris and tackle Justin Bartley.

Inexperience at split end could affect the team's play calling early in the season. Seniors Ryan Austin and Joe Petkavich will have to learn the position quickly.

The Falcons don't have a designated kicker just yet.

"To say we're going to be going for two points all the time, I'm not sure about that yet," said Pinkerton. "We're still looking for a kicker."

Leaders on defense should include Heeter and Burrows at linebacker and Bartley at tackle.

The Falcons have 27 varsity players this season.

A-C Valley, which has had freshmen players competing for the varsity squad the last few seasons, has moved ninth graders to the junior high team where they can gain more playing time and experience.

As always, how well the team avoids injuries will have a direct affect on the amount of success for a squad with small numbers.

But Pinkerton likes the direction the program is headed.

"Our goal is to field a competitive football team and there's several teams out there that we feel we can compete with," he said. "We keep telling these kids that they are the future of A-C Valley football."