Bobcats to test mettle against Summit Academy

By SAM TALLARICO Eagle Staff Writer

August 26, 2004 Last Updated: January 06, 2005 12:14 PM High School

With back-to-back 10-2 seasons and trips to the WPIAL Class AA semifinals in that span, Beaver coach Jeff Beltz might have the program headed in the right direction.

He'll see how far it's come starting Friday, when the Bobcats host Summit Academy at 7:30 p.m. to kick off the season.

In his first two years with Beaver, Beltz had consecutive 2-8 campaigns before the success of the past two seasons.

But with the graduation of quarterback Chad Davies, 1,000-yard rusher Pat McDanel and tight end and Ohio State recruit Rory Nicol, the Bobcats will have to replace a lot of talent.

"There's a comfort level, obviously, when you have great, talented athletes and you need that," said Beltz. "You have the experience factor and the community support and the kids feed off that.

"There's a growth in our youth program, and that's a direct correlation to our success," Beltz added.

Beltz plans to utilize the strengths of two quarterbacks at some point during the season: seniors Mike Phillips and Rob Nunamaker.

"Both see the field very well," said Beltz. "Other than one being left-handed and one being right-handed, they're very similar."

Junior Evan Nardone will replace McDanel at the tailback spot.

"He's one of five backs we'll rotate until we get comfortable," said Beltz.

Seniors Sam Dumpe and junior Andrew Trbovich should lead the receiving corps this season.

"We're pleased with our skilled athletes," said Beltz. "We've got kids who can play.

"The seniors, though, are in a situation they've never been in before," Beltz added.

On defense, Beltz has seen his team continue to make strides every day.

"We've improved a ton since camp started," said Beltz. "We still may start eight or nine underclassmen."

In Beltz's first two seasons at the helm, the Bobcats faced Summit Academy in both seasons (2000-01).

It was Beaver that Summit Academy defeated on Oct. 13, 2001, marking the Knights first win in the program's history and snapping a 33-game losing streak.

"We played them when our program was down and they did beat us out there one year," said Beltz.

"They've always had a talented group of athletes. Their coaches always have a difficult task of having a new group of players every year," he added.

The game plan for the Bobcats? Stick to your assignments.

"We have to be disciplined from our half," said Beltz. "We have to keep plugging away."