Mike Wertman
Thejournalregister@mail.com
ALBION — Beginning his 30th and final season at the helm, Albion head coach Dick Diminuco looks to be facing one of his biggest challenges as the Purple Eagles return only one starter on each side of the line of scrimmage.
“It’s been quite a while since we’ve had that few, if ever,” said Diminuco whose Purple Eagles host Lackawanna at 7 p.m. Saturday in the inter-divisional opener.
Senior tackle Jake Smith is the lone returning starter on defense as is defensive back Shane Woolston on defense though junior Matt Gilbert has some experience at linebacker.
“We’re young and inexperienced but the kids are working hard,”’ said Diminuco who has guided the Purple Eagles to 201 victories, a dozen division and four sectional titles over the previous 29 years.
“Lackawanna has great team speed,” Diminuco said. “We’ve got to control the football, limit our turnovers and avoid giving up the big plays.”
Junior Ron Mannella takes over the key quarterbacking spot vacated by the graduation of four-year starter Justin Ward.
Woolston, who played wide receiver last fall is switching to running back. Also vying for time in the backfield are juniors Nick Theodorakos and Dave Hughson at tailback and Gilbert and senior Joe Blair at fullback.
Juniors Buddy Keeler and Brad Rush are working at tight end with senior Tom Hicks and juniors Matt Monacelli, Ryan Tower, Russ Craft and Ken Boyer at wide receiver.
Senior Josh Watkins and juniors Pete Stritzinger, Phil Panek and Jesus Veleho Miller helping to round out the offense line along with Smith. Juniors Kyle Moore, Hank Dragon and sophomore Scott Knaak are also vying for time on the line.
Defensively, the Purple Eagles have Rush, Blair, Theodorakos and Keeler working at the end spots; Smith, Moore, Josh Watkins and senior Gene Melendez on the line; Gilbert, Knaak and juniors Jake and Justin Stirk at linebacker and Woolston, Monacelli, Boyer, Craft, Tower and Hicks in the secondary.
“We played hard and ran the ball hard in our scrimmage against Batavia Saturday and we had some young kids step up and show they want to play,” Diminuco said. “We’re certainly young and inexperienced but we’re proud of our program and our goal and expectation is as always and that is to compete for the title.”
The Purple Eagles, who have completed in the A North Division the past three years, return to B North competition this season beginning with a home Sept. 12 against Tonawanda.
