JRLSports.com - James R LeCorchick Sports Report

FOOTBALL SEASON IS HERE -- Took in some scrimmages on Saturday, a perfect way to start the high school season as the weather was perfect and the teams were excited. by far, and stress by far, the most impressiven was McDowell, the Trojans working against Strong Vincent and Fairview. Coach Mark Soboleski appears to have it rolling in Millcreek as the numbers were up and the enthusiasm was high, McD

LUKE DEHART

showing plenty of talent on both sides of the ball. The most impressive defensive player of the day was McDowell linebacker Luke Dehart, a 6-0, 220-pound bruiser. He was impossible to block. Of course, the top talent on offense was senior running back Greg Garmon (6-2, 200), the Trojan flash being recruited by many of the top programs in the country. He had several break-away runs. However, the most impressive run of the day was turned in by junior Khyre Drayer (5-10, 235) who had one of the best runs I've ever witnessed at the Stadium, and I've seen a lot of games there. On one play he broke several tackles and then literally high-stepped (not hurdled) over a defender at the 20-yard line. Luke Lecce looked ready to be more than just a capable for quarterback Colin Kimball. For me, the one thing that was extremely apparent, the McDowell weight-training program is heads and shoulders over many of the high schoolo programs in the state. I have to give the McD gridders credit, they are, obviously, extremely dedicated in the weight room. Fairview, a double A school that's closing in on Class A enrollement showed it will be a force in its division with a powerful running attack and a stout defense. Meanwhile, SV showed its usual tremendous athleticism, but numbers could be a factor in Quad A. It was great to see Fairview Athletic Director and former Tiger boss Jerry Lightner taking in the action, and it seems like justb yesterday he was a standout for Ron Costello on some great Tech teams. Lightner was always one of the most accomodating coaches I've ever worked with...At the Dollinger Events Center, Harbor Creek and

DAMIEN TERRY

Cathedral Prep battled in their usual pre-season affair, both coaches looking at several new players to contribute. HC appears to have a strong running attack and a physical defense, the Huskies looking like a squad that will get better with each outing. Meanwhile, the Ramblers who suddenly thin at the RB position, will have to rely on the strong arm of junior signal caller Damien Terry (6-5, 215) who will probably hold nearly every passing record before he is done wearing the Orange and Black. He's billed as a potential Division One recruit and he certainly looked the part. However, many, many passes were dropped and I'm sure Coach Mike Mischler was not happy in that area. Prep also needs to develop better line play as well as unearhting some ball carriers, a strong schedule facing the Ramblers. It's a shame tailback Anthony Jordan isn't in school as he and Garmon are two of the top runners in the state, and maybe the East. I know it's early, albeit very early, but If McDowell-Prep opened its season this weekend, I would have to give the nod to the Trojans by a landslide. My first prediction of the season (subject to change before the Sept. 2 clash) -- McDOWELL 42-PREP 14. This has to do more with what I saw from

JERRY SLOCUM

the Trojans and not CP. Mischler will hope to see a lot of improvement before the Ramblers' next scrimmage, an 11 a.m. affair against Buffalo St. Joe's at the 12th and Cherry complex. SJ features QB Casey Kelly , the nephew of former Bills' great Jim Kelly. The senior has already signed with Clemson...Former Gannon basketball coach Jerry Slocum, his son Aaron is on the Rambler staff. He's now the {mYoungstown State coach and the Penguins were the last team to defeat Butler untilm the Bulldogs lost in the NCAA Finals. He's really looking forward to the upcoming season as he feels he has the his most talent ever at YSU.

QUICKIES -- Edinboro had a media day Sunday for its football team and the highlight was the announcement of Former All-American QB Trevor Harris returning as a grad assistant. He's one of the best ever for the Fighting Scots, his younger brother the starting signal-caller for the Boro. Also, it's always a pleasure to talk with linebacker Ryan Skelton, one of the toughest players in the PSAC. The General Mclane

RYAN SKELTON

graduate is 190-pounds of pure toughness. The Scots look in great shape, but the one that jumped out the most was Coach Tom Browning who looks ready to don the pads after a 30-pound weight loss. Also, his son Drew, a senio performer at GM, is one of the most personable young men I've ever run into. He knows sports -- all sorts of sports -- inside and out...Sunday was a tough day for the local baseball teams, the Indians getting swept by the first place Tigers and the Pirates losing after leading going into the final inning. The loss by the Tribe meand they are four games out of first instead of two...It's no secret I don't like -- actually you can insert hate here -- ESPN, but their coverage of the Little League World Series really bothers me. Once again ESPN tries to create this personna that what they are doing is earth-shattering news. It's nice that 12-year-olds get to play on national TV, but don't pretend it's the Major Leagues. After one game a lady and a male announcer were interviewing the winning team, a group of pre-teens. You can't blame the announcers for doing their job, but it was awkward at best. Then female asked one kid, "When you get a hit in the Little League World Series and you step on the bag, what does it feel like? I made some possible answers while sitting in my living room, but they aren't for publication.

Trevor Harris and Drew Browning

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