POTTSVILLE Numbers game

RIVER VALLEY and OZARK AREA — There will be strength in numbers at Pottsville this season.

After losing several close games late in the fourth quarter last season, Pottsville Apaches coach Bryan Rust said strength and conditioning improvements, along with a boost in all-around talent levels at key positions, will hopefully put the Apacheson the victorious side of close games in 2009.

A talented sophomore classmixes into the group of returnees, Rust said, adding that three or four sophomores are on track to earn starting spots.

A senior, however, will be the most explosive weapon coming out of Pottsville's Dead-T offense. Running back Tyler Robertson is expected to improve on his impressive junior season, utilizing his big size to move the football.

Junior Jay Wright and senior Corey Taylor will also get significant playing time in the offensive backfield, Rust said, compiling a talented group of rushers who each have the ability to break big plays.

Junior Dereck Clark will lead the Apaches at quarterback after a successful sophomore season as the team's shutdown cornerback.

"Dereck has gotten a lot stronger during the offseason, and he did a tremendous job for us on defense last year - he was probably our

biggest headhunter on defense," Rust said. "I

expect him to take that defensive mentality to

the offensive side of the ball this year. He's not

afraid to run the ball, and he can read the op

tion really well." Lucas Kemling, a senior, will be a top receiv

ing target for Clark, coming out of the tight end

and wide receiver positions, while John Camp

bell will start at tight end on the other side of

the line.

Junior Johnny Hart returns to anchor the of

fensive line at right guard after starting through

out his sophomore season, while junior Shane

Fryar will contribute significantly at right tackle.

Matt Piker will bring senior leadership to the

offensive line as the starting left guard.

Defensively, seniors Trey Goocher and Shan

non Delleppelle have emerged as team leaders

during summer team camps, Rust said. Robert

son is perhaps the team's most talented defensive

player from his linebacker spot.

With all the tools in place, Rust said the

Apaches will compete for the 4-4A Conference

championship this season.

"We had a team last year that was capable of

competing for the conference championship,"

Rust said. "They have to understand that we're

capable of winning after all the close games we

played last year. There's always a chance, and

you always have to go into it thinking you can

compete. I believe we can. I believe we're capable

of making a playoff appearance."POTTSVILLE APACHES

Sept. 4 ....................at Atkins

Sept. 11 ..................... Lamar

Sept. 18 ............... Cedarville

Sept. 25 ..............West Fork*

Oct. 2 ........... at Dardanelle*Oct. 9 ................ Booneville* Oct. 16 ................ at Ozark* Oct. 23 .............. Clarksville* Oct. 30 at Subiaco Academy* Nov. 6 ..................at Dover*