Shamokin-Southern Columbia Preview for 95.3 FM

This Saturday, I will have the pleasure once again of calling my 3rd Shamokin-Southern game. Since 2005, alot has changed for Shamokin while Southern Columbia cashed in on two more PIAA titles. Here is a look at the match up and one the game may possibly go.

COACHES

After a 19-16 overtime victory, coach Carm Defrencesco declared, "This is greatest win in school history." A statement that would haunt DeFrancesco his final two seasons as the Indians stumble home 6-19 over the rest of '05 and '06.

Dave Zielinskie returns after coaching his last game for Shamokin against Berwick in 1992. Has 15 years gone by that fast!!??? Zielinskie returns a little older and little wiser. He handles things 100% better outside and off the gridiron. Expect the Shamokin to attack and come to play for every game not just Southern and Mount Carmel.

For Southern Area, Jim Roth and steady may be synonymous. Roth who was 1-6 in state title games has now won 5 in row. Well, Jim didn't play in them but he was there to guide them. Remember the fans in 2001? Calling for a possible change? Steady and program are what is going to get done for the Tigers in 2007. Many starters are gone on both sides of the ball, but many backups had ample playing time to step in. This season should not be any different.

QUARTERBACKS

Both teams return seniors in Ted Heitzman for Southern and Marc Persing for Shamokin. Both made their debut in the 2005 game with Persing getting the better of Heitzman. In two ships passing in the night, much of the offensive pressure has shifted from Persing reading the defense to the running game, while Heitzman may be asked to do more in the early part of the season. Heitzman will draw all the scouts, but the Indians cannot win if Persing goes down.

Edge - even

OFFENSIVE LINE

Shamokin Area were able to move the ball quite freely last year between the 20's, but struggled in the redzone. Southern return's 6'4" 325 lb. Tyler Wilson to a unit that rushed for nearly 400 yards per game in 2006. Southern did struggle early in 2005, when there were this many new starters on the O-line.

Edge - Very slight to Shamokin

RUNNING BACKS

Gone is Henry Hynoski from the Tiger arsenal and also Dave Adams. Step in Steve Roth, Kyle Breech and Andrew Wimble. Without Hyno, I believe Roth and Wimble would have both had a 1000 yards. Now they get a chance to prove it. Look for the halfbacks to get most of the work this season. Shamokin looks to pound the ball with sophomore Brent Forbes. Last season the Indians were not able to run in many key situations.

Edge - Until they prove otherwise, big edge to Southern.

RECEIVERS

Shamokin with it's wide open game threw to anyone that was open. The standout of the group was Chris Eby when on the field. Look for others to make a contribution including Jarrid Savlov, Tyler Dirienzo, Nick Domanski and the tight end position occupied by the Krah twins. Southern counters with Colby Snyder and will be looking for others to make contributions.

Edge - Southern (The Heitzman-Snyder combo is dangerous.)

DEFENSE (Front Sevens)

Everyone in talking about the 2006 Tigers, talk Hyno and Josh Marks. Also gone from a great defense is Corey Sober and Nick Gallinot from the linbacking corps. Also, take out Hyno who played outstanding when he had to go in and Marks who went both offensive and defense.....well you get the picture. Shamokin returns Jordan Haddock and Brent Forbes to the front seven. Except for lapses against Mifflinburg and second half against Southern, this unit played solid. Tyler Griffiths will be missed.

Edge - slight to Shamokin

SECONDARY

Zeke Conrad and Colby Snyder return to a solid unit. A big loss will be Tom Admire. Admire could probably close on most of the zip codes in the Southern district when the ball was in the air. Shamokin on the other hand needs to find their identity in the secondary. Gave up too many big plays in key situations last season. Eby, Tyler Schiccatano, Matt Marcheskie, Mike Zielinskie, Savlov, DiRienzo, and Domanski look to make contributions.

Edge - Big edge to Southern if Shamokin can't prove otherwise.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Southern returns Bryan Snyder who was 72-78 in PAT's. Shamokin has given the punting and kicking chores to Persing. Persing's next PAT will be his first. Fan's may cringe when leaving a valuable quarterback exposed.

Edge - Big edge to Southern.

INTANGIBLES

All logic points to Southern in this one, but don't discount experience of the Indians. Shamokin has alot of players that have been through some hard times and are ready to step up. Southern is used to winning and have the athletes to make it back to Hershey in December.

1.) Shamokin trailed by one at the half in 2005 and 7 in 2006. Once again, look for this one to be close at the half.

2.) Southern had some problems on the offensive line in the transition to the 2005 season. They are in a similar position in 2007. With Shamokin on the attack, look for some breakdowns early.

3.) Mistakes. If Southern goes up by two touchdowns it could be off to the races. Could you believe the Tigers are actually faster this year!!!!!

4.) Everyone in Pennsylvania knows Hyno and Marks are gone, but also Sober, Gallinot and Admire who were just as important but overshadowed by the D-1 recruiting of Marks and Hyno.

5.) There is a reason why Southern has gone to finals every year since 1994 with the exception of 1997. IT'S CALLED PROGRAM!!!!!

Look for this one to be close again through the half and three periods. The winner will be the one with the less opening day mistakes. Look for Southern to come out on top in the fourth quarter.