Third-year Bentworth coach Lou Rood knows where his players need to improve the most.
"We knew that we had to get stronger, and we have definitely done that," he said. "The kids have put in the time and effort in the weight room, and I am looking forward to the season. I think we will be improved."
Rood said the key to improving on last season's 0-9 record will be the play of his offensive line, where all five players are returning starters.
"We have a solid core back on both sides of the ball, with eight starters on offense and defense returning," he said. "And it starts up front."
Leading the way will be center Tanner Severns. The junior was an all-conference honorable-mention selection last season in the Black Hills Conference. Flanking him at guard will be senior Bill Simpson and junior Dylan Morrell, and the tackles are senior Ryan Wade and junior John Bizet.
"The line will be key," said Rood, a former coach at Belle Vernon. "There are no two ways about it."
Two vital skill players will have to make plays for the Bearcats to be successful: Junior Dante Sicchitano moves to quarterback from flanker, and senior Kyle Cline will start at tailback.
Rood said his team, while young, will be better because of its struggles a year ago, when the Bearcats were outscored, 361-103. They scored 46 points in a loss to Serra Catholic that was one of the highest-scoring games in the WPIAL last season.
"We have a lot of experience that we gained from our rough year last year," he said. "Hopefully, it pays off."
2011 schedule
Sept. 2,Westinghouse,7:30
Sept. 9,at Cornell,7
Sept. 16,at Brentwood,7:30
Sept. 23,Serra Catholic,7:30
Sept. 30,at Chartiers-Houston,7:30
Oct. 7,Clairton,7:30
Oct. 14,Fort Cherry,7:30
Oct. 21,at Carlynton,7:30
Oct. 28,Avella,7:30
Photo Galleries
Bentworth
Bentworth Bearcats
Coach: Lou Rood
2010 record: 0-9, 0-7
All-time record: 195-275-77
Stadium: Bentworth Stadium
