Jefferson-Morgan aims high with unusually large squad
The only numbers Jefferson-Morgan coach Jan Haiden worries about are the ones on the scoreboard.
A small turnout of players never stopped his teams in the past.
In the mid 1990s, one of Haiden's squads numbered only 14 players, perhaps enough for flag football, but not for Class A. Still, that team finished 6-4, losing three games by just one point.
Haiden laughed recalling one referee's comment. The ref said the officials didn't bother counting the guys on the field, but knew there was something amiss if there weren't three guys standing on the sidelines.
"Coaches had to practice, and we were in pretty good shape," Haiden said with a laugh. "Because of our numbers, we have more freshmen who letter and always have several four-year starters."
Small numbers of players in camp aren't a problem this year. With a squad projected at more than 40 players, Haiden may not know what to do with the numbers.
"Anything over 30 is good," he said.
Among the 16 returning lettermen are the only four seniors.
Still, Haiden sees his Rockets contending for a Tri-County South Conference playoff berth, especially since eight juniors lettered as sophomores last year for the 5-4, Rockets, who finished fourth with a 4-3 conference record.
"Our goal, like always, is to make the playoffs and win the conference," he said. "We have to be ready to play every week and staying healthy is a must in Class A."
Quarterback Josh Lawrence, who passed for more than 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, returns for the Rockets.
"Last year was Josh's first as quarterback," Haiden said. "He learned a lot. He's solid, with a good arm.
"We lost our fullback, tailback, and receivers, so our skill people will be new. Fortunately, we have an experienced quarterback and can build around him."
One of Lawrence's primary receivers will be junior flanker/running back Jarred Moskola. Despite being slowed by injuries, Moskola rushed for more than 400 yards and caught 24 passes for 424 yards and five touchdowns.
At 6-foot, 180-pounds, Moskola will be an inviting target for Lawrence.
Anchoring the line -- which Haiden sees as a strength -- will be center Mack Kline, already a three-time letter winner. "He's an All-American type kid," Haiden said. "He's a hard worker and one of our leaders."
Opposing defenders won't have any difficulty finding tackle Steve Yourchik, but they may have difficulty getting around him. At 6-5, 350, Haiden expects Yourchik to be a force.
"I told him he has to dominate people this year," Haiden said. "If he does, that will make a difference in recruiting. He has the ability to be that dominating player."
Haiden also expects big things from 6-0, 210-pound junior Brad Pellegrini.
"He's a strong, solid offensive lineman who will open some holes for us," the coach said.
Jefferson-Morgan's fourth senior is running back Jeremy Weaver. He best position, however, might be cornerback, where at 6-2, he has developed into a cover guy.
Jefferson-Morgan lost three starting linebackers to graduation, but Justin Falcon, who started last year as a freshman, returns on the outside.
"He had a good year last season, especially for a freshman," Haiden said. "He knows the game, and is a hard-nosed athlete. He has a knack of knowing where the ball will be."
Haiden, who enters his 14th season, has taken the Rockets to the WPIAL playoffs on four occasions, but has not advanced beyond the first round. Despite the youthful squad, this season might break that streak.
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