Kiski Area looks to replace top skill players

ALLEGHENY TOWNSHIP: Imagine being appointed offensive coordinator at your school, only to find the school's all-time leading career rusher, a talented quarterback and multi-dimensional fullback have graduated.

That's the situation confronting Kiski Area's Clay Kunselman, who will take over the offense after the retirement of Kenny Fassio.

The first order of business will be to replace tailback Tristan Booker, quarterback Greg Bengele and fullback Ryan McKendree.

But Kunselman, a standout running back for the Cavaliers in the early 1980s, relishes the challenge.

'They were great players, they did a real good job for us last year,' Kunselman said. 'We've got three kids trying to replace Tristan, so we hope somebody will rise to the top.'

Senior Willie Brown (5-foot-9, 162 pounds), junior Chris McKillop (6-4, 215) and sophomore Robbie Plowman (6-0, 165) all are vying for the job as Kiski Area's feature back

The Cavaliers long have been known for the 'Pro-I' set-up, offensively, and Kunselman hopes to throw a few twists in the attack for 2001.

'It would be nice to play a power style of football if we can,' Kunselman said. 'We're going to see what we're capable of. It would be nice to do what Penn Hills and even Woodland Hills used to do - line up and run it down your throats.'

Brown reportedly has the edge in the second week of preseason camp, but he is being pushed by McKillop and Plowman. Kunselman indicated all three could be used in certain situations.

Plowman's progress, however, was stalled after sustaining a concussion, and he did not participate in the team's initial scrimmage against Highlands.

'All three of those kids got big shoes to fill,' said head coach Dave Grimm. 'Those three will be evaluated through the two scrimmages.'

'I think I have a tough job, but I think I can get the job done,' Brown said. 'I think all the points we scored last year can give us a positive boost.

McKillop is trying to improve his speed.

'Through camp I've been running hard, camp is tough every year,' McKillop said.

Plowman knows the most capable player will start no matter what grade he's in.

'To me, I'll just go out there and try my hardest,' Plowman said. 'I'll do what I have to do and see what happens. I'd like to break Tristan Booker's record by the time I'm a senior.'

There also is competition at the quarterback slot with senior Corey Smith and junior Greg Hutcherson.

'Corey, right now, is probably ahead of Greg as far as throwing the ball,' Kunselman said. 'His arm is better and right now is making some better decisions. But you still might see ÔHutch' in some situations.'

McKendree did plenty in Kiski Area's backfield, especially running quick traps.

Chris Coking and Nathan Laero appear to have the inside track to start at fullback for the Cavaliers. Sophomores Billy Dick and Scott McKillop keep pushing for playing time.

'The two seniors probabaly are at the head of the class there,' Kunselman said. 'With our fullback being part of the 'Pro I', the fullback's got to do a lot of blocking.'

By all accounts, Kiski Area had an extremely physical opening week of training camp at Slippery Rock University.

'It was a physical camp,' Grimm confirmed. 'Monday evening through Wednesday we had some intense contact. We thought we got a good bit accomplished.'

Kiski Area begins the season Friday at Shaler in a nonconference game.