Leechburg has speedy Tony Canzano and the makings of a solid offensive line.
What it doesn't have is depth. Again.
The dropoff in talent from starters to backups can be drastic.
"My biggest challenge is getting more kids out for football," said first-year coach Jim Oberdorf, who started camp with 34 varsity and junior varsity players.
"We have a lot of young men who aren't playing football. If you're in a small school such as Leechburg, and you're an athlete, you're just about obligated to play all the sports we have. I have to try and get these kids out."
Oberdorf, 58, has experienced success as Leechburg's softball coach, leading the Lady Blue Devils to three WPIAL titles and two PIAA crowns. He knows how to win.
Now, he will try to win as head coach of his alma mater's varsity football team. Oberdorf, a former quarterback, also was a Blue Devils assistant coach from 1991-98.
Perhaps what has kept prospective players away is lack of success in the past decade. Last year, Leechburg finished 3-6 overall and 1-6 in Eastern Conference play.
That's not to say there isn't talent.
Last season, Canzano rushed for 801 yards and seven touchdowns from the tailback position and was named second team all-conference. He accomplished those things behind a relatively small, inexperienced line. A number of freshmen saw playing time on the line because of injuries.
Canzano could be moved to quarterback, following the graduation of Matt Cockroft, Oberdorf said. That would add speed to the position in an offense that will return the option.
Fonzy Meidus is the other quarterback candidate. Whoever doesn't take the snaps will take handoffs.
The offensive line took a beating at times last season but has returned all five starters. They have gained valuable experience and added size and muscle.
The returning starters are center Christian Disciscio, guards Steve Pearson and Shawn Voyten, and tackles Rob Mattu and Rob Klingensmith. Voyten was a first team all-conference pick, and Disciscio earned honorable mention honors.
"Our offensive line is our strong point, hopefully," Oberdorf said.
Also back is tight end Luke Romaniw, who was a second team all-conference selection.
Players challenging to start at receiver include Rob Wright, an Oberdorf victory. Wright, a varsity basketball player, came out for varsity football for the first time. Wright probably will kick extra points and field goals, too.
"I'm very, very, very pleased," Oberdorf said of Wright. "He's a very good athlete, and he has a very good disposition. He works hard. To be honest with you, all the kids are working hard."
Leechburg will need to improve its defense if it hopes to compete in the Eastern Conference. The Blue Devils gave up an average of 27 points per game last season.
Mark Jones, a former Riverview assistant, is the new defensive coordinator.
Jones has a solid group to work with. His defensive line will be bigger and stronger this year.
Also, Canzano returns to lead the defensive backs, and Ian Coyle remains at linebacker. Coyle was an honorable mention all-conference player as a sophomore last season.
