Lofty expectations

Michael Rainey-Wiles is one of the fastest runners in the WPIAL, but coach Jack McCurry still caught him off-guard.

"Coach said he wants me to have 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 receiving," Rainey-Wiles said. "When I heard that, I was like, 'Whoa.' "

Rainey-Wiles will get his chance at the rare exacta, as the North Hills coaching staff looks to provide more opportunities for the speedy senior slotback.

"He has good speed," McCurry said, "but he has great quickness. You've got the get the ball in his hands, and we plan to do that. We've got to get him the ball in space and let him get out there and create some plays."

The 5-foot-9, 150-pound Rainey-Wiles only averaged about seven touches a game last season for a balanced North Hills offense. He carried 54 times for 485 yards (9.0 yards per reception) and caught 17 passes for another 215 yards on the way to being named second-team All-Quad North multi-purpose back.

McCurry is looking to double Rainey-Wiles' touches to at least 15 per game.

"He's able to make people miss, and he can catch the ball, and he can return kicks," McCurry said. "It's just that, physically, he's not a big guy."

To lessen the wear and tear on Rainey-Wiles, the Indians also will rely on senior running back Matt Timko, an elite hurdler who is returning from an injury last season, and junior running back Ed Reith.

Together, the trio will try to ease the loss of quarterback Ryan Lehmeier, who accounted for more than 5,000 total yards and 50 touchdowns in the past three years.

Regardless of who is named the starting quarterback -- there was a heated four-man audition in the first week of training camp -- Rainey-Wiles is certain to catch more passes. North Hills graduated top receivers Brad Hill and P.J. Castellano.

While the odds of a 1,000-yard receiving season is remote, Rainey-Wiles is ready to take a stab at McCurry's lofty goals.

"I'm going to be catching the ball a lot more this year," Rainey-Wiles said. "I'm pretty excited."

Rainey-Wiles excelled at offseason combines, running consistently in the 4.4-4.5 range. He was a PIAA track qualifier in the 100, high jump and long jump, and he's garnered Division I football offers to Ohio, Temple and Virginia Military Institute.

McCurry said Rainey-Wiles' biggest strides have come in his work ethic.

"He's a great kid," McCurry said. "He's grown and developed. ... When he was younger, he didn't have the great drive that he has now. But kids just develop that way.

"He spent a lot of time in the weightroom. Even though he was running track, he was in the weightroom and trying to get better. When I see kids do that, that shows me some character that I like."

Additional Information:

About the Indians

Defense: Andrew Heck, a second-team All-Quad North safety, is a big hitter in the secondary. Junior Ryan Welsh and Timko are returning linebackers.

In the trenches: Randy Freedman (6-foot-3, 270 pounds) and Joel Trembulak (6-0, 230) are the lone returning lineman.

Return game: Rainey-Wiles is an exciting threat at punt and kickoff return. Timko will handle the punting duties.

From the sidelines: Head coach Jack McCurry is beginning his 29th season at North Hills with an overall record of 235-78-6.