New coach takes the helm at Apollo-Ridge

New Apollo-Ridge coach John Skiba is quickly discovering the difference between a Class AAAA school and a Class AA school after seven years as an assistant at Pine-Richland.

"I think the biggest thing is depth," Skiba said. "At Pine-Richland, the roster was close to 80. At Apollo-Ridge, we have about 40 in grades nine through 12."

But the difference in student population isn't dimming Skiba's enthusiasm for his first head coaching job.

"I think the kids are buying into what we're doing. They're picking up things quickly," he said. "They weren't very happy about being 1-8 last year."

It took a victory on the last night of the season against West Shamokin to avoid the Vikings' first winless season since 1997.

During his stint as Pine-Richland's offensive coordinator, Skiba tailored his scheme to the personnel he had. That will remain the same this season: Returning quarterback Josh Zelonka will be the focal point of the offense. Last year, he completed 76 of 169 passes for 891 yards and nine touchdowns.

Also back in the fold is first-team all-conference guard Brad Campbell, who was second team at inside linebacker. Skiba is expecting big things from receiver Anthony Bozzarelli. And on special teams, Nick Coccaro was all-conference honorable mention both at kicker and punter.

Defensively, Apollo-Ridge will switch to a 3-3-5, an alignment that defensive coordinator Dave Leasure brings over from his last assignment at Fox Chapel.

The Vikings face a difficult preconference schedule, starting with a home encounter against Indiana, a Class AAA school. Week 2 brings a trip to Washington, the fifth-winningest school in WPIAL history.

"That's a great test," Skiba said. "We were familiar with Indiana when they were in Pine-Richland's conference, and we had a tri-scrimmage against them last year."

2011 schedule

Sept. 2,Indiana,7:30

Sept. 9,at Washington, 7:30

Sept. 16,Summit Academy,7:30

Sept. 23,at Deer Lakes,7:30

Sept. 30,Burrell,7:30

Oct. 7,Freeport,7:30

Oct. 15,at Shady Side Academy, 2:30

Oct. 21,Ford City,7:30

Oct. 28,at West Shamokin,7:30

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Additional Information:

Apollo-Ridge Vikings

Coach: John Skiba

2010 record: 1-8, 1-6

All-time record: 167-233-9

Stadium: Owens Field

Additional Information:

2010 Statistical leaders

Passing: Josh Zelonka • 76-169, 891 yards, 9 TDs

Rushing: Eean Smith* • 83-297, 0 TDs

Receiving: Kyler Martin* • 16-332, 4 TDs

*graduated