For the second straight year, Quaker Valley is entering the season with a new coach and optimism regarding a turnaround for the program.

John Tortorea, a former Cornell and Carlynton assistant that came to QV in that role last season, was named the team's head coach in May, taking on the task of getting the Quakers to the playoffs for the first time since 1999.

"I couldn't ask for more from the kids since we got started," Tortorea said. "We're building a lot of momentum, and the kids are buying into what we're doing. Last year is my only year to reference to, but there's a lot of excitement heading into this season."

Though the Quakers have just one win in their last 18 games after a 5-4 season in 2008, the team has a strong group of returning players, beginning up front.

Four of the team's five starters on the offensive line return, with Robbie Love and defensive standout Jacob Smith on the right and Sergei Adelman and Rocco Brown on the left around an open center position.

Their job will be to help out junior quarterback Burke Moser, who capped last season by going 6 for 10 for 119 yards and his first career touchdown in the final game against WPIAL champ South Fayette, Moser's first extensive varsity work.

"That kid has guts, and he's a competitor," Tortorea said of Moser. "He has everything you want in a quarterback, and he's been our most pleasant surprise (in the offseason). He's a leader and has all the intangibles."

Joining Moser in the backfield of Tortorea's one-back offense are senior fullback Lex Gibb and senior slot receiver/back Jordan Vescio, the team's leading rusher in 2010 and a versatile player, starting at linebacker and punter.

Led by those players and a group of rising underclassmen who won six games at the junior varsity level last year, Tortorea thinks a quick turnaround is possible.

"This is our first year trying to establish a program, and what we're keying on is trying to be successful in the classroom, on the field and in the community," Tortorea said.

"I don't know that I've been around harder working young men, but there's just a mental block at Quaker Valley on Friday nights. We're trying to get them to translate that hard work to Friday night."

2011 schedule

Sept. 2,at Cornell,7

Sept. 9,at Freeport,7:30

Sept. 16,at Keystone Oaks,7

Sept. 23,Seton-La Salle,7:30

Sept. 30,South Allegheny,7:30

Oct. 8,at Burgettstown, 1:30

Oct. 15,Washington,7:30

Oct. 21,at Steel Valley,7

Oct. 28,South Fayette,7:30

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Quaker Valley

Additional Information:

Quaker Valley Quakers

Coach: John Tortorea

2010 record: 1-8, 1-7

All-time record: 188-308-14

Stadium: Chuck Knox Stadium

Additional Information:

2010 statistical leaders

Passing: Pat Conlan* • 60-154, 905 yards, 8 TDs

Rushing: Jordan Vescio • 49-256, 2 TDs

Receiving: Shane Dugan* • 22-349, 3 Tds

*graduated

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