Scampone emerges as Riverview's leader
Riverview senior Jeff Scampone played just about everywhere last season.
On offense, he lined up at wide receiver, slotback, wingback and tailback. On defense, he appeared at outside linebacker, cornerback and safety.
This year, Riverview coach Todd Massack thinks he can get the most out of the versatile Scampone by simplifying his role.
The 6-foot, 175-pound Scampone will play tailback and inside linebacker.
It's obvious Scampone will be expected to help lead a team that returns five starters on offense, six on defense and will break in a new quarterback.
"We'll see who will step up," Massack said. "We have big openings to fill. We have some kids who are working hard. Our strength right now is maybe our attitude. We've got to become more mature and gain experience. We're a young football team."
Last year, Riverview went 3-7. The Raiders lost their final five games but still made the WPIAL Class A playoffs.
If the Raiders make a run at one of the top four spots in the new-look Eastern Conference, it looks like Scampone will be in the middle of the action.
"Last year, I couldn't get comfortable at one position (on each side of the ball)," Scampone said. "Now, I get to focus on one position."
Massack said Scampone put in hard work during the summer to prepare for the pounding he's likely to receive as a tailback/inside linebacker.
"Jeff's had a great offseason," Massack said. "He didn't miss one workout. He has a positive attitude."
Scampone said he worked out five times a week and gained about 15 pounds since last season. He also participated in a speed camp in Pittsburgh along with mostly City League players.
"(At the speed camp) we also worked on agility and footwork," Scampone said. "I'm way more explosive than I was last year."
Despite moving around frequently last year, Scampone had 18 catches for 281 yards and two touchdowns and was named first-team all-conference at wide receiver.
Scampone's older brothers, Greg and Gino, also were standouts at Riverview and are playing at Division III Waynesburg. Jeff has a chance to play at a higher level in college, according to Massack.
At fullback, Nick Buchser will help pave the way for Scampone.
Leading the way on the offensive line are returning starters Tony Hoffman, Tom Skemp and Brandon Streussnig. Hoffman earned first-team all-conference honors at center.
The linemen will be depended on to help ease sophomore Terrel Craighead into the starting role at quarterback. Wide receiver Justin Peters in the backup.
On defense, the linebacking corps appears to be a strength. In addition to Scampone, the Raiders have Buchser, who earned first-team all-conference honors last season, and Tom O'Leary, who emerged as a solid run stopper.
It's hard to say whether the Eastern Conference has become stronger or weaker with the loss of Apollo-Ridge and Clairton and the addition of Avonworth, Brentwood, Carlynton and North Catholic.
"I think it will be a challenge," Massack said. "Brentwood and Carlynton are coming down from Class AA. They have a lot of experience playing at a higher conference level. Then, Springdale is good every year. But there's still a lot of question marks (in the conference)."
Fast facts
Year opened: 1971
All-time record: 224-159-11
Head coach: Todd Massack
Years at current post: 1
Record at current post: 3-7
Career record: 14-36
Last year's leaders
Passing: Jared Soell (47 for 129, 673 yards, 6TD)
Rushing: Adam Lohr (72 attempts for 403 yards, 3 TD)
Receiving: *Jeff Scampone (18 receptions for 281 yards, 2 TD)
Scoring: Adam Lohr (3 TD, 2 extra points for 20 points)
* Returning player
2007 results (3-7)
Sept. 1 California L 16-9
Sept. 8 at Monessen L 42-7
Sept. 14 Rochester W 24-23
Sept. 21 at Wilkinsburg W 28-7
Sept. 29 Leechburg W 28-12
Oct. 5 at Clairton L 55-0
Oct. 13 Apollo-Ridge L 15-14
Oct. 19 at Conemaugh Township L 24-0
Oct. 27 Springdale L 35-0
WPIAL Playoffs
Nov. 2 at Serra Catholic L 42-0
