Pictured above: Javon Borger
By Tom Robinson, NEPASportsNation.com
PLYMOUTH – Last year’s more difficult moments could pay dividends for the Lake-Lehman football team during the 2022 season.
“Because of COVID and quarantine issues last year, we were averaging two-three players out a game,” Gilsky said during Wyoming Valley Conference Media Day. “When you do that, you see other guys in there. It created a forced depth on to us in a way.”
The adjustments while going 4-6 in 2021 meant more players on this season’s roster who already have significant varsity playing time.
“You get guys experience,” Gilsky said. “This year, it gives us many options on what to do.”
Those options include considering the extra players at one position to fill in gaps at another.
Landon Schuckers and Gavin Wallace, the two quarterback options, are both going to be part of the offense.
“No matter what decision we make, they’re going to be on the field, because we’re going to move them to a different spot,” Gilsky said.
If Wallace is at quarterback, Schuckers could be at fullback or wingback. If Schuckers runs the offense, Wallace could be a wide receiver.
Javon Borger has some experience at running back and is expected to be the main ballcarrier.
Gavin Paraschak, at tight end, and Brandon Ritinski, at wide receiver, are returning starters.
The offensive line returns starters Damian Naperkowski at center, Mason Lee and Aiden Gaus at guard and Chad Honeywell at tackle. Jacob McHenry, who is likely to be the other tackle, also has experience up front, along with Vladimer Lee and Brayden Savage.
All those available linemen make it possible for Lake-Lehman to take advantage of Mason Lee’s hands and use him at tight end.
Josh Ryan is another fullback.
On defense, Lake-Lehman has extra options available in the backfield.
Ritinski and Wallace return at cornerbacks along with Jake Gizinski, a 2020 starter who missed last season with a knee injury.
Any of the three cornerbacks could move to safety or Gilsky could use sophomores Benjamin Dowling and Christopher Sholtis there.
Mason Lee returns for his third season as a starting defensive end.
Honeywell is a returning starter at defensive tackle.
Tackles Vladimer Lee and Naperkowski and ends Gaus and Travis Pisano are vying for the other spots in the defensive front.
Borger and Paraschak are back at outside linebacker.
Gavin Shoemaker, Schuckers and Ryan are expected to take care of the two inside linebacker spots.
