 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Steve Shumbres | Kareem Jefferson | Sean Norton |
TEAM: Scranton Knights
COLORS: Cardinal & Gold
COACH: Steve Shumbres, 4th Season (9-18)
PIAA: Class 6A
2021 CONFERENCE: LFC Division 1
2020 RECORD: 2-3 (0-3 in conference)
RECORD LAST FIVE SEASONS: 19-30
STADIUM: Scranton Memorial Stadium
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 5
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 6
OFFENSIVE SCHEME: Spread
DEFENSIVE SCHEME: 4-4
2021 PREVIEW
The Knights have size up front and key skill players back that should have them in the mix in LFC Division I. However, there are still question marks on how much they have closed the gap between them and their division rivals after going winless in LFC I last season. No doubt, they will be competitive, but in order to compete for a title, they will have to avoid injury and find some playmakers on defense.
On the offensive side, quarterback Arvel Chandler returns. He is a true dual-threat option and will run the spread but the Knights will need more production from him in both the running and passing game. Charlie Thompson has a chance to be one of the best running backs in the LFC, but he has to stay healthy which has been an issue for the senior. Bashiyr Murphy will also see time at running back. Antonio Hairston is the leading, returning receiver and will be joined by Donato Stepney, Donovan Laybourn-Boddie, Jalen Chandler and Elijah Ortiz. Dustyn Miller and Nick Carerra are the tight ends.
Scranton has great size on the offensive line, but that doesn’t necessarily translate into success. They must execute better than they did in 2020. Left guard Matt Coursen and center Sean Norton return. Michael Diehl and Javin James are the favorites to start at the tackle positions as Gavin Henderson and Kareem Jefferson will provide depth at the position. Adan Salazar and Jacob Martinez are in the mix at right guard.
Coursen returns at defensive end and Salazar is back at defensive tackle. Jefferson and Norton should see time at tackle and end with depth provided by Martinez, Diehl and Packy Rissmiller. Matt Shilling is the lone returning starter at linebacker. Jalen Chandler and Lamaire Soldano are in contention for an outside spot while Carrera, James, Donovan Laybourn-Boddie and Noah Ardestani should see playing time inside. The secondary is very experieced. Stepney returns from injuries during his junior season after having a breakout season at cornerback his sophomore year. Hairston returns at the other cornerback. Thompson is experienced at safety. Ortiz will provide secondary depth.
Jeremiah Ortiz is back as the kicker and punter. Henderson will be the long-snapper.
QUOTE FROM COACH SHUMBRES: We have had a great offseason in the weight room and throughout conditioning. We look forward to improving from our record last year and competing in every game.
RETURNING ALL-STARS – LFC DIVISION I
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