 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|
| George Howanitz | Dante Randle | Sean Mackinder |
TEAM: Valley View Cougars
COLORS: Blue, Gold & White
COACH: George Howanitz, 15th Season (94-63)
PIAA: Class 4A
2021 CONFERENCE: LFC Division 2
2020 RECORD: 3-3 (3-1 in conference)
RECORD LAST FIVE SEASONS: 44-15
STADIUM: John Henzes Veterans Memorial Stadium
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 8
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 7
OFFENSIVE SCHEME: Pro
DEFENSIVE SCHEME: 4-3
2021 PREVIEW
With only two teams qualifying for the district playoffs last year, the Cougars were relegated to a share of the LFC Division II title. Their goal is to defend that title and get back to the district championship game that they last won in 2018. The returning squad has many talented players and Valley View is already getting attention state-wide with a No. 7 preseason ranking in the PennLive Class 4A rankings.
The offense will be led again by quarterback Adam Howanitz. With a year under his belt and a strong returning group of receivers, the Cougars will be looking to expand the playbook in the passing game. Seniors Sean Mackinder, Anthony Memo and Colin Skeen are all experienced will make the passing game relevant. Valley View will run the football with returning starter Rylei Kilmer. Connor Hilling and Cam Higgins will also be in the mix. The new tight end is Rafe Evans.
The strength of the Cougars is up front where all five starters return. Right tackle Tyler Swartz was named an All-District 2 player. Left tackle Jakhai Simmons and center Danny Vislosky also received post-season accolades. The Casarin twins – Jacob and James – return at guard.
On defense, Dante Randle returns at end while Swartz will play the other side. Louis Marion is a returning starter inside with Logan Smith, Chris Brofsky and Gavin Mercado all in the rotation up front. Jordan Rebar is the lone returning linebacker. Andrew Heid, Dylan Walsh, Zack Rudalavage, and A.J. Kucharski all should see time at the other linebacker positions. The secondary has all four starters back in cornerbacks Chris Conserette and Skeen and safeties Mackinder and Howanitz.
Cory Bushta returns as the punter while James Liparulo and Matt Cole will be involved with kicking duties. Heid is the long snapper.
QUOTE FROM COACH HOWANITZ: With our whole offensive line back and many starters back on offense & defense, I expect our players to compete at a high level this season. We have great Senior leaders and a roster full of men who know how to work hard and know what it takes to play Valley View Cougar football.
RETURNING ALL-STARS – LFC Division II
First Team Wide Receiver – Sean Mackinder
First Team Offensive Line – Jahki Simmons
First Team Offensive Line – Tyler Swartz
First Team Defensive Line – Dante Randle
First Team Defensive Back – Chris Conserette
First Team Defensive Back – Adam Howanitz
Honorable Mention Offensive Line – Jacob Casarin
Honorable Mention Offensive Line – Danny Vislosky
ALL-DISTRICT 2
Offensive Line – Tyler Swartz
