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 |
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|---|---|---|
| Coach Dennis Buchman | Zander Coleman | Robert Anderson |
TEAM: Hazleton Area Cougars
COLORS: Scarlet, Silver & White
COACH: Dennis Buchman, 4th Season (20-10)
PIAA: Class 6A
2023 CONFERENCE: WVC Division 1
2022 RECORD: 8-3 (4-2 in conference)
RECORD LAST FIVE SEASONS: 28-24
STADIUM: Harman-Geist Memorial Field
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 1
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 2
OFFENSIVE SCHEME: Spread
DEFENSIVE SCHEME: 4-2-5
2023 PREVIEW
Hazleton had a good run over the past couple seasons, but graduation had finally emptied the talent pool. It is hard to say if it will be a total rebuild as the Cougars have one of the biggest rosters in District 2. But the inexperience will probably show early.
The starting backfield will all be new faces. Austin Wilson or Freddy Corrado will be the new quarterback. Brady Mizenko will take over at running back with Hunter Johnson his backup. Johncarlos Peralta will be the new fullback while Zander Coleman has experience at tight end and will also back up the fullback position. Many players are in the mix at wide receiver including Yohansel Moran, Carlos Gonzalez, Riley VanGilst, Yadier Mateo, Miguel Vasquez, Bryant Diaz, Sebastian Nivar, and Robin Munoz. Peralta, Jack Mariano, and Jacob Agramonte are on the depth chart at tight end.
The offensive line returns one starter – left tackle Brayan Calcano. Peter Youngcourt or Sebastian Reinoso will be the new left guard; Robert Anderson or Jake Zapotocky at center; Tommy King, Manny Salcedo, and Johan Cruz competing at right guard; Jeremy Ackerman or Aaron Laureano at right tackle. Jordi Urena will provide depth.
Anderson is a returning starter on defense with Youngcourt, Ackerman, and Laureano in the mix for the other defensive end. Urena, King, Reinoso and Cruz are possibilities at defensive tackle. Coleman returns at inside linebacker with Johnson, Sam Heller and Rusty Schmidt are back ups. Mizenko will be at the other linebacker spot with Peralta, Vasquez, and Ashton Karlick providing depth. The secondary will all be first-time starters. Diaz, Nivar, Jhendrick Perez, and Yohansel Moran are cornerbacks. Gonzalez, VanGilst, and Agramonte are the safeties.
Levi Kurtz will take over the kicking and punting duties.
QUOTE FROM COACH BUCHMAN: Conistency in all three phases and attention to detail will be two major keys in determining our TEAM’s success for this season. Go Cougars!
RETURNING ALL-STARS – WVC DIVISION 1
Second Team Defensive Line – Zander Coleman
Honorable Mention Tight End – Zander Coleman
Honorable Mention Offensive Line – Brayan Calcano
Honorable Mention Defensive Line – Robert Anderson
