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 |
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|---|---|---|
| Jerry Gilsky | Ben Dowling | Gavin Shoemaker |
TEAM: Lake-Lehman Black Knights
COLORS: Black & Gold
COACH: Jerry Gilsky, 15th Season (87-68)
PIAA: Class 3A
2024 CONFERENCE: WVC Division 2
2023 RECORD: 2-9 (2-4 in conference)
RECORD LAST FIVE SEASONS: 24-29
STADIUM: Edward Edwards Stadium
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 9
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 8
OFFENSIVE SCHEME: Multiple
DEFENSIVE SCHEME: 4-4 or 4-3
2024 PREVIEW
The Black Knights struggled with a young roster and injuries last season but feel those growing pains will help them compete in 2024. With a majority of players back on both sides of the ball, Lake-Lehman feels that this season will be very different, and they will be competitive against the upper echelon of the WVC and will be a postseason threat.
Hayden Evans is back at quarterback with Anthony Magnotta, Carter Deyo, and Jesse Strenel on the depth chart at the position. Jim Mitkowski and Gavin Shoemaker return as the starting backfield behind Evans. Chris Yetter will be the backup tailback and Keagan Bennett, Rennen Smith, and Lukas Conte will provide depth at fullback. Chris Sholtis missed time last year, but still put up big numbers and will be the Knights No. 1 receiver. Jake Evans, Landin Bardo, Sam Plummer, Nick Joseph, Logan Deyo, and Alex Smith will compete for time at the other receiver positions. Ben Dowling, who played in various spots last season, returns to his natural position at tight end.
Lehman is experienced on the offensive front with four starters returning including left tackle Trent Gaus, center Robert Gregor, right guard Vlad Lee, and right tackle Jeremy Janosov. Jake Paul, Zach Koval, and Logan Rybka will compete for the left guard spot and provide depth up front.
Dowling returns at defensive end with Gregor expected to play the other side. Lee and Gaus are returning starters at defensive tackle. Four linebackers are back that started at some point last season – Shoemaker and Mitkowski inside and Sholtis and Plummer on the outside. Bennett could also see time there. Hunter Lee and Rennen Smith will provide depth. Three starters return in the secondary including Bardo and Yetter at cornerback. Hayden Evans is back at safety. Joseph, Alex Smith, and Deyo will back up at corner and Jake Evans and Magnotta provide depth at safety.
Reilly Kirkutis will handle the placekicking duties and Sholtis is back as the punter.
QUOTE FROM COACH GILSKY: We have many players with experience and great competition for depth. A great group of kids that bond like a family that will help each other for success.
RETURNING ALL-STARS – WVC Division 2
Second Team Wide Receiver – Chris Sholtis
Second Team Running Back – Ben Dowling
Second Team Offensive Line – Trent Gaus
Second Team Linebacker – Gavin Shoemaker
Second Team Defensive Back – Hayden Evans
Honorable Mention Fullback – Jim Mitkowski
Honorable Mention Offensive Lineman – Vlademer Lee
