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Veterans lead Sem’s bid for a winning fall
Seniors Tom Romanowski, Evan Byers and William Moore will start both ways for a Wyoming Seminary team shooting for another winning season. The Blue Knights went 7-2 last season.
Fred adams/for the times leader
The Wyoming Seminary Blue Knights are looking to improve on their 7-2 record last year, and with the majority of their skill position players returning to the starting lineup they have a chance to do so.
“It’s early, but we have a real chance to be competitive this year,” said fifth-year coach Terry Karg.
The Blue Knights will be tested early, with four games against national powerhouses in their first six games.
“We want the challenge,” said Karg. “We want to play a tough schedule and see what we’re really made of.”
OFFENSE
Last season’s quarterback starter, Jesse Placourakis, will compete with Tanner McMahon for the starting job.
“The competition’s been great for the two,” Karg said. “The two have really pushed each other and each has responded. It’s good though, we have two very good leaders there.”
Tom Romanowski and Joe Fulginiti are returning to their receiving positions, while star skill players Evan Byers and William Moore are back to handle the load at tailback.
The offensive line is Karg’s biggest concern. Post-graduates Jonathan Louis and Brendon Gannon will help anchor the line along with senior Connor McRae.
“We have little margin for injury,” Karg said, referring to the depth on the offensive line. “It’s early, but the guys are really picking it up.”
Mike McMullan will hold his position as the tight end.
DEFENSE
Karg says the defense will be a lot faster this year, but how big a strength that will be depends on the production of the front seven.
Louis and Gannon will help anchor the defensive line as well at end and nose tackle, respectively.
McMullan has moved from defensive end to linebacker and will play alongside Rafiq Wallace.
“The front (seven) has a lot of potential,” said Karg. “They’re really starting to come together.”
The one thing that is as close to a lock as possible is the secondary. Romanowski and Byers will anchor the safeties and Moore has one corner locked down. Domenico Colati and Shane Olenwine will compete for the other corner.
“Competition’s always a plus,” Karg said. “Just like with our quarterbacks, these guys are really benefiting from it.”
OUTLOOK
With a majority of skill position players returning, Karg has every right to be optimistic about this squad. It’s the tough schedule and the injury factor that he’s concerned with.
“It’s going to be exciting,” Karg said. “As long as we can stay healthy we’re going to be very competitive.
“These guys have played a lot and have some good experience,” said Karg. “I don’t come into the season worrying about wins and losses. I try to take it one game at a time and let the chips fall into place wherever that may be.”