Wings On

TRIBORO BANNER WRITER

One game doesn't make a season, but for the Riverside football team, one game sure jump started the offseason.

The Vikings pulled off a huge upset against arch rival Old Forge in the first round of the PIAA District 2 Class A playoffs last year. Although Old Forge went into the game unbeaten, the Vikings shocked the Blue Devils and advanced to the PIAA District 2 Class A title game, where they lost to Northwest.

"Winning one playoff game carried momentum into the offseason. Coming into the 2010 season, they realized just how good they could play," Riverside football coach Harry Armstrong said. "They got a taste of what it was like to play four solid quarters of football, executing on both sides of the ball. They beat an outstanding Old Forge team. It was a huge confidence boost that couldn't have come at a better time and we are still feeding off of that."

Last year, the Vikings entered the season with several inexperienced starters. It took a full season for the team to come together. This year, the Vikings have several experienced players returning with 18 seniors on the roster.

Multi-talented senior Corey Talerico will start at quarterback. He has played running back, receiver and quarterback in the past, but this year he will touch the ball on every snap.

"He is definitely going to be our quarterback this year," Armstrong said. "He had a great offseason for us and is playing with a lot of confidence right now."

Last year Nick Dranchak started all 12 games at quarterback for Riverside. Moving to split end this season, he'll share time with sophomore Dave Sweetman. The reliable Tommy Armillay will play the other receiver spot, while senior Skylar Lavage will bring big-play ability at tight end.

"He is doing an outstanding job for us," Armstrong said of Lavage. "He is a big-play threat for us and averaged about 25 yards a catch, which was first in the league, and he had a great summer for us."

In the backfield, Riverside will have one of the top players in the league in H-back Nick Rossi, who has already committed to Akron. Paul Lassiter will get a lot of carries from the halfback spot. Andrew Mickawicz and Hakeem Lincoln also will also see time in the backfield.

Armstrong said the offensive line is where the most competition is taking place in early practices. The Vikings have eight players battling for five spots. He said the left side of the line will stabilize with Alex Pucilowski and Mike Pietrowski returning.

"We have a positive problem in that there is a lot of competition for a starting spot on the offensive line and we can play seven or eight offensive lineman," Armstrong said "We can keep guys fresh and provide a new energy level."

Under Armstrong, the Vikings have been best known for their offensive ability. This season, he's excited about the defense. He feels the linebackers will be the strong point of the defense with Lavage, Rossi and John Gorlesky - all seniors with a great deal of experience. Dranchak is going to play one corner spot along with Lassiter, who played a lot at linebacker last year. Armstrong said Matt Briskie and Mickawicz will also provide stability in the defensive backfield. Talerico and Sweetman will play safety.

Just like the offensive line, the defensive line will give Armstrong several viable options. At defensive end, Riverside will use Pucilowski and Mark Donaghey. Armstrong said Laquan Jackson will be a force at tackle, where Pietrowski, Adam Rhodes and Stan Maros will also see time.

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