BROWNING CHALLENGES FIGHTING SCOTS TO “CHOOSE TO WIN”

EDINBORO, Pa. (August 7, 2009) -- The Edinboro football team opens the 2009 campaign with plenty of pressure.  Some of it comes from the pollsters, who have the Fighting Scots ranked as high as fifth in the Sporting News Division II preseason poll.

            However, head coach Scott Browning is also placing pressure on his Fighting Scots.  The message is quite simple.  It's “Choose to Win”, a motto he first heard uttered by highly-successful wrestling coach Tim Flynn at this spring's Hall of Fame Banquet. 

            The fourth-year head coach's “Choose to Win” challenge is simple.  The opportunity is there for great things, beginning with an offense that showcases the talents of Harlon Hill Trophy candidate Trevor Harris.  Throw in a defense which ranked among the best in Division II and returns seven starters, and the expectations are indeed high in northwestern Pennsylvania.

            But Browning is quick to caution that this is an inexperienced team in many areas, and it will take more than just hard work to defeat the likes of PSAC West bullies California(Pa.) and Indiana(Pa.).

            “I don't know that there is any more of a sense of urgency than any other year,” he related.  “I would say there seems to be a great increase in expectations. The thing people need to understand is we are an unproven football team in many areas. It is important to look at Edinboro as a TEAM, not just one position.”

            Ah, but that one position houses one of the top players in the land in Harris.  The senior quarterback is mentioned along with Grand Valley State's Brad Iciek and Billy Cundiff of Ashland as the top quarterback in Division II.  The interest among professional scouts has started to steamroll, as well.  His physical skills – good size, a strong arm, and great mobility in the pocket – are clearly evident.  However, the intangibles are as impressive, including his leadership skills and work ethic in the weight room and with film study.   

            Can Harris get better?  “That depends on the people around him,” Browning stated.  “For him to get better the people around him need to get better.  Is the package limited because of the immaturity of some people?  We can still be explosive, but we may be different.”

            Harris has accomplished virtually everything except leading his team to postseason action.  Edinboro came oh so close a year ago, only to have the “earned access” portion of the NCAA playoff formula knock the Scots out of the playoff picture.

            Edinboro finished with a 9-2 record, with the two losses by a combined seven points to California(Pa.) (34-31) and Mercyhurst (24-21).  Unfortunately, both losses came at Sox Harrison Stadium, and in each instance the Fighting Scots had to endure a dropped pass in the end zone in the fourth quarter.

            Despite being ranked sixth in Super Regional One, Edinboro was bumped out of the playoff picture by Seton Hill, who would go on to be the lone representative for the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

            Now Browning once again hopes to lead Edinboro to its first NCAA postseason appearance since 2004.  Standing in the way is a schedule that opens nicely enough, with the first four games and five of the first six in the friendly confines of Sox Harrison Stadium.

            The second half of the schedule is a different story, as four of the last five games are on the road, including a brutal three game stretch in which Edinboro plays at Indiana(Pa.), at California(Pa.), and at Mercyhurst.  Those three teams were a combined 27-8, with Cal making it to the Division II semifinals for the second straight year.

            It all gets underway on Saturday, August 29 as Edinboro kicks off the 2009 campaign against a West Liberty State team which will once again be one of the favorites in the WVIAC.  The Hilltoppers were 7-4 a year ago, including a 35-10 loss to the Fighting Scots in the 2008 season opener.          

Offense

            Despite returning just five starters on offense, Edinboro figures to have one of the top attacks in NCAA Division II.  A year ago the Fighting Scots ranked 11th in Division II in total offense (449.4 ypg.) and 34th in scoring offense (32.3 ppg.).  Those numbers would likely have been even higher if not for the fact in several games Browning pulled the starters early to avoid running up the score.

            The trigger to the attack is Trevor Harris, a record-setting quarterback entering his senior season.  Under Harris' direction, Edinboro scored 30-or-more points in nine games last year.  In fact, in his 33 starts, the Fighting Scots have a 22-11 record and have topped the 30-point plateau in 19 of the last 24 games.

            Harris should receive ample protection from an offensive line which returns three starters and has ranked in the top three in the PSAC in sacks allowed each of the last three years.  Josh Bzorek, a four-year starter who earned honorable mention All-American honors at guard a year ago, and center Eric Costello will no doubt be missed, however.

Last year's deep receiving corps will be put to the test as the top four receivers from 2008 are gone, including Rich Cerro, who ranks third in career receptions, and Ryan Rybicki, the eighth-ranked pass catcher all-time. 

            The backfield welcomes back David Bostic, a multi-talented running back who sat out the 2008 campaign.  The sophomore's return allows Browning to move Houston Brown back to cornerback and softens the loss of leading rusher Ulysee Davis. 

Quarterback

            Trevor Harris is a legitimate Harlon Hill Trophy candidate after finishing as a finalist a year ago.  The 6'3”, 225 lb. senior has rewritten the Edinboro record book, holding all the records in passing and total offense.  He is quickly climbing up the PSAC record books, as well.

            For his career, Harris has thrown for 8,595 yards with 76 touchdown passes, completing 697 of 1,062 passes.  He ranks 11th in the PSAC records in passing yards and ninth in career total offense (9,017 yards), along with ninth in career touchdown passes.

            Harris was selected as the PSAC West Offensive Player of the Year for the second year in a row in 2008.  He became the first back-to-back winner in the Western Division since Randy McKavish of Slippery Rock was recognized in 1997 and again in '98.  He was accorded honorable mention Football Gazette All-American honors.

            After throwing for a school-record 3,268 yards and 30 TDs as a sophomore, his numbers were almost pedestrian a year ago, as he completed 213 of 323 passes for 2,780 yards with 26 TDs.  Most importantly, he cut his interceptions from 10 to just six.  Harris also ran for 226 yards and four TDs.  He led the PSAC in passing efficiency and ranked eighth in Division II.  In addition, he also led the conference in total offense (273.3 ypg.) and was 18th nationally, and ranked second in the PSAC in passing yards per game (252.7 ypg.).  Harris's passing yards, total offense (3,006 yards) and touchdowns in 2008 all rank second all-time at Edinboro.

            Edinboro is fortunate to have an experienced backup in Joe Wanson.  The 6'3”, 225 lb. senior has seen limited action while serving as Harris' caddy, but the coaching staff has great confidence in his ability to operate the offense.  A year ago Wanson completed 8 of 20 passes for 69 yards.                

Running Back

            With Ulysee Davis gone and Houston Brown moving over to defense, you would think the running game would be in dire straights.  That is hardly the case, however, for several reasons. 

            First is the return of David Bostic.  A 5'10”, 188 lb.  sophomore, Bostic sat out the 2008 campaign, but as a true freshman in 2007 he made a huge impact as the season progressed.  While seeing time at both tailback and wide receiver, Bostic ended the year with 206 yards rushing on 45 carries with 2 TDs, along with catching 36 passes, good for fourth on the team, for 386 yards and 2 TDs.  Bostic is a player with the ability to go the distance every time he touches the ball.

            “David can be a stud,” bragged Browning.  “He's very competitive and a tough player, and has the versatility to play both running back and wide receiver.”

            Next is the development of Michael Battles, a diminutive back at 5'7”, 180 lbs., but one who proved highly productive in the latter stages of the season.  The sophomore finished the year with back-to-back 100-yard efforts to total 362 yards on 79 carries with 4 TDs.  He runs with surprising power for his size.

            “Michael had a super spring,” commented Browning.  “Because of his size he's over-looked, but he's a big-time team player.”

            Finally, the Fighting Scots added Junior Jabbie as a transfer during the summer.  Jabbie played in 17 games at Notre Dame before transferring to Delaware a year ago and finishing as the leading rusher for the Blue Hens.  He gained 396 yards on 90 carries with 3 TDs despite playing in just seven games due to injuries.  He ran for 155 yards against Hofstra and 144 yards vs. Towson.  At 5'11”, 205 lbs. Jabbie gives the Scots a bigger back, and he is also an excellent third-down back.

            To say the fullback position is inexperienced is an understatement.   Not one player has played a down on offense.  Four freshman look to battle for playing time, but on those occasions when the offensive set requires a fullback, Browning plans on turning to Greg Sondag.  Sondag will spend most of his time playing linebacker, but Browning was greatly impressed with the junior's play at fullback in the spring, and won't hesitate to use him as a two-way performer.   

Receivers

            The bad news is that the team's top four receivers have departed, taking with them 125 catches.  The good news is the Edinboro offense has employed multiple receivers in recent years.  Experience is limited in some instances, but there is plenty of potential.

            Leading the way is Gary Nolen, a junior who has caught 56 passes the last two years.  After catching 34 passes in 2007, Nolen battled injuries and a slow start in 2008 before finishing with 22 receptions for 328 yards and 3 TDs.

            “Gary has really emerged as the top receiver,” related Browning.  “He catches the ball well and has deceiving speed.”

            Speaking of speed, the Boro coaching staff hopes that Josh Brown can continue to refine his skills to take advantage of his great speed.  The owner of a 10.6 second time in the 100-meters, Brown had not played since catching one pass for Glenville State in 2006.  He was originally recruited by Cincinnati, and showed flashes of that talent a year ago when he caught 17 passes for 384 yards, a 22.6 yards average, with 3 TDs.

            The inexperience shows up beyond Nolen and Brown.  When the Fighting Scots go to a three receiver set, redshirt freshman Marcus Johnson, one of the biggest surprises in the spring, will likely start. 

            What Edinboro lacks in experience it can definitely make up for in depth.  Nick Marino has bounced between wide receiver and the secondary.  The 5'11”, 185 lb. junior missed the 2008 campaign due to injury.

            D'mar Jeter is another possibility.  A 5'10”, 160 lb. sophomore, he is another former defensive back who played seven games a year ago, mostly on special teams, and finished without a reception.

            Mykel Griggs is a 5'11”, 180 lbs. junior who left the program in 2007 but is now looking to return.

            The wildcard is Ilio DiPaolo, a transfer from Lock Haven who bedeviled the Fighting Scots while playing quarterback for the Bald Eagles.  He moved to wide receiver a year ago and caught 20 passes for 156 yards and a touchdown at Lock Haven.  He transferred in January and had an opportunity to participate in spring drills.

            “Ilio is a hard worker who really wants to win,” noted Browning.  “He can be a very productive player for us.”  DiPaolo threw for over 2,500 yards at Lock Haven, and his skills could lead Edinboro to use its own version of the wildcat offense.

            Edinboro has lost a pair of outstanding tight ends the last two years in Kyle Witucki a year ago and Denayne Dixon this past year.  Brad Gossett has shown in the past that he has plenty of talent, but the 6'4”, 265 lb. senior has struggled to stay healthy.  He caught 14 passes for 83 yards a year ago.   Gossett missed most of the spring with yet another injury, but Browning has high expectations for the fall. 

            A Gossett injury a year ago forced the move of Evan Landis from defensive end to tight end midway through the season.  The 6'4”, 245 lb. junior make a smooth transition.  He caught 2 passes for 24 yards.  Landis comes off a good spring and should see plenty of action.

            Two redshirt freshmen make the tight end position a bright spot for the future.  Shawn Walker is well known to area sports fans as a former all-state performer both in football and basketball at nearby General McLane High School.  He is one of the players who helped the Lancers post the double with state championships in football and basketball in 2006-07.  Walker is 6'4”, 245 lbs. and Browning states that he is one of the most talented tight ends in his time at Edinboro.

            Seth Hembree did not join the Fighting Scots a year ago with nearly as much notoriety as Walker, but a strong spring has helped the lanky 6'6”, 200 lb. redshirt freshman elbow his way into the picture.   

Offensive Line

            Some things never change.  The Edinboro offensive line once again appears very solid, but it is a unit just an injury away from some big question marks.  It won't be easy replacing Josh Bzorek at right guard and Eric Costello at center.  The two started a combined 67 games in their careers.

            Mike Fazio started the first eight games at right tackle before suffering a knee injury which forced him to miss the final three games.  The 6'4”, 297 lb. senior is slated to start at center.  He has played some center in the past and has developed into an outstanding player noted for his hard-nosed play.

            Rob Stoner has started all 22 games at left guard in his career after transferring from Youngstown State in 2007.  A 6'2”, 295 lb. junior, Stoner combines strength, athleticism and toughness to likely hold the role of Edinboro's best offensive lineman.

            Tyler Hersperger started 10 of 11 games at left tackle a year ago.  Hersperger has parlayed a great deal of work in the weight room to bulk up to 290 pounds on his 6'5” frame.  Originally recruited as a tight end, Hersperger possesses plenty of athleticism as he begins his second season as a starter.

            While the left side of the line is set, the right side will have a different look.  Shane Hess will hold down the starting job at right tackle.  Hess was Edinboro's sixth man a year ago and took over as the starter when Fazio went down.  He started four games a year ago, three at right tackle.  Like Hersperger, the weight room has paid great dividends for Hess.  He came to Edinboro weighing 220 lbs., and is now up to 275 lbs.  The 6'5” junior should benefit from last year's experience after redshirting in 2006, then missing the 2007 campaign with a broken leg.

            Nick Christman enters fall drills as the starter at right guard.  A 6'1”, 285 lb. sophomore, Christman did not move to offense until late last season after previously playing on the defensive line.  Browning feels he has a chance to be very good.

            Jacob Thomas will look to push Christman for the starting job.  Like Christman, he began on defense before moving to offense.  The 6'4”, 280 lb. sophomore is talented but inexperienced, with just six games under his belt.  Browning noted that the big thing now is to find the right position for him and keep him there.

            Matt Black, a 6'3”, 285 lb. sophomore, will serve as Stoner's backup.  Shawn Ellenberger (6'2”, 245 lbs.) and Adam Miller (6'0”, 285 lbs.) are redshirt freshmen who are also in the picture at guard.

            Stoner would likely move to center if Fazio were to go down, but Brian Roberts made a very favorable impression this spring.  A 6'2”, 265 lb. redshirt freshman, he came to Edinboro as a long snapper but has played his way into the picture at center. 

            Another redshirt freshman, Jack Corey, will serve as the backup at left tackle.  At 6'5”, 305 lbs., he is raw but talented.  Brandon Petry, a 6'6”, 285 lb. junior who has battled injuries, is the backup at right tackle.     

Defense 

            Major adjustments were made to the defense a year ago after the unit allowed 27.8 ppg. and 381.4 ypg. in 2007.  A year later defensive coordinator Wayne Bradford will just fine-time his defense after the Fighting Scots ranked as one of the top defenses in Division II in 2008.

            Edinboro ranked fifth in the country and second in the PSAC in scoring defense, allowing just 13.1 ppg.  Edinboro also ranked 11th in Division II and second in the conference in total defense (265.7 ypg.) and 23rd nationally and second in the PSAC in rushing defense (103.3 ypg.)

            Seven starters return, including three members of a defensive line that Browning feels is as good as he's seen at Edinboro, plus all four starters of a suddenly deep and talented secondary.  

            The problem is the defense must replace all three starting linebackers.  In addition, Mike Enoch, who had a big senior season and was a second team All-PSAC West selection, will be hard to replace. 

            “The defense created a lot of opportunities for us last year,” Browning commented.  “I'm really excited about our defense.  We'll add some new wrinkles and look to refine it.  It won't be anything as drastically as a year ago.

            “It's obvious our defense has come a long way.  They understand our concepts a lot more, even from last fall.  They're becoming a 'team' defense.” 

Defensive Line 

            Not only do three of the four starters return, but Browning notes that the Fighting Scots can go eight deep.  The inside tandem of tackle Chad Brooks and noseguard Adam Smith-Friedman should once again make the Scots a tough team to run up the middle on.  And both possess the ability to pressure the passer.

            Brooks has emerged from a slow start as a Scot after transferring from Fordham in 2006 into a force at tackle.  A former linebacker, he is now up to 265 lbs.  He finished with 39 tackles, including 9 for losses and 2.5 sacks.

            “Chad is very athletic for a tackle and a tough guy to block,” related Browning.  “I think he's a stud.  We expect great things from him.”

            Smith-Friedman had the pressure of replacing All-American Chris Amico a year ago, but he did more than a fair Amico imitation.  The 6'3”, 280 lb. junior totaled 35 tackles, with 5.5 for losses and 3.5 sacks. 

            “Adam is strong and plays with great intensity,” stated Browning, almost as if describing Amico.  “He plays hard on every snap.”

            Jeremy Appell returns for his third season as a starter at defensive end.  While he prefers not to be called undersized at 6'1”, 230 lbs., he plays with the heart that belies his size.  He finished fifth in tackles with 40, including 6 for losses and 3.5 sacks. 

            “Jeremy is the type of player you try to replace every year,” surmised Browning with admiration.  “But he's as solid as they come.  He really fits into our defensive scheme.”

            Sophomore Keir Jeter (6'3”, 250 lbs.) and redshirt freshman Ryan Ewing (6'5”, 251 lbs.) are battling to replace Mike Enoch at the other defensive end position.  Jeter began the 2007 campaign at tight end before moving to defensive end.  While only totaling four tackles, Jeter is extremely talented and has definitely found a home, although he missed most of the spring due to an injury.

            Ewing took advantage to get plenty of reps and catch the attention of the coaching staff.  He can play both end and tackle.

            Donnie Marsteller and Matt Caternolo provide a pair of experienced interior linemen, although Marsteller will no doubt be a bit rusty after not playing since 2006.  The 6'4”, 260 lb. senior decided to return to football this spring and could prove a huge addition at tackle.  He finished with seven tackles while playing in eight games in 2006. 

            Caternolo is hardly the classic noseguard at 5'10”, 252 lbs., but the junior really improved in the spring.  He played in eight games, totaling nine tackles, as Smith-Friedman's backup.    

            James Thomas will likely be the top reserve at defensive end.  A 5'11”, 220 lb. sophomore, he too is undersized but quick off the line.  He had 13 tackles, including 3 sacks, in limited action.

            Throw in sophomore Ryan Levinger (6'1”, 220 lbs.) and redshirt freshman Tony Domros (6'2”, 245 lbs.) at defensive end, plus redshirt freshman Nick Kakavand (5'10”, 235 lbs.) at noseguard, and the Scots have plenty of depth on the line, if not classic size.           

Linebackers

            The linebacking corps is definitely a work in progress, with all three starters gone. They all possess the most important attribute in Bradford's defense – the ability to flow to the ball and run.

            For starters, Greg Sondag returns to a starting job at Sam linebacker after being the top reserve a year ago.  The 6'3”, 223 lb. junior proved he can be a major force in 2007 when he earned second team All-PSAC West honors after leading the Fighting Scots with 79 tackles.  A year ago Sondag totaled 19 tackles with one sack.

            “Greg is a hard worker who is a dedicated, serious player,” Browning commented.  “We have to make sure he is on the field.”

            A year ago Zack Spearing was one of the most anticipated recruits, and he did not disappoint while seeing limited time in a reserve role.  The 6'0”, 215 lb. sophomore finished with 17 tackles.  He runs well and is a physical player.

            Spearing and former strong safety Nick Jackson (6'1”, 225 lbs.) are battling for the starting job at Mike linebacker.  Neither has much experience, with Jackson, a sophomore, seeing most of his playing time on special teams.  He had five tackles in seven games.

            Spencer Gray must shake off some rust after not playing since 2006, but the 5'10”, 230 lb. junior will look for time at the Mike position. 

            The Will linebacker is a battle between sophomores Jake Wickline and Ryan Skelton, a pair of players with the size of defensive backs.  They both bring back memories of Jim Soltis, who excelled at the position several years ago. 

            Wickline was the backup at strong safety a year ago, totaling 14 tackles while seeing action in 10 games.  Skelton, the younger brother of strong safety Dan Skelton, played in all 11 games, finishing with 32 tackles, four for losses.  Skelton was a demon on special teams and also saw action at the nickel position. 

            “Both provide us with quickness, toughness, and intelligence,” noted Browning.  “They complement each other well.  They can play in space, and they can stop the run.”

            Browning also likes to throw Jesse Wattle (6'0”, 200 lbs.) into the mix.  Wattle has even less experience, but is expected to contribute on special teams while pushing Wickline and Skelton.

            Sophomore Jordan Krentz (6'0”, 210 lbs.) and redshirt freshman Kelly Ponsoll (6'0”, 200 lbs.) will back up Sondag.  Neither is big and may contribute the most on special teams.  Krentz, whose father Jim holds the career record for tackles, has made huge strides.  Ponsoll has battled injuries up until this point.       

Defensive Backs 

            In year's past the secondary has been an area of concern, and depth has been a real problem.  But 2009 is different.  Not only do all four starters return, but the Fighting Scots also return the nickel back and have several talented, youthful players waiting in the wings.  That doesn't even take into account Houston Brown, who excelled as a true freshman at cornerback before moving to tailback.    

            Branden Williams made a huge impact while starting all 11 games at cornerback as a true freshman.  He was named the PSAC West Freshman of the Year after finishing with 37 tackles.  He led Edinboro with three interceptions, returning two for touchdowns, including a 100-yard return at C.W. Post.  He also broke up a team-high 7 passes and blocked a pair of kicks.

            “Branden is a very talented cornerback,” related Browning.  “He makes big plays and is our best man-to-man cover corner.”

            Junior Jesse Williams started all 11 games opposite Branden Williams (no relation) at cornerback, finishing with 29 tackles and an interception.  He'll have to hold off the challenge of Brown, who started six games at cornerback as a true freshman.  Brown totaled 23 tackles and three interceptions, including a game-clinching 40-yard return for a touchdown in his first career game at West Chester.

            Brown has been an enigma at times while playing tailback, but still ranks 17th in career rushing with 1,390 yards.  He played three games at defensive back a year ago.

            “Houston provides us with another fine athlete like Branden Williams in the secondary,” Browning stated.  “He'll also be greatly involved in special teams.”

            Ben Swank and Dan Skelton held down the starting roles at free and strong safety, respectively.  Swank, the son of women's basketball coach Stan Swank, made a successful conversion from wide receiver.  The junior finished fourth on the team in tackles with 45, adding an interception.  He's a very intelligent performer who is always in the right place. 

            Skelton has started at strong safety since the third game of his freshman season, although he faces a strong battle for the starting job from Mike Perillo.  At 5'9”, 180 lbs. he also carries the “under-sized” tag, but he is a fearless hitter who has a nose for the ball.  Skelton played a good portion of the 2008 campaign with a bad shoulder, and ultimately underwent offseason surgery.  A second team All-PSAC West selection as a true freshman when he finished third on the team in tackles (66), he was second in hits with 55 in '08, adding an interception and four passes broken up.

            Perillo transferred from the University of Albany last summer and served as the nickel back, a defensive set the Fighting Scots used extensively.  In fact, he started four games, finishing with 25 tackles.  Oddly enough, he ranked second on the team in sacks with five, including three at Slippery Rock. 

            The emergence of redshirt freshman Kenny Pettis at the nickel spot has freed up Perillo to move to safety.  Pettis was one of Edinboro's top recruits a year ago, and after a slow start last fall, he took off during spring drills.  He has good size at 6'0”, 180 lbs., and is a good open-field tackler.

Special Teams

            A year ago Browning indoctrinated a trio of first-year performers at kicker and punter, with mixed but promising results.  He feels a year's experience should work wonders.  Throw in Ron Bardo, a sophomore who did an excellent job in his first season as the long snapper, and the kicking game bears great promise.

            Alex Romanias did not join the team until late in fall preseason drills, but with freshman Merle Bouchat nursing an injury, he claimed the starting placekicking job for the first game and never gave it up.   The sophomore, who attended Pittsburgh for a year, ended up making 44 of 47 extra points and 4 of 7 field goals.  He had a long field goal of 40 yards in the season finale against Millersville, then enjoyed a strong spring where he improved on his distance.

            Bouchat served as the kickoff man and also made 1 of 2 field goal attempts while filling in for Romanias.

            Sophomore Ryan Genco stepped in as the punter and averaged a respectable 38.7 yards on 41 punts.  Most important, the left-footed punter had 11 punts inside the 20.

            Browning looks for continued improvement in the return game, although he won't decide on his return men until the fall.  Josh Brown has the ability to go the distance on kickoff returns after averaging 22.0 yards on eight returns.  Michael Battles averaged 20.3 yards on seven kickoff returns.  Houston Brown has also had experience in the past.

            Ben Swank was a solid, sure-handed punt returner who averaged 9.3 yards on nine returns.