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Old Forge players started last season inexperienced and knowing they would face growing pains.
Still, the expectations for the program never change.
The underclassmen built confidence each week, caught up to the speed and intensity of varsity football, and earned wins.
The Blue Devils were guaranteed a spot against Lackawanna Trail in the District 2 Class 1A final, and before losing that game, they had five wins that created optimism for 2024.
“We have changed our approach and rebuild the atmosphere,” Old Forge senior lineman Rich Rosado said. “We have to focus a lot. That all starts in practice. We only had a handful of seniors on last year’s team, so all of our linemen were sophomores and juniors. Our experiences last year will serve us well this season.”
Several starters return for Old Forge as it looks to challenge for a championship.
Rosado, a 5-foot-11, 230-pound guard, is one of three linemen returning. Rosado, tackle Jake Lucarelli (6-2, 245) and center Noah Michaylo (5-10, 210) all received honorable mention on the Lackawanna Football Conference Division III all-star team.
“We take a lot of pride in being Blue Devils,” Rosado said. “We have to lead the team and any one of us could be the leader. It all starts in the weight room for us. We got everyone there every day and put in the work.”
Old Forge finished with 1,159 yards rushing last season. Cael Krushnowski led the team with 576 yards and scored five touchdowns. He is the District 2 Class 2A champion in the 110-meter hurdles.
Quarterback TJ DiMattia also impacted the Blue Devils, passing for 809 yards and 12 touchdowns. He had his best game in a win over Lakeland, throwing for 233 yards and four touchdowns. He also threw for 125 yards and a touchdown, and had a rushing touchdown in a win over Nanticoke.
Wide receiver Chris Rasmus also received honorable mention…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/gameface-2024-old-forge-blue-000100283.html
Author : The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pa.
Publish date : 2024-08-19 00:01:00
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