BY MIKE MASTOVICH
JOHNSTOWN — Johnstown coach Kevin Marabito knows no magical formula or secret game plan will guarantee success this deep into the postseason.
Marabito also realizes the challenge that awaits his District 6 Class AAA champion Trojans in a PIAA contest against undefeated District 4 champ Selinsgrove tonight at Richland’s Herlinger Field.
“There’s no sense in changing,” said Marabito, whose 8-3 team has won four in a row and six of the past seven. “You’ve just got to go with what got you there.”
Selinsgrove is 12-0 and coming off its fourth consecutive district title. The Seals have scored 576 points while allowing only 76.
“There’s no doubt that they’re a very good football team,” Marabito said. “I’ve seen them on tape. They’re good. We’ve got to really eliminate mistakes. We can’t turn the ball over or have penalties. If we play our game, we can stay with them.
“I think our competition in the Laurel Highlands is as good as any conference,” Marabito added. “We’re prepared for the physicality we’re going to see because the Laurel Highlands is physical. I like the kids’ mental approach the last couple of days. It’s something to shoot for. It’s icing on the cake. If it doesn’t work out you have nothing to be ashamed of. If you win you have another week. Lay it on the line for 48 minutes and see what happens.”
Like Marabito, Selinsgrove coach Dave Hess is impressed by what he’s seen of the opposition.
When asked why his defense has been so successful this season, his response was:
“We never got on the field with Stephens-Howling,” Hess said. “We haven’t seen guys like Johnstown has. Defensively we try to be basic and fundamentally sound. We work honestly. It’s all about shedding blocks, keeping the shoulders square and all about technique.”
Johnstown senior quarterback John Siciliano has passed for 919 yards and 10 touchdowns while also netting
716 yards on the ground with
13 touchdowns. LaQuinn Stephens-Howling (46 carries, 362 yards, four touchdowns), Jordan Jefferson (55-273, three), Kashmir Pretlor
(50-200, four) and Gervon Simon (8-166, two) front a rushing attack that has collected 2,090 yards and 32 touchdowns.
Receiver Richard Agurs has 23 catches for 406 yards and six scores.
“We’re looking at the film and we’re scratching our heads on how to defend those guys,” Hess said. “They are so varied on what they do. They put so many athletes on the field. They have big-play potential every time the ball is snapped. That’s what they live on. We haven’t seen a team with that kind of talent. We’re concerned.”
Marabito has similar concerns about the Seals.
Harvard-bound quarterback Cory Briggs has completed
103 of 188 passes for 1,551 yards, 24 touchdowns and only three interceptions. Running back Kyle Reinard has 106 carries for 982 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Cameron Benner (384) and Matt Wenrich (315) each has more than 300 rushing yards.
Ryan Keiser has 41 receptions for 752 yards and 12 touchdowns.
“The quarterback, the Briggs boy, is 6-foot-2 and can throw the ball well,” Marabito said.
“We’re looking for the (Ryan) Keiser kid. He’s their go-to receiver. Every once in a while they’ll dump the ball to the other wide out.
“They’ve got good size up front. The tailback is a good kid, pretty quick. They’ll give you multiple sets. They’re coming right at you depending on what you are doing defensively.”
Briggs’ father, Steve, is the coach at Susquehanna University, and his Division III team was just eliminated from the championship tournament.
“Cory’s got a full ride to Harvard,” Hess said. “He’s just a wonderful kid. His dad’s a college coach. From the time he was a baby he’s been doing X’s and O’s. We love him.”
Johnstown will have to contend with a tough defensive line led by 6-foot-4, 230-pound tackle Spencer Myers, who will wrestle under scholarship at Division I Maryland. Nose guard Jon Trego and tackle K.C. Kantz also have caught Marabito’s attention.
“Our key is going to be our offensive line,” Marabito said.
“We’re going to have to be able to control their front three. If they can’t control them, it could be a long night. We’ve got to be fundamentally sound up front.”
When the two teams met in 2004, Johnstown traveled to Selinsgrove’s home district. This time, the Seals must make the long trek.
“It’s nice for us that we don’t have to travel,” Marabito said. “It was 157 miles from our school the night I scouted them. But kids realize what’s at stake. Both teams are going to be ready to play. It’s nice playing here. Hopefully we can get a crowd. From what I understand Selinsgrove is going to bring a pretty big crowd with them.”
Hess said the Seals will adapt.
“It’s tough to travel,” he said. “We’ve got to make sure we get the kids on the bus in plenty of time and get on the field and get a feel for that place.”
