Season Outlook: Marple Newtown starts new era with Gicking
by Matt Smith (Delaware County Times & DelcoFootball.com)
Coach: Chris Gicking (first year)
2013 Record: 3-7 (3-6 Central League)
2013 In Two Sentences: After a two-overtime win over Strath Haven in Week 2, the Tigers dropped their next three Central League decisions and never recovered. The Tigers would go through another losing season, their third since 2010.
Key Departures: A.J. Cunningham (LB), Nik Rhoads (WR), Markos Katrakazis (OL/DL), Zach Falcone (OL/DOL).
Looking Ahead: Gicking spent the last 13 years as an assistant at Conestoga for John Vogan, helping the Pioneers win two Central League championships, before coming home to his alma mater in March and becoming a head coach for the first time.
The 1995 Daily Times Player of the Year and star quarterback is the county’s all-time leader in career passing yardage, a record that may never be broken. Gicking takes over a for Ray Gionta, Marple Newtown’s all-time wins leader, who stepped down in February to take the Sun Valley position.
Though growing pains are certainly expected, Gicking is the right guy to lead MN back to its old, winning form.
Players to Watch: The running back position looks to be a big strength. Junior Abel Hoff and senior Adrian Sapnas are a potentially very dangerous duo. While he was limited to only six games a year ago, Sapnas rushed for 769 yards and seven TDs. Meanwhile, Hoff posted 649 yards and five scores.
First-year starting quarterback Marcus Weathers saw some playing time on varsity last year. The junior completed 11 of 25 pass attempts for no TDs and two interceptions.
Juniors Kyle Kelly (OL/DL) and Matt Mckee (OL/LB) are other returning starters. Top newcomers include senior Lucas Maas (WR/DB), Adriel Maas (RB/LB) and Vince Ciavardelli (OL/DL), as well as juniors Noah Turner (TE/DE) and Gino Dicamillo (LB/RB).
Coach’s Corner: “We are looking to compete in every game and get better as the season goes on. The kids and coaches have worked very hard so far”